Conservative economist Amity Shlaes tells us the most popular tax is the local tax because taxpayers can weigh the results first-hand and consider the consequences if not satisfied. That’s why we had at least some reservations about the statewide property tax cut a few years ago: It cut property taxes all right but didn’t fully restore the critical revenue that funds our local public schools.

Beyond that, our state leaders, quick to holler “states’ rights,” showed no compunction in hamstringing local control of school districts. More than one official has told us that the statewide school finance system may well be headed back to the courts and the Legislature because it’s so obviously inefficient.

Which is why we urge all Lorena voters to consider the dwindling prospects of their children’s schools and vote yes in the ongoing tax ratification election, raising the rate by 2 cents for the 2010-11 fiscal year (about $30 more a year for a median Lorena home of $142,000). This will ensure about $920,000 in additional revenue from the state and prevent the closure of local facilities, layoffs and program cuts. Fifteen positions have already been axed. The tax rate would then gradually rise to 13 cents through 2017-2018.

None of us likes taxes, but we also believe in the education of our children. We recognize dire situations when we see them. Lorena is one of the most promising towns in our county, yet suffers from the state’s bungled school funding system and a state-imposed growth moratorium because its sewer plant is beyond capacity. Although plans for a new plant are moving forward, the situation the past few years has been tough for this city of 1,700. After all, the moratorium means few new families have moved in, few new students have enrolled in school and little new has arisen in the way of a vibrant tax base. Yet the school system has seen other costs rise, including utilities. It has one of the lowest tax rates around — and, not coincidentally, some of the lowest-paid teachers around.

We’ve been impressed by the energy and resourcefulness of Lorena school proponents, especially after a similar proposal’s defeat last November. This time they’ve focused more on getting word out through e-mail blasts, door-to-door appeals, even a Facebook page. Last night they held early voting at the high school, tying it to a back-to-school celebration.

Early voting continues from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Thursday and Friday at the Lorena ISD administration office. Election Day voting is Thursday, Sept. 2, in the high school library. This is one of those times when voters must consider their children and, yes, their neighbor’s children, then bite the bullet for them as well as their town’s future and very reputation.