McEUEN: How a vote could work

I attended the presentation on the new McEuen Park and came away with a couple of thoughts to consider. First, it is obvious that this plan is well worth sacrificing a boat launch that will serve a few (2,500 launches per year) while the entire development (as proposed) can serve every (tens of thousands) citizen. Mr. Eastwood suggested a couple of concepts that will mitigate the boat launch issue easily and more conveniently for all boaters, so let’s move on from that.

As for the public vote on this issue, I am first and foremost a supporter of our Pledge of Allegiance where we stand up and say “...and to the Republic for which it stands.” Ours is a representative government and the majority of us continue to elect the progressive leaders that have taken all the early studies and recommendations, and now by committee with highly professional architects and engineers, have developed a world class proposal to serve the vast majority of us all.

However, after reading the proposal and seeing what I saw, I would say bring the vote on. But instead of an expensive ballot measure, pick a Saturday in spring before school is out and draw a line down the middle of the current McEuen Field. Then ask all the people including men, women and OUR CHILDREN that will use the New McEuen Park to rally for their side by simply standing or picnicking on the side of the line that represents their vote. This would give our municipal representatives a true “vote” from all the citizens that will be impacted, not just one or two of their parents that might vote in a formal election.

Now let’s talk money. Duane Hagadone has offered millions of his hard earned fortune to do something to get the best use of the property in question. I would challenge Duane to challenge us and set up a matching grant fund. For every dollar organizations, corporations and the public contribute, his fund would match up to the limit he would set.

To conclude, I must ask a few questions: Why is it people only show up when they’re against something? Why can’t a progressive future light the fire under people who say they want the best for their children? Why can’t we have audience signs that say “Build the Future!” and why don’t we build it at a time when people need jobs and interest rates are so low? Why don’t we build something that will only add to the positive decisions of job generating companies considering our community over others? Why do we fight building something that our children’s children and their children will have something really to “save” when it is their time? Or, why don’t we fight to keep a boat launch?

PATRICK H. McGAUGHEY, CPF

Coeur d’Alene