The failure of the school bond election reminded me about who is “ruining our town.” After the misinformation campaign it’s clear to me that people who vote to defund schools ruin towns.

I don’t recall any outspoken bond opponents asking to debate Dr. Jagodzinski publicly on the merits of the proposal. They had no real arguments except for an audit of the previous administration — whose findings have been fully addressed.

One opponent did come to a presentation by Dr. J and asked a lot of questions. There was no pushback on anything Dr. J said. I wonder if that one mind was changed.

When the Fountain Hills Chamber, the Realtors Association and Joe Arpaio, among others, enthusiastically support the school bond issue, it’s because they know what’s on the business end of school defunding: declining property values.

It’s axiomatic that people who defund schools ruin towns. The bond would have fixed roofs, HVAC systems and other important items like security measures.

If school defunders think selling Four Peaks school will replace the bond revenue, they might want to enroll in a local Math-tastic course. Here’s their defunding math: The Four Peaks school site is worth the equivalent of 250 vacant residential properties at $100,000 each. Do they want Calcutta-like housing density on that lot?

So, if you voted “no” on the school bond and “yes” on the sale of Four Peaks, you just defunded our schools and – surprise! – your property values, too. You saved your precious $8.77 per month. Huzzah.

On Tuesday, 25 million angels got their wings in school-defunding heaven. Down here in the world of real consequences, school defunders rejoiced while our children wept.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.