Don’t throw baby out with bath
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Editor,
After reading “Ronan City Council stalls parks master plan” in the March 21 Valley Journal, I feel the disappointment and frustration of the parks board is understandable. It is disheartening to devote long hours, days, weeks and years formulating a plan with the best interest of the community at heart, only to have the door repeatedly closed to its implementation. The city council’s cautionary vote denying the plan at the last review was likely prompted by Mr. Swenson’s letter warning of the potential danger of Agenda 21.
Although it is prudent that both parties investigate the impact Agenda 21 would have, if any, at this stage of planning, it is important that the council not throw the baby out with the bath. Having a plan for the future of green spaces in Ronan is necessary. Five years from now, will the present council and new council members rue the day if this plan is not accepted? The parks board is composed of intelligent, sensible, community-minded people dedicated to providing for the future of our youth, as is the city council.
Surely these two entities will have open dialogue and will come to an agreement satisfactory to both — an agreement not forged by fear or hamstrung by political agendas, rather, one that represents the mutual concern of both groups to prepare wisely for the future. Yes, streets need repair, and water and sewer issues are perennial. But, if the reason for not adopting the plan has anything to do with housing developments having priority over parks, that is a sad commentary on the value of life of our kids and seniors (people who most need and use parks). Opting for short-term economic gains over long-term quality of life for our citizens would reflect short-sightedness on the part of the city planners. To not have a plan for the future of Ronan parks and recreation seems the height of folly.
As a resident living on the new Back Road highway, I urge the council and concerned citizens of Ronan to take seriously the impact that the Highway 93 southbound lane will have on the edge of the existing park. Having a plan in place is not only prudent, it is essential. Choose wisely.
Frances Abbey
Ronan
