PROJECTS: Time for real priorities

I read Mr. Terry M. Beckford’s My Turn column with respect.

The gist of it focuses on the Coeur d’Alene City Council acting precipitously to award the contract to begin construction on McEuen Park, without taking time to study each of the bids and look into possible problems that would raise the cost of the project.

Mr. Beckford may not realize that the City Council HAD to act quickly to get McEuen Park started before the mayor gets voted out of office.

Their hurry to get McEuen started has nothing to do with the experience and intelligence that Mr. Beckford exemplifies.

The mayor’s desire to leave a “lasting legacy” in Coeur d’Alene reminds me of Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria. He built three stunningly beautiful castles, including Neuschwanstein (the castle copied for Disneyland), but Mad King Ludwig bankrupted his country! People froze to death, starved to death and had no money for medical care. Mad King Ludwig was hated by the Bavarian people. He ended up in a mental institution.

We have seven multi-million dollar projects that need to be funded. We need them — but we can’t afford them all right now! Prioritize!

Whether they be for city, county or North Idaho College, funded by LCDC or bonds, they will be a terrific financial burden.

1. New, larger jail facility

2. Sewage treatment plant upgrade/expansion

3. Larger, centralized courthouse

4. Parking garage near courthouse

5. Sports arena/complex

6. Vo-Tech campus for NIC

7. McEuen Field/Park

Plus, our schools have needs, too!

LAURIE LYONS

Coeur d’Alene