[Vision2020] Fwd: Problems with the public process used for the Hamilton Money
Sunil Ramalingam
sunilramalingam@hotmail.com
Mon, 26 May 2003 13:16:28 -0700
<html><div style='background-color:'><DIV>
<P>I am forwarding Tim Ewers' email regarding his concerns about the proposed gym. This is an issue that certainly cuts across our usual positions on Vision 2020. If you have concerns about the gym, and think that perhaps the city should consider other options, please read on. <BR><BR></P></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>>Subject: Problems with the public process used for the Hamilton Money
<DIV></DIV>>Date: Sun, 25 May 2003 15:07:06 -0700
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>The Hamilton Money for Kids was formed a few weeks ago when the broader impact on the Hamilton fund was published in the newspaper. Over the past few weeks, after the broader plans of the Hamilton Indoor Recreation Center (HIRC) were revealed, we have requested several meetings with city officials. For the most part, the officials have been willing to hear our concerns. They have, however, tried to convince us that we are too late, that we should have been involved in the process at the beginning. Part of our response is that we would have if: 1) we had been informed about the process, and 2) the full plan and costs had been revealed during the public hearings. We are attemping now to convince them that it is not too late to review the plans, that we have not exhausted all possibilties, and that even though they have thrown a lot of money at the current plan there is no reason to throw it all away.
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>I believe the officials want to do the right thing. But, I also believe that they need to save face and a few egos. With the planning for HIRC they have gotten themselves into a very bad situation. Many of us are saddened by their apparent resolve to continue with the current situation and their express unwillingness to examine alternatives and to explore other possibilities. Granted, nobody wants to admit a mistake, especially a politician in an election year, but I believe that this community is willing to forgive mistakes as long as we learn from them and strive to not repeat them. However, continuing with a plan to coverup inadequacies and poor planning is unforgivable.
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>Problems with the public process.
<DIV></DIV>1. The city officials have explained to us that their public process for input on the project included a survey from a random selection of the general Moscow residents and a survey of the school children. At first blush this sure sounds like a scientific (and therefore we assume valid) method for hearing what the public wishes to do with the Hamilton bequest. Without getting into a discourse about the misuse of a scientific instrument from which erroneous conclusions are drawn, the bottom line is that while the methodology may have had face validity, it had no construct validity. In short, the results of the survey can be shown to be invalid in a number of ways. The construct of determining public input for how to use the Hamilton money necessarily demands the input of the persons who know the most about the needs of the youth, i.e., those who lead youth sport and recreation organizations. Not only were the youth organizations not solicited for input, they were no!
t made aware of the process for input. The recent great showing of need for different activities in Moscow is further evidence of why this type of surveying methodology was ill-conceived. The new Parks and Recreation Director recently said he was amazed at the tremendous amount of input and the variety of uses for field space he was hearing from so many different organizations. The difference is that he asked them.
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>
<P>2. The full extent of the impact of HIRC on the Hamilton bequest was not revealed. Many of the groups over the past year have been told that they are next in line for Hamilton money. In effect, this quelled the concerns of the soccer and baseball organizations. We were all led to believe that some of the money would be spent on a gym and the rest would be used for the other youth recreation and sporting needs. This was disingenously to say the least. We now are told that to run the facility will cost more than $80,000.00 per year (which will be the most expensive city building to operate in Moscow). In order to cover the costs of operating the facility they plan to invest the remainder of the Hamilton money and use the interest. Therefore, they have effectively used the bulk of the Hamilton bequest for one over-priced, ill-conceived gym. The bottom line: There is no Hamilton money for any other youth activities. </P>
<P>We have a great new advocate in the Parks and Recreation Department. The new director of Parks and Recreation, Dwight Curtis, is more than willing, in fact he is insistent, to hear from the many and various youth organizations. Refreshingly, he is open-minded and wants to look at how we can all work together, and how we can maximize the opportunities for our children. Our greatest concern, however, is that he will not have the resources to accomplish our goals. Because the full Hamilton fund is tied up in the one gym, the situation will be no different in Moscow. We will continue to have inadequate field space, inadequate court space, and inadequate youth facilities. It truly is folly to continue on the current course. </P>
<P>I encourage you to get more involved in this issue. If we are to have any of the Hamilton bequest to be effectively used for youth activities, we need to stop and/or seriously alter the current plans. Please consider attending the special public hearing with the City Council and Mayor scheduled for Tuesday, May 27th at 7:00 pm in City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 206 East 3rd Street, Moscow. </P>
<P> </P>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>For more information go to www.stopthegym.com
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV></DIV></div><br clear=all><hr>Add photos to your e-mail with <a href="http://g.msn.com/8HMZENUS/2746??PS=">MSN 8.</a> Get 2 months FREE*.</html>