The city has been saying that it must tighten its belt and that times are lean. Most of us who have to manage our own money understand the difference between “wants” and “needs” when it comes to our expenditures. I want elected officials who can prioritize what matters to make sure we are fixing the foundation of this big house we all share, before selecting window treatment.

I’m voting for David McHenry because he understands the consequences of not living within a budget and what happens when you defer maintenance. We have sewers to repair, roads to maintain and streets that will need to be plowed next winter. These things are all needs that we must deal with.

Recreation is another matter and although I value our recreational facilities, opportunities and open space, I won’t support the renewal of the “recreation” tax at this time. Recreation is a “want.”

We’ve done a lot since the tax was instituted, but I think we need to take a new look at this in light of some newly identified “needs” in the city. This half-cent sales tax for recreation won’t sunset for several years, so I don’t understand the need to vote on it now, especially with other pressing needs.

If you haven’t paid a great deal of attention to what the extension of the half-cent sales tax proposes, please educate yourself by visiting this site: (Paste this link into your browser or re-type the info): http://co-durango.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/2471. Go to Pages 5 and 6 to view the proposed spending if the tax is extended.

As you consider whom to elect to the City Council and whether to support the extension of the recreation tax, think about what the city needs and who can best deal with our current and future needs.

We need more leaders and perhaps fewer cheerleaders. It’s time we roll up our sleeves and fix what’s broken, so we can all continue to enjoy this great community we call home.

Barbara Dodds

Durango