A Taj Majal of athletic facilities in South Windsor "Priority One"? Hardly.

I received an email this weekend stating a new multi million-dollar state of the art athletic facility is “Priority one above all else”.

I simply find that astounding considering more current, more pressing needs.  Here are some examples:

• Our schools are not fully compliant with the federal Americans for Disabilities Act.

• An elementary school requires expensive asbestos removal in the cafeteria.

• Our high school and 2 elementary schools need roofs replaced.

• State mandated computers for SMT and CAPT testing still have yet to be purchased.

• Millions of dollars in road improvements are necessary all around town.

There are many, many needs in South Windsor, and as always, where you sit depends on where stand.  My kids are proud South Windsor student athletes, and would love to compete at a new multi million-dollar state of the art athletic facility; however, they understand the lessons of budgeting and priorities. 

It is evident to me and many others a new multi million-dollar state of the art athletic facility is a “nice to have” not a “need to have”, and certainly not “priority one above all else”.

Furthermore, I would respectfully request any potential referendum on this controversial issue not be wrapped into other less controversial, more necessary items on the ballot.  This reasonable suggestion would serve two purposes:

1. A standalone vote would not place at risk less controversial, more necessary referenda
2. Our community would have a clear choice to make on the necessity of a multi million-dollar state of the art athletic facility.

Finally, I have heard some suggest people are attempting to “steal” this new multi million-dollar state of the art athletic facility from our children.

I will not attribute motive to such reckless statements, but will say demonizing those attempting to make responsible choices in the face of tough economic times does not represent South Windsor’s “One Town, One Future” motto.