To the Editor:

Thank you for putting the article “Preschool tax off the table” on the front page of the Leelanau Enterprise.

While it is extremely disappointing that voters will not have a voice in supporting funding for early education in this county, I’m glad to see how seriously we are taking this movement. Certainly the preparation of the children in our county for school cannot be overstated.

I’m speaking from experience on this issue as our grandson, who lives in Ann Arbor and participated in an early education program was diagnosed with an audio discriminatory problem that would severely inhibit his ability to read without special help. Because this problem was identified and addressed, I’m happy to say that he will start kindergarten on a level playing field with kids his own age.

Identifying and treating learning disabilities and other issues that put kids at risk for failure when they start kindergarten is the job of trained professionals. This is what early education is all about, help the child before he falls through the cracks.

In our case, we were fortunate. Early education is considered crucial. Do we not owe that to the kids in Leelanau County as well.

As to Ms. Lautner’s comments, she clearly doesn’t understand the difference between early education and day care and she certainly seems to have a disparaging attitude and insensitivity toward the parents in this county. Let’s hope they remember that when they go to the polls to vote for the next county commissioner.

Again, kudos to the Enterprise for making this front page news; let’s hope that in July 2013 the front page is celebrating success for our children and the cherry crop.

Mary Buschell

W. Valley Road, Maple City