EDITOR:

On Aug. 5, Dickinson County will have only ONE issue on the ballot: to renew the 1 mill allocation for the Bay College Iron Mountain Campus.

As a full-time faculty member, I taught at both campuses in Escanaba and Iron Mountain for 29 years. I have seen how Bay College has made a difference in our students’ lives and in our community. Bay College Iron Mountain has given our students and community —

— An opportunity to get a quality higher education close to their home and family and local employment.

— Notable increase in self-confidence and respect for others through shared experiences with classmates and faculty.

— Community service through internships, practicums and on-the-job training opportunities. Often these experiences led to employment positions.

— Tremendous cost savings by being able to complete their first two years in their hometown with successful transfer opportunities to other universities.

— 81% of our students are from Dickinson County, which generates $582,000 income and an additional $4 million to our community through thousands of jobs filled by our students.

Please vote “yes” Aug. 5 for our ballot initiative. Thank you.