Let’s not be silly

Dear Editor,

Where does John Wentworth get off asking the town to commit to $100,000 to MLTPA right now and then he would lower his request for Measure R Funds?  Not only does he request $100,000 now, but his foundation said “the proposed annual cost to fully fund the trail system will be  $350,00 a year for the next two years” (another $700,000.)  Why is he any different from any other Measure R applicant?  We all apply, present our projects for the whole community to see, and we all take our chances with the process. Let’s be transparent.

In the past year the MLTPA has received funding (over $600,000) and has had a chance to provide a service to the community. What has the town received for these monies and what will they receive for the next $700,000?  Do they receive any trail, or just a plan, or just give someone a job?  Since MLTPA never puts a shovel in the ground, who will pay for MLTPA proposed Trail System and who will build it? It’s been twenty years and we have not funded, built, or completed the proposedMammoth Lakes Trail system loop around town.

Right now, there are other projects more valuable to the community and visitors asking for funds to complete projects, such as building Trails End Park.  If funded  The Trails End Park would provide the town with  a new park next summer. A place for children to swing, frolic in the water, jog and walk, and meet in the new park pavilion.  A COMPLETED PARK, not a plan. The Town and Community would get actually get something tangible for it’s tax payer dollars.

Mr. Wentworth might be at a critical time in finding funding….and he might not want to lose his momentum…and he might need all of his hands on deck..but it isn’t the town responsibility to fund his non profit foundation. (Don’t non profits usually do their own fund raising, provide a service for free, and do something other than pay salaries for employees.)

The Town of Mammoth Lakes needs to look at the merit of each project, and fund the most worthwhile in the true spirit Measure R – Parks, Trails, and Recreation…not planning.  Let’s complete and maintain the parks and trails we have before creating plans for things we might not be able to afford in the future.

Let’s not get silly…..let be sensible….

Jane Anderson Baer
Mammoth Lakes