In the bare-knuckled world of politics, the saying “50 percent plus one” refers to what it takes to get a proposal passed.

More than 1 percent is considered wasted effort, best spent elsewhere.

The Central Kitsap School District had its construction levy approved this week. The margin, as of Wednesday, was about 50 percent plus three.

This slim margin is no reflection on the time and care the district and supporters took. Those drafting the proposal knew it wasn’t an ideal time to raise taxes, so they designed the measure to hitch on the tail end of another expiring tax, plus a modest increase.

Much has been made recently about government living within its means. It’s true that on its face, spending more than what you are bringing in isn’t sustainable.

But not thinking of, and planning for tomorrow, isn’t wise either.

As the success of this measure demonstrates, a majority of people can be convinced a tough economy is no excuse to not invest in the future.

The district, and its voters, have done well.