[Tee]

Of course we are going to have ventures for the benefit of the "whole community" that lose money. But we have to face reality- we aren't Garden, and we aren't Hutchinson. Our town is vastly different and we need to realize that. And above all, we must live within our means.

As the person tasked with the job of balancing finances of my home, I am charged with the duty of making rational, responsible, spending decisions that comply with my income. Many of these are sacrifices more than they are decisions. If there is one thing I have learned over the years it's "live within your means". I steer away from instant gratification that comes from buying something now (whether or not I can afford it) and paying later. This philosophy has served me well.

From my perspective as a taxpayer, it appears as though our city/county heads do not subscribe to that same philosophy. We seem to have a "spend now, pay later" plan. And there doesn't seem to be any restraint or end in sight, no matter how out of whack our mill levy or real estate valuations get in comparison to surrounding towns.

Many small towns have no 40 million dollar events center, no pool, no golf course, and no race track, yet the townfolk survive. Yeah, I would like all those things, but not at the expense of going broke. Sometimes I feel like I am in that movie...oh, what's the name of it?.... "Field of Dreams" (build it..and they will come)

Why do we need to pay for a golf course, a fun center and a race track anyway? These should be private ventures or nothing. If the town is not big enough to support it as a private entity then they shouldn't be in this town. Period!

We've gotten irresponsible and plain spoiled, balancing our money with our wants.