Supporters, not taxpayers should pay for center

For the information of those who don't "computer," there is propaganda supporting the Sandpoint Sports Center in which the sponsors contend there has been no negative feedback. Well, here is some.

I am appalled that the proposal could have been placed on the ballot by the county commissioners without any prior input from the public. With all the hue and cry about rising property taxes it would seem political, if nothing else, to see what the taxpayers might have to say before spending money on a simple majority vote.

There is nothing wrong with a few ice skaters wanting a place to play and certainly knowing how to swim is laudable when you live on a lake or river. But is it a reasonable expense for the taxpayers in a portion of the county to pay for a public entity?

If the idea is so great the proponents should put up their own money and hope the facility would pay for itself and its operation.

As to keeping the miscreants off the streets between 3 and 5 p.m., I doubt they are planning on taking a break in their operations to go play at taxpayer expense.

In my opinion the idea has merit as long as those in favor create it at their expense and charge the rest of us to use it. A "no" vote on Feb. 7 is commonsensical to me.

PAUL RECHNITZER

Sandpoint