Okay, so tomorrow's the big day for the primary election, along with a bond issue here in Billings.

May I take just a moment to vent about said bond issue? Last year, we had a measure for a (desperately needed) new city library. Despite the fact that our current library was built out of straw by the first little pig sometime in the 7th century, voters soundly rejected the measure, many of them saying "the library can be fixed."

Earlier this year, we had a proposed levy for a new high school, as well as repairs/updates to other schools--at $99 million, a hefty price tag, to be sure. However, when my wife went to a meeting at one of the schools in question, and found out one of the bathrooms had been converted into an office because of limited space, that cinched it for me. In case you missed that, let me say it again: someone was forced to use a bathroom for an office. Again, voters soundly rejected this proposal.

Next up: a levy to support better technology in our schools. Again, a no-go from local voters.

Now, we have a measure asking money for a new baseball field and swimming pool. And the hell of it is, I think this measure is going to pass. What kind of crazy, mixed-up world am I living in when the library and schools get their butts handed to them on a platter, but baseball stadiums and swimming pools sail through as "essential community services"?

I'm not against a new stadium. I'm not against the Heights having its own pool. What I am against is misplaced priorities. I rarely vote "no" on local ballot measures, being the kind of person who feels like an extra $20 per month is a good investment in my community. But I have to tell you: out of a sense of decency, and frankly, frustration, I'm going to vote against the measure for the pool and the park. And that's sad, because I won't be voting based on the merits of the proposal. I'll be voting "no" because I can't, in good conscience, go with the idiocy of public opinion that says baseball (my favorite sport, by the way) is more important than books and education.

I just hope I'm proven wrong tomorrow.