Letter to the Editor

WECRD will fullfill mandate

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Dear community:

Thank you for your support of the progress the Western Elmore County Recreation District (WECRD) has made. Your re-election of me as director is a strong referendum for the WECRD to build Stage I of a family recreation center, debt-free. Stage I of the WECRD Recreation Center will be a community centerpiece dedicated to its most valuable resource -- families.

Throughout the election process the WECRD continued its work with the architect, operational consultant 'Green Play', Bionomics, Waite Surveying and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for receipt of the $294,000 federal appropriation package.

A preliminary design of Stage I is on display at the WECRD office, 140 N. 3rd East St., and refinements will continue in preparation for building.

A draft of the financial analysis from Green Play has arrived.

Bionomics is continuing its environmental analysis of the WECRD property, pro bono, and will be submitting its findings this fall to HUD.

Waite Surveying is complying with another federal appropriation mandate and will have their work completed and submitted soon.

Even though my name was the name on the ticket, the issue was whether Mountain Home needs a recreation center. Thank you for voting and reaffirming the mandate of 2000. Going door to door I was able to visit with many of you and the community's need is great, especially for those who are the most vulnerable -- the young, the seniors and those with special needs.

All worthy efforts take time. All structures take capital. The time and the capital are converging and the WECRD is positioned to take advantage of lower construction costs. I look forward to working closely with the city, the county and with you as we move ahead.

I, Doug Belt and Dee Pate, as WECRD directors, will work as we always have, without pay or compensation to fulfill your mandate.

Thank you again for voting.

Mollie Marsh