Well, here we are on Aug. 5th, voting day!…

There remain multiple points that could be discussed on this topic; I believe a discourse on them could be very interesting and worthwhile.
But that didn’t/won’t happen.

However, it IS voting day. Generally, it seems that people don’t really think beyond maybe a second-grade level on most issues…rec center, education, seniors, MRDD, presidents…they just vote. (yes, there is certainly a little bit of a joke in there, but maybe not that funny of one)

When it comes to thinking and planning, I can be a bit of an idealist…why not, when considering ideas, be an idealist? When it comes to action, like voting, my pragmatism trumps that idealism in most cases.

Rec Center = good. Therefore, I’m going to vote for it. (haha…see 2 paragraphs above)

We considered doing all that and decided that passing a construction levy would be hard enough and that users should bear the operating cost.

HOWEVER, I am NOT convinced that this particular conception of building one is such a good idea.

Firstly, look at YMCAs around central Ohio, then look at independent community centers (Westerville, Dublin) (you can easily find info on all of this online; or stop in one of them). To me, it seems that the independent city rec centers are much nicer than the Ys.

Next, look at the cost. The independent cities’ rec centers were/are also funded by tax levies. That is reasonable. They also pay a membership fee. The interesting thing is: Look at what that fee is!

If the Delaware rec center levy is passed and it is built as planned, I could go to Westerville’s beautiful center and pay less there as a non-resident than I would to go to the Delaware one as a resident! That is ridiculous.

Therefore, to me, this simply doesn’t add up.

I want more amenities and features, and an overall nicer facility, for less. That can and has been done–look at our neighbors. Of course, for a comparison on the opposite side, look at Powell/Liberty Twp rec center. Do they really get what they’re paying for?

Additionally, with a city owned and operated center, all fees paid to the center go to the center operating costs/city. With a Y, they go to the Y for its operating costs or whatever else. Why not circle our money back to ourselves, keeping it in the city, with a city-owned and operated facility?

You decide, Delaware. The Westerville/Dublin-style, or the Powell/Y style?

A rec center is a great idea! But that doesn’t mean we just have to take whatever plan gets thrown at us. I say, we send them back to the drawing board…let them come up with a couple other ideas for comparison.

We should get the best center that we can, and at the best price possible for it. I don’t believe this current proposal fits either of those, and that is why I do not support it.

Whether or not you choose to support it, at least think about this; if you want a say in it, vote.