YES for 2C: A Community Center for Fruita

I believe in Fruita and believe the proposed Community Center will provide so much benefit to the area economically, socially, and recreationally. The proposed facility was designed to meet the needs of all members of the community: children, families, singles, and seniors. Fruita voters need the
facts, being careful to sort thru the misinformation that is directed at them.

1. The proposed 1% sales tax cost represents an increase from the current sales tax rate of 6.9% to 7.9%, a 14.5% increase, not the misleading 50% the opposition is suggesting. Groceries and prescriptions are not taxed, and a sales tax in absolutely no way affects property taxes. One family of four estimated their monthly additional cost for routine retail purchases and restaurant use would amount to about $2.80/month. Aren’t all of us, including the children, families, the seniors, worth that? This 1% sales tax will decrease to 0.4% when the construction bond is paid off.

2. Comparing a Community Center to a fitness center is also misleading. A fitness center is geared to fitness buffs, and attracts a smaller population. A Community Center has amenities for everyone, including a year-round pool, meeting spaces for clubs and events, a senior center, a gym/jogging track, and fitness space. Unlike a fitness center, Fruita’s Community Center will have learn-to-swim programs, water walking for seniors, drop-in basketball, facilities for gymnastics, cheerleading, basketball leagues, volleyball leagues, senior lunches, dance classes, aerobics, space for wedding receptions, pool parties, etc. Plus, the library district will build adjoining expanded library paid for by library funds. Now that’s what I call a Community Center, and it will be located in our neighborhood.

Voting yes on 2C is a positive vote for the citizens of Fruita.

MARY NEEDHAM
Fruita

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 at 4:00 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.