Wednesday, May 2, 2007 · Page 5 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Build it and they will come, says arena supporter To Whom It May Not Concern: The reason I say this is because lately some council members' comments, taxpayers' opinions or letters to the editor that have been written in reference to the irresponsible use of funds for the new Essex Recreation, Culture and Fitness complex seem to be coming from individuals who are not directly concerned with its need and long-term usefulness. Oh, did I confuse those who don't know that I am referring to the so-called "arena project", because it should be viewed as more than just an ice pad or two! It should be a focal point in the centrally located community of Essex, as we here are passionate about recreation and fitness for all our neighbours, without user fees, and would be proud to own and offer such a facility to those who do and those who do not support it through taxes but support our community businesses and services in many other ways. For the price of a cup of coffee, once a week you could still have your donut and enjoy a new complex. Or maybe you could give up your subscription to the Windsor Star at $15 per month, where you so readily publish your harsh comments with someone who really doesn't do anything for our community, and you could support your local publications. With that monthly savings you could more than cover your $130 increase! I am so sick of people complaining about our high taxes in this community. Do you even have your facts straight? When the town treasurer tells me that for a maximum $90 a year for the next 20 years, we could build the top-of-the-line facility, I believe her. Now I read some taxpayer's claim in the Windsor Star that this has somehow gone up to $130! Talk about the rate of inflation in just one week! Let me see, who should I believe? I also think back many years when there were people on pensions or fixed incomes, and when times were tough, tougher than now, decisions were still made to spend money that they didn't have, to enhance our towns for our benefit and now it's our turn to give back. I am also a retiree with no pension until I'm 60 and my husband is on disability, but I feel I owe it to my kids, grandkids, friends and neighbours to do the same as was done many years ago for me and mine. I can make things work. I guess I wasn't one of those who planned my retirement on lottery winnings, even as I help pay for the Harrow arena and marina with no financial support from those wards for the balance of the Aquatics Centre in central Essex, though I know for a fact that kids from other wards use this facility free from user fees. The article in the Star indicated that if we go forward with this project, we are headed for financial disaster. The same article indicates that there has been no new growth in this community for many years. I didn't recognize the writer's name as someone who is an authority on either one of these issues. In my opinion, if you are that concerned, or before you voice a false truth, you seek the facts from the proper end of the horse. Just something that a very wise woman once told me. Another wise person said, "Build it and they will come" and I think there was also some proven truth in that! I fully support the recreation facility project in this community, without user fees, and trust me, it won't be boosting anyone's ego to approve it. It will be bringing a smile to anyone's face, both young and old, who is fortunate enough to use it, and hopefully it will be there for many years to come and we will be able to say that we got er done! I can guarantee that down the road no one will even remember the names of the members of council who were responsible for it. To say that we shouldn't build until we have the money, and that we shouldn't increase anyone's taxes is unrealistic. I've heard that taxes are pretty cheap in Timmins, Peter! Remember, this is just my opinion! Or maybe that of well over half of the people in this whole community. I really shouldn't say that until I have all the facts! But why not? It seems many others do. A "Good" Neighbour Bonnie McDermott, Essex Support for second "sober" look at arena project I read with interest Ms. Brett's editorial concerning the Essex arena debate (Free Press, Apr. 25/07), under the banner "Fighting the fizzle". Ms. Brett appears to have been swept up by the usual heady plans of those promoting expensive new arenas with little consideration for the long-term impact on those paying the bill. I do not disagree Essex requires an improved arena but it needs to think long and hard about the old saying, "Do you need it or do you want it?" Needs and wants are two very different factors in the decision making process. Without rational detachment from the issue, "wants" can break the bank. As a former Minister of Municipal Affairs from British Columbia, I have witnessed more than one small community come to great grief after the heady party is over and the bills start flowing. To use a familiar colloquialism, the morning after the great party can produce a nasty headache of enormous proportions. Mounting town debt and the prospect of adding millions more that could very easily swamp a small town already swimming in high long-term debt, is pushed aside as the euphoria of the promoters drowns out more rational voices. For some reason there is always the elected person on council trying to make a name for themselves as the person that "got the arena" the single issue candidate looking to run for mayor in the future, more interested in self-aggrandizement than the good of the community and its financial health. Unfortunately Essex has not escaped such a predicament. Ms. Brett reports that there is great consternation amongst the supporters of a new arena following a special council meeting and accuses the council of fumbling the issue. But it would seem the council has wisely decided to take a couple more weeks to have another look at the issue perhaps a famous second, "sober" look free from the protestations of the promoters. Not a fumble, but wise reflection upon the full implications of the project. With respect Ms. Brett, that is what they are elected to do. Having stated the above, I believe there is a much larger and more dangerous component to this issue and that is the insane scenario of "We want a new arena also!" coming from towns and municipalities surrounding Essex. This is an issue that requires strong and effective regional/county planning. How many arenas do we really need in a few square miles? It appears municipalities pay lip service to regional integration of services and intelligent rationalization of the myriad of services being duplicated at great expense to the poor old taxpayer. Essex Council, take your time. This town is already in enough financial difficulty and cannot fix what it has now. A second, sober look is required. Remember, the promoters will be long gone when the Cadillac is built and has to be paid for by taxpayers years ahead. Robin Blencoe Essex SEE LETTERS, PAGE 6 ly ncial Provi cted Inspe Custom Slaughtering, Cutting & Wrapping of Beef, Pork and Lamb Quality Service and Value Since 1962 MEAT MARKET LTD. 68 Talbot St. N., Essex, Ontario N8M 1A2 · Phone 776-7541 MAY 3 - 9 19950 Hill Road, Ridgetown, ON N0P 2C0 Tel: (519) 674-3732 Fax: (519) 674-3918 Toll Free: 1-877-365-0155 HOURS: Mon., Tues., Wed. 8-6; Thurs., Fri. 8-8; Sat. 8-6; Closed Sun. GROUND FRESH DAILY CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF KINGSVILLE 2021 Division Road N., Kingsville ON N9Y 2Y9 Tel. 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