Make voice heard regarding WECRD's proposed budget

Dear editor,

As a newcomer to Mountain Home I've heard discussions on the recreation center, skateboard park, city beautification and promotion as well as a number of other issues. I can't sit back and listen anymore. It's time to speak up. This is our money and I want to see it put to better use.

A skateboard park will bring in tourists and money for the city coffers. Really? I can imagine the hours and dollars spent on litigation for a broken arm/leg or head trauma for years to come from some family in New York. Why would they come here when a brand new skateboard park just opened in Boise that has access to hotels, theatres, restaurants and shops?

The Mayor going to Singapore for $24,000? Wouldn't the money be better spent entertaining a delegation here? I wonder how many of them skateboard.

Jerseys for the high school... okay. But was the project put out to bid before awarding $5,000?

And now the latest -- an $8,000 quilting machine. Although it may be for a group that is trying to do some good in the community, the number of people benefiting from the equipment would be so small. Can it really justify the expenditure?

Discussion during the WECRD meeting addressed how often it would be used and those authorized to run the complex equipment. Where will the machine be housed? I see this as a special interest group and may be not the best use of taxpayer's money.

More importantly, the WECRD wants to move the entire multimillion dollar land development and building fund into capital funds. What do they plan on doing with that money? Is this the swimming pool and recreation center that has been promised for years?

If not, where is the money for the pool, and why not combine the funds to create a center that benefits the city, surrounding community and the Air Force base?

Just think; basketball, racquetball courts, swimming pool, steam rooms, tennis court with lights; the possibilities are endless.

The city and WECRD need to be accountable for reasonable and worthwhile projects, and the citizens have the responsibility to be the watchdogs. I have been so impressed by the sense of community, activities and services provided that I truly feel a part of Mountain Home, but I don't want to see our resources wasted but rather put to the good of the whole.

A WECRD hearing for public comment and input is scheduled for Aug. 17. I encourage everyone to attend, if not to speak up, to at least know where your tax dollars are going. You worked hard for it; you deserve to know that.

-- Linda Bennett,

Mountain Home