If anyone wondered about the love and support people around here have for the Seattle Seahawks, they only had to see the crowds lining Fourth Avenue in downtown Seattle for the team’s Super Bowl victory parade. Police estimated the crowd at 700,000.

Wow.

Like most people we’re surprised at the number, but not because the team isn’t worth the outpouring. It is, having brought the most important championship in American sports to the area. No, we’re just surprised that so many people could find a way to skip work. And, well, we’re envious, too.

It was quite a day for the Seahawks – and the 12th Man that has supported them so passionately.

Schools need your support, too

There are five days left to make a difference in the lives of children in the Issaquah and Lake Washington school districts. Both districts are asking voters to OK critical levies and, in the case of Lake Washington, a bond measure that provide everything from day-to-day operating funds to maintenance and equipment. Issaquah also has a levy for needed buses. Lake Washington has a bond measure to build new schools to help meet a growing student population.

We’ve already editorialized in support of these ballot measures. Today we want to nudge those who haven’t yet mailed in their ballots.

We know that no one likes spending money, but there’s no better way to invest our dollars than in the education of our children. Even if you don’t have kids in school, these students will be the leaders of tomorrow, making decisions that will affect us all.

If you haven’t mailed in your ballot yet, get it out, fill in the circles next to the “yes” option and mail it to the King County Elections Department. The Tuesday, Feb. 11 deadline is fast approaching.

– Craig Groshart, Issaquah & Sammamish Reporter