Summer thoughts on Moscow governance

["Priscilla Salant" <psalant@moscow.com>]

Visionaries,

 

Sitting by the pool today, watching throngs of kids and grown-ups enjoy a late summer afternoon, I started wondering why we expect some public facilities to pay their way, and others not. 

 

Moscow wants pool revenue to cover all costs, while Pullman says it's ok to subsidize pools.

 

We borrow books from the library at no charge.

 

Walter Steed wants 1912 Center donations to pay the costs of renovating the first floor of City Hall.

 

The dog and skate parks don't charge user fees.

 

It's a conundrum, so put aside the individual cases for a minute and think about what general principles you want to guide decisions about covering operating costs.  Should citizens of Moscow subsidize facilities which ...

 

... improve our minds?

... improve our physical health?

... give kids something to do?

... spin off economic development?

... attract new residents?

 

I don't have the answer.  Perhaps our City Council members have ideas, since they're charged with collecting revenue and making expenditures.  Any thoughts?

 

Priscilla Salant