To the editor: After reading Friday’s article regarding the Recreation Director’s request to significantly expand her departments headcount, I had to laugh out loud. Clearly, the Recreation Director does not read The Northeast Georgian -or listen to local radio. I guess it’s one of those “you don’t ask you don’t get” attempts by the Department Director. It definitely points out someone in government leadership who is really out of touch with the community.
Based on what is reported in the media, Habersham County has some core infrastructure areas that need to be a priority – but expanding the Recreation department staff should not even be on the list. Law enforcement, Fire, and EMS should be at the top of the list -and a new jail is long overdue by all accounts. Recently, we learned that adequate money for Roads and Bridges was not even in the budget. There are improvements needed in the water treatment and distribution system as well. Finally, the announcement that the landfill will reach capacity much sooner than expected is a real problem.
It would seem that the real need is to focus on the core infrastructure rather than recreation. The fact that parks and recreation improvements make politicians popular with voters should not even be a consideration. Next thing you know, there will be another campaign to raise taxes or have another SPLOST vote. It’s time to learn to live within the budget.
Tom Lord
Alto