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October 4, 2001 By Janelle Holden Despite a shaky economy and the possibility of war looming, supporters of the proposed Cortez recreation center haven’t given up on the idea that voters will embrace raising the city sales tax in November. "I think we need to go ahead and keep moving forward. It’s not the time to back down on this," explained Bob Diederich, chairman of the Friends of the Center, the group lobbying for the recreation center. City voters will decide on the Nov. 6 ballot whether to fund the proposed 43,000-square-foot recreation facility by raising the city sales tax from 3.5 percent to 4.05 percent. The extra tax revenue would pay for an $8.9 million bond needed to build the center and help cover its operating expenses for its first 20 years. The center, managed by Cortez Parks and Recreation, would be located at Parque de Vida, north of the skate park, and include a handicapped-accessible indoor jogging track, family pool, water slide, water channel for resistance walking, six-lane lap pool and diving board, basketball and volleyball courts, multi-purpose rooms, an exercise area for aerobic machines, day care, and office space. A similar proposal failed in 1994 by a 2-1 margin, even though a city survey conducted 10 days before the vote predicted it would pass by 70 percent. Diederich said the 25 city and county members of Friends of the Center learned from the ’94 defeat, and have a campaign strategy. "We intend to answer every negative issue that comes up," explained Diederich, who said the group has already begun lobbying various city citizens groups, including the Rotary Club, the Elks, the Kiwanis, and some senior organizations. They also plan to attend the League of Women Voters election forum on Oct. 11. Diederich said the reaction from community organizations so far has been positive. Opponents have charged that the recreation center would be underutilized, would operate at a loss, and that the increased sales tax might drive away out-of-town shoppers. "We hope that we can sway the seniors this time," said Diederich, who said the center would be senior-friendly and prices would be low. The estimated daily fees for the center are $2 for children between 5 and 12, $2.50 for youths, $4 for adults, and $3 for seniors 60 and over. Infants would get in free, and a five-member family would pay $9 for the day. Annual passes range from $125 for a child to $450 for a five-member family. "The facility is going to be available for all, at a price we’re holding down," said Diederich. And if it’s inevitable that Cortez will have a recreation center, why not do it now before construction prices rise once again? Diederich asked. The center’s costs went from an estimated $5 million in ’94 to $8.9 million in 2001, he said. Two weeks before the Nov. 6 election, the group plans to mail color brochures to every registered voter in the city and distribute yard signs in favor of the issue. A media advertising blitz will follow, as well as a telephone campaign to get voters to the polls. One detail that may change who votes on the issue this time around is the way ballots will be cast. In ’94 the issue was presented to voters in a mail-in ballot, but this year city voters will have to go to the polls on Nov. 6 to vote. "With a walk-in vote, more serious people will be inclined to vote," predicted Diederich, who hopes that those in favor of the center will be more inclined to get out and vote than those against. Also, one of the factors that Diederich felt killed the recreation center in 1994 was the fact that the city would pay for operating costs out of its general fund. This time the bond issue includes revenue to cover expected operating shortfalls. As for whether a slowing economy will scare voters, Diederich conceded it may be a problem. "I’m sure people are a little bit more nervous. But as President Bush said, we need to get on with our lives, and I consider this getting on with life." |
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Copyright © 2001 the Cortez
Journal. All rights reserved. |
