UPlace: Please support metro parks district

We all should be concerned about where our taxes go. At the same time, we need to support programs that build a positive community atmosphere.

In University Place, we are currently being asked by some to block a tax increase that would support our recreation programs. We need to examine what this money will provide for our community. Do we really want to take away our children’s best opportunity to learn skills that they will use to enjoy activities the rest of their lives?

It is difficult enough to get our children away from the video games and on to the playground. Should we remove youth baseball, basketball, soccer and many other activities from our children’s lives? Our children need more opportunities to exercise, not fewer.

I am very disappointed that our City Council discontinued funding of our recreation programs. My future voting on council members will reflect this disappointment. Should we punish our children for the City Council’s decision?

The next time you see a “Vote No On Tax Increase” sign, instead read it as “Vote No for University Place children.” Vote as though it would affect the health and well-being of our children, because it will.

This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 10:03 AM with the headline "UPlace: Please support metro parks district."