Dear editor: Newton County voters - including homeowners over 65 with "adjusted" incomes not exceeding $25,000 - should vote "NO" Feb. 5 on the referendum allowing an increased homestead exemption of up to $30,000 on the assessed evaluation of a home.  This exemption would apply to school taxes only.

Younger homeowners with low incomes would not receive this tax break.  Children, who cannot vote at all, would bear the brunt of decreased school funding.

So get real, fellow seniors!  Most of us are products of public schools, as are our children and grandchildren.  Remember that schools have done more than educate us and our families.  They are educating those who will be caring for us in the future.