Park's plight strikes chord
As president of the Cass County Parks and Recreation Board and also having the privilege of growing up in a town of less than 500, the June 20 “Saving the Deer Creek Park” article struck a cord in me. I had driven by the park several times, and had appreciated that such a small “burg” could not only have a community center, but also a county-sponsored recreation area.
Because of your article, I decided to drop in on their Saturday work day at the park, and volunteer to get in their way, as they efficiently went about giving the park “curb appeal.” Its eight serene campsites with water and electricity, and a fishing pond all within hearing distance of Deer Creek (the stream) were beyond my expectations. As Dan McCain says — it is one of Carroll County’s best-kept secrets.
What often goes unmentioned is that it is hard-working, concerned folks like those I met on Saturday who serve as the bedrock of this country. I honestly don’t know what we’d do if it weren’t for the blood, sweat and tears of those who step up to maintain without asking much in return. They reach into their own pockets; strain their own equipment, risk injury to themselves — because they want their kids (and their kids’ kids) to be able to experience what they have enjoyed in their youth.
Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there will be an equal, but opposite, reaction. While Newton didn’t have the Indiana taxpayer in mind, economics work in much the same way. Before you demand that taxes be lowered, you might want to consider the unintended consequences that will adversely affect the quality of all of our lives.
As a plug for Cass County’s gem — France Park (check us out at www.francepark.com) — a consulting company over 10 years ago noted that the revenue stream (money spent in the county because of visitors to France Park) totaled well over $1 million. Local businesses and elected officials, please take note before considering denigrating this revenue stream. Even if the parks don’t “break even,” the benefits: tangible and intangible, speak to communities and environmental values that will attract people.
Taxpayers, as the price of gasoline rises, you might want to consider that while you might be paying a bit more to keep your parks open, it sure as heck is a bargain compared to what you’ll pay for a round trip to Indy.
Gary W. Smith
Logansport
Opinion
Public forum
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
- Opinion
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An outstanding community effort
United Way of Cass County announced this week that it had raised more than $600,000 in its most recent campaign. The campaign’s success is a testament to the generosity of local residents and to the great work of the United Way and its member agencies.
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Thorns & Roses
Thorns & Roses is our staff’s compilation of the best and worst of the week, but if you have your own nominations, feel free to send them along for publication in our Public Forum. Submissions of up to 400 words may be addressed to Pharos-Tribune, 517 E.
Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The fax number is 574-732-5070, and the email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com. Don’t forget to include your name, address and daytime telephone number. -
Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is 574-732-5070.
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Another step forward for local trails
Local officials broke ground this week on the planned Eel River Run from downtown to Riverside Park. The project will expand a trail system of which the community can be proud.
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White should not return to office
The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state on charges of voter fraud has left Republicans and Democrats fighting over who will hold the office. No matter how the fight comes out, Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.
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Even in names, Eli beats Peyton
Columnist Dave Kitchell looks at the names of Cass County's babies in 2011 - and the effect they may have had on the Super Bowl.
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Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is 574-732-5070.
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A grand success for Indianapolis
The just-ended Super Bowl was the result of decades of preparation. Indianapolis left a great impression on the thousands of visitors who descended on the city.
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Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is (574) 732-5070.
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Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is (574) 732-5070.
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