Marsh has worked tireless for community

Dear editor:

I was appointed to the Blue Ribbon Committee as a representative of the retired and elderly segment of our community.

This committee, with the help of a consultant and a myriad of volunteers, conducted various forms of information gathering including, questionnaires, informational materials and open meetings. The findings were formulated into a plan for a family orientated facility with an Aquatic Center as the top priority..

An architect was hired to render a building that would serve the Community's top four needs. To finance this project a Western Elmore Recreation District was voted for by 60 percent of the community. A three-person board was appointed by the governor, one of whom was Mollie Marsh. Also, a citizens committee was formed to assist the directors.

I observed Mollie work tirelessly, always keeping in mind the direction of the voters,

Prime property, near the schools, was purchased. A feasibility study was conducted to see if a capital campaign would be possible, however not enough larger donors were found at that time. Studies and visits were made to three working facilities (with) similar population A business plan was developed and hours and hours of work were made to apply for the Kroch Foundation grant, which had the full support of our community. Mountain Home far exceeded the other applicants in their work in progress and only missed getting the funding because Coeur d' Alene had a larger population, which could be served by a recreation facility. Again, Mollie was a leader in this gigantic effort.

Grants were pursued and for over two years a government appropriation was sought with Rep. Mike Simpson, the spokesman, and now, we are right on the edge of receiving that grant. Instead of waiting any longer the WECRD directors decided to move ahead, using the government funds and the wisely invested taxpayers' dollars, with the construction (DEBT FREE) of phase one of a Community Recreation Center, including indoor aquatics with a therapy pool

YES, it is 10 years later than the first vote. Do you think 60 percent of the voters have changed their minds?

YES, our community has grown.

YES, we are in an economic crunch. Isn't that more reason to construct a (DEBT FREE) family recreation facility close to home that will serve the needs of our citizens? The schools, city recreation programs and everyone could benefit.

Elect Mollie Marsh and she will continue to work in this direction. Elect her opponent, the government appropriation will be lost, and we will go back to square one.

Dissolve the Recreation District and yes, you will gain back a few tax dollars, however all collected funds and property will revert back to the county. What do think we will have then, after all the hundreds of volunteer hours that have been spent on developing an enjoyable family facility that could be the pride of Mountain Home. and surrounding area.?

Please go the polls, ask for a ballot for the WECRD and cast your vote for Mollie Marsh.

Laurice Bentz