WECRD needs to shift priorities from building

Dear editor:

I have just finished reading Alan Bermensolo's letter regarding the WECRD, which appeared in your Sept. 24 issue. I found the letter to be interesting, thought provoking, and, in my mind, by far the most accurate words I have seen written about WECRD.

Like Mr. Bermensolo, I have supported recreation in the community for years. Unlike him, however, I voted against the WECRD.

It is a wonderful concept. Who could argue that the community doesn't deserve such a facility? I voted against it for two basic reasons.

First: Based on my own experience, I believe that the easiest part of such an undertaking, probably, is getting it built. After that it becomes very much more difficult, and requires real business acumen, and money -- lots of money, in a continuous and predictable stream.

Remember What-a-Racquet? Or ask the people at Tamarack, or look back at our own city golf course.

Second: The thought of creating another taxing entity, especially one which apparently has so little accountability, was enough to send shivers up my conservative spine.

Now it appears that my fears have come to pass with the change to a mil levy. I wonder how many citizens would have supported this change had they had the opportunity to vote?

I'm not sure that I understand a community which turns down school bonds and hospital bonds, and then votes to pay more taxes to build an edifice like the one proposed.

If anyone is paying attention out there, they should read Mr. Bennensolo's letter again. He has asked some valid questions, and offered some basic solutions that could work.

I disagree completely that WECRD needs more time. My first and lasting impression of the project is that it will not work as proposed.

More time, or more tax money is not the solution. We need to rethink the entire project to see if there is a way to accomplish at least some of the goals, and provide funds for ongoing operations. If it won't sustain itself after citizen interest and revenues decline (and they will) then it's time to pull the plug.

Larry D. Johnson