I feel so very fortunate to live in our city, surrounded by so much beauty especially with our many parks. Lithia Park is often referred to as Ashland’s “Crown Jewel”. It is an attraction for not only Ashland residents who gather there to experience the babbling sounds of Ashland Creek and to enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature, but also many tourists enjoy it as well. And we are proud to say that a goal has been met by the city through the Parks Commission to have a park within one quarter mile of every household.
However, parks require constant maintenance like our own yards and walkways. To the dismay of many, the lack of maintenance and repair of our parks and buildings over the last few years, paints a picture of neglect.
I am asking that the citizens of Ashland look at our parks for themselves. We need to save our parks from utter neglect. Here is how we can do that.
Coming in November are two important ballot measures that can make a difference for the future of our parks and the beauty of our community. Here they are.
Ballot Measure 15-210, Ashland’s Charter
Shall Ashland amend its City Charter to delegate all authority to appoint, supervise, and remove employees to the City Manager?
The citizens of Ashland, voted for and approved a City Manager form of government. Now, let’s finish the imperative and vote YES for parks to enter the city manager government. Having all departments under a City Manager will enable our city to operate with consistency and clear lines of accountability.
Ballot Measure 15-211, Ashland’s Food & Beverage Tax Ordinance
Shall the Ordinance be amended to dedicate a portion of revenues to general government services and extend the sunset date?
This is an extremely important change to a tax ordinance. Think it through carefully because we each need to decide how we want our tax dollars spent. A Yes vote will not be the end of Parks! Parks is secure in its funding through the general fund. Ashland citizens love their parks and will do nothing to harm them or our support for them. This measure will actually protect our parks when revenue from this tax declines. Think through carefully your vote on this measure.
In my opinion we need one manager to oversee the entire city operations including our parks. Accountability for expenditures and priority on projects especially maintenance and repair of what we already have must be first before spending on new very expensive projects. Let’s care for what we have and save what we have – Save Our Parks!
Nancy Boyer
Ashland
