Letters to the Editor of the Rolla Daily News On Proposition A (Centre/Park/Recreation Tax)


March 16, 2011

Where is the Recreation for Everyone Foundation?

Dear Editor:

In his letter to the editor of March 12, Bob McKune states: "The Recreation for Everyone Foundation assists low-income individuals and families in belonging to The Centre." A search of the websites of the Secretary of State and the IRS yields no entity with this name. Perhaps Mr. McKune would tell us who the officers of this foundation are, how many individuals and families have been helped, and how they are chosen. My suspicion is that if Proposition A passes, those who can't afford Centre memberships will be subsidizing those who can afford them to a far greater degree than they do now.

Tom Sager
Rolla

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March 26, 2011

Those who can't afford the Centre will subsidize those who can

Dear Editor:

Thanks to Bob McKune for his partial answer to my questions on the Recreation for Everyone Foundation (REF) and for informing us that the REF is actually the Rec. Fund.

Mr. McKune claims that recipients are chosen on the basis of need; but I note in the scholarship application that no financial data need be submitted. (A statement of one person that there is a financial need suffices.)

Given the poverty rate in Phelps County, the 35 to 40 partial scholarships McKune claims hardly satisfy the need. Many needy families cannot afford membership even with a 50% scholarship.

If Proposition A passes, those who can't afford Centre memberships will be subsidizing those who can afford them to a far greater degree than they do now.

Tom Sager
Rolla

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March 26, 2011

The money is already there

Dear Editor:

Every time the City wants more money, they come to the voters; and once they have the money, the voters are ignored.

There is a need for a Senior Center; but why can't the $105,000 the city wastes annually on the Rolla Regional Economic Commission (RREC) be used to build a Senior Center. To my knowledge, in six years, RREC has not brought a single job to Rolla.

There is a need to keep the Centre operating; but, why can't the city negotiate with a not-for-profit such as the YMCA to run the Centre. The YMCA runs many similar facilities; and works for the entire community. Lets have a YMCA instead of a new tax.

There is a need for more money for our Parks. Why can't it come from the $234,000 that Rolla gives annually to the Chamber of Commerce receiving little in return.

Prop. A is unnecessary. The money is already there.

Tom Sager
Rolla

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