Letter to the Editor

Nelson and Mayne are best vote

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Dear editor:

The WECRD has been in existence for 10 years now. They have collected millions of tax payer dollars and we still have no facility and no new recreational programs for our kids, families or seniors.

The pool is a nice idea, but that's the most expensive part of the plan to build and maintain and shouldn't keep the WECRD in a holding pattern forever, delivering nothing.

It is time for a recreation facility and programs that meet the needs of our community without compromising our taxpaying businesses.

I have reviewed some of the financial records of the WECRD board and I'm appalled at their ridiculous, reckless spending. For example, in September of this year the WECRD Board spent $1,300 on static cling decals and banners! Another $1,398 was wasted on silly stuff for AFAD. What nonsense!

How about those WECRD taxes? They have risen from $214,244 in 2002 to $446,878 now!

The CLDC/YMCA recommendation accepted by the WECRD, which is their current plan of action for recreation, clearly shows a planned 3 percent per year tax increase through at least 2023. In that year, $672,621 in tax revenue would be taken from this community for recreation. Art and Judy are committed to providing recreation and lowering taxes.

Judy Mayne is a retired Air Force officer and a former squadron commander. She has leadership and business experience and people skills. I don't know Art Nelson well, but he is a local business owner and has been for years. Both of these people have strong family ties to this community.

A change of direction and action is what we need. True collaboration and partnerships with Parks and Recreation, the schools and the base, not just lip service, is essential.

Art and Judy are light-years ahead of their board-sitting opponents in this regard and they are not even in office!

I'm voting for Art Nelson and Judy Mayne because they have an affordable, fiscally responsible plan for recreation.

Remember to ask for the WECRD ballot when you vote in the general election. If you vote early you have to go to the WECRD office.

Dave Spencer