When our family moved back into Everett last year, we were thrilled. Not only is Everett a friendly, exciting and beautiful place to live, but the public resources available to Everett residents are unparalleled in both variety and quality. Everett is truly a humane community where all citizens can experience a rich quality of life, regardless of their income level.
With that in mind, I must admit that my wife and I are worried by Mayor Ray Stephanson’s proposed budget cuts, especially those in the parks and recreation and library services. These departments are literally the shining stars of our community! Do we really want to cut services in two of the primary areas that make us the “All-America City” that we boast of?
While it is certain that these cuts will hurt us all, I believe that the greatest damage will be done to our children. There are already far too many major cities in our country that have become over-dependent on schools to take on all of the child-rearing and educational functions of the community. Let’s face it, even the best schools are not enough. I want to live in a community in which all institutions, businesses and citizens share the responsibilities of nurturing and raising our children. My hope and vision is for Everett to continue to grow as a true teaching and learning community for our children and all of our citizens. Maintaining strong, vibrant parks and recreation and library systems is absolutely essential to this task.
Yes, we must be fiscally responsible. And, yes, we must not sacrifice long-term growth and stability for short-term convenience. But please, can’t we find ways to do this without undermining the very reasons why many of us are so proud to call Everett our home?
Everett
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