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To the Editor:

I would like to encourage the people of Craig to vote "NO" on the proposed rec center for several reasons.

1. While the rec center may be a good idea, I really think this is not a good time for out city or our county to be getting involved in another big item fiasco. The Public Safety Center is in trouble financially, city services are being downsized or cut altogether, we are having to rob Peter to pay Paul just to make payroll in some departments, and almost every department in the city is experiencing budget cuts. Plus the fact that our sales tax revenues are down and not looking good for next year.

2. We already pay some of the highest taxes in the state and we all know how much higher gas is in our town than most other places in the state. Add to that the higher heating costs that we all get to look forward to this coming winter.

3. Between city, county, state and federal taxes, we pay more than half of our paychecks to the government. That means every person must work from January to June to pay for the government. My question is why would anybody in their right mind vote for higher taxes, no matter the supposed benefit.

4. It has been mentioned in past letters to the editor that this rec center would benefit our community. My feeling is that it would benefit only some in our community. Many other community rec centers require a membership to enjoy full benefits of the facility, plus a fee for each time you use it. So it seems to me if this passes we will have higher taxes to build the thing and then have to pay to use it. This arrangement leaves out a large segment of the community. Those on a fixed income and those of a lower income.

5. Another point mentioned is how much our kids would benefit with more sports facilities to use. Is this really something we need to even talk about? Let's talk about how far down the list the education is of our youth compared to the rest of the world. We are number 1 in the world in a lot of things, but not when it comes to education. We aren't even in the top 10. Maybe instead of spending the money on more teachers and concentrate more on math, science and English and less on the fluff and fun.

So, when would a rec center be a good idea? When our young people are top in the state for their scholastic abilities, and our teachers are not overworked and underpaid; when our classrooms are smaller so each student can be taught in the best way possible; when the city and county have balanced budgets with enough money to make payroll each month; when the Public Safety Center is paid off and making a profit; when we have lower taxes; when it helps and can be enjoyed by all in our community without being a burden to the tax base.

And last but not least, after it is paid for. What a novel idea. Set up a savings account and let those in the community who feel so strongly about this contribute as much and as often as they feel necessary to get the facility built. That is how I have to run my home and my business. If I don't have the money, I do without or I start saving.

So for now, please vote "NO" and let's fix the most pressing problems first.

Lynne Herring,

Craig