Yes on I, for the future | Napa Valley Register

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Yes on I, for the future

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Comment

Dear editor,

This is a response to two recent letters published in the Napa Valley Register opinion page on Oct. 11, regarding Measure I -- Park and Open Space District. I respectfully disagree with the opinions of these two writers and urge a "yes" vote on Measure I.

Just a few years ago, the author of one of these letters, in regards to Alston Park, pronounced that people in Napa do not use parks and open space. Obviously, he had not visited Alston, Kennedy or other parks any day of the week. People of all ages were and are using and enjoying these spaces. It was clear in public hearings that the citizens of Napa wanted more and varied recreation for all ages.

In fact, in the recent past, through the leadership of Councilman Harry Martin, the citizens of Napa voted overwhelmingly to leave Alston Park as open space. Additionally, through the efforts of the city council, the Napa schools and city recreation department, additional resources were found for organized recreational sports. As the cities of Napa, American Canyon and others intensively develop, the need for parks, recreation and open space will be more critical.

Napa County needs to step up and form a Parks and Open Space district like our neighbors in Marin and Sonoma. Open space enhances the quality of lives and community, increases property values, and encourages others to visit the natural beauty of this valley. Inaccurate comments about increasing taxes are misleading. The Regional Park and Open Space District board of directors will have no taxing authority. That will always remain with the electorate. Not having a County Parks and Open Space District has denied citizens of Napa County from competing for grants and matching funds to provide access to our beautiful natural resources. There is no real reason to vote against this measure if you believe our children and future generations have a right to enjoy the beauty of this wonderful place we call Napa Valley. Vote yes on Measure I for now and the future of our community.

Michael Robak and Dottie Lee

Napa

1 comment(s)

Benefit for the Land Trust wrote on Oct 22, 2006 11:07 AM:

" This district could use the sneakiest form of tax there is The Special Benefit Tax. Mail in ballot 50% majority.Napa County can apply for 99% of the grant money available, which isn't much, without a new district. people will not get any more acess to County land with a new district. This measure is designed to get millions in taxes to buy, at a profit, land from the Land Trust.This is what the Nature Conservancy does.Follow the money. Land Trust donated $10,000 and Nature Conservancy $7,400. "

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