On Monday, October 17, 2016, at 6:00 pm, a public forum on "Keeping Health and Education Viable: Mill Levy and General Obligation Bond B & C" will be presented at the WNMU Miller Library. The latest in a series of forums sponsored by the Grant County Democratic Party and WNMU's Miller Library and MEChA student association, Monday's event will address three important funding proposals Grant County voters will need to decide up on their Nov. 8 ballot.

The discussants will include Dr. Gilda Baeza-Ortego, University Librarian, WNMU, Mr. Brian Cunningham, CEO, Gila Regional Medical Center, and Dr. Joe Shepard, President, WNMU.

The "mill levy" is a proposition that would raise Grant County property taxes for a period of years to provide funding for capital improvements to the Gila Regional Medical Center. The two General Obligation Bond issues would provide funding for public schools, libraries and related entities (Bond B), and for higher education institutions (Bond C). The forum will serve as a public conversation about how our state and community institutions should be funded.

"The outcome on these three ballot issues could have major impact on Grant County and Silver City," stated GCDP Chair Frances Vasquez. "If approved by the voters, all three measures will provide benefits to our area, but they would also represent costs to tax payers, especially the mill levy. Voters should educate themselves about these measures, and as usual, the Grant County Democratic Party is proud to help provide the information residents need to be informed citizens."

As usual, there will be refreshments served after the forum, and the audience will have a chance to ask questions during the forum and talk with the panelists afterward.

For more information, contact the Grant County Democratic Party at 654-6060 or email grantcountydemocrats@gmail.com.