SOUNDING OFF:Park facilities in disrepair need funds

Measure T does not warrant our support nor will it get it from this senior who does use Rodgers Senior Center. Proponents pose irrelevant points to sway you. Therefore, consider their comments with extra care.

Before I recount them, let’s see where the priority for the limited funds should be. First, the Pacific City funds rightfully belong in support of our parks — nothing else. I bring my grandkids to the local parks to find that we must rush home within an hour or so for “potty” break simply because this city chooses not to have restroom facilities there, with the exception of Central Park, and those are disgraceful. Even the bums of San Francisco would simply walk by them. Those in Lake Park are locked most of the time, I suppose as a cost-cutting measure.

Second, funds beyond what is needed to improve parks should be used to maintain our infrastructure as Mayor Dave Sullivan argued before he got his seat on the City Council. (I’m pleased that he is leaving since he didn’t deliver.) Our streets, sidewalks and alleys make us look like a very poorly managed city. The remainder of the $22 million should then be held in reserve for our $50-million unfunded liability for our valued City employees.

Now for the false arguments. Percentage of Central Park usage is not relevant nor are the other current uses cited. If the current center “reverts” to park, why isn’t it considered or declared a park now so funds could be used without reassignment. True direct funds may not be general funds but dollars used to support other park functions could be freed for use in the general fund. Politicians do it all the time. Check your school funding. “Now or never” is not true. We can change our minds later if warranted. It is cheaper to have a $10 million, 2 ½-acre senior center, so let the people vote if they must. Past usage of the site contributes nothing to determine its future use. The support from all politically driven groups needs extra special scrutiny.

It is time for the council to return to ethical and fiscal responsibility rather than spending as though it is not coming from their pocket. Councilwoman Debbie Cook seems to have this one right. Let’s support her. We’ve seen repeated city grand projects run over budget beyond reason.

Remember our $17 million for the sports complex overage? Are council members pro these grand projects really because it looks good on the resume for their next political step up?

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