RE: Opt out? (was re. personal thoughts)

["Dale Courtney" <dmcourtn@moscow.com>]

Title: Message

Bill,

 

I am fully aware that I'm in the minority on this vote; but isn't one of the reasons for having vision2020 to voice these disagreements and discuss the alternatives?

 

I'm also sensitive to the tyranny of the majority -- where a majority group of non-property owners vote to raise property taxes in order to subsidize their personal desires.

 

Is it considered "right" because the majority so wills it? But this goes back to questions that others have raised -- by what standard do we judge what is fair and right at all...

 

Dale

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Strand [mailto:strand@pacsim.com]
Sent: Thursday, 29 August, 2002 13:41
To: 'Dale Courtney'; vision2020@moscow.com
Subject: RE: Opt out? (was re. personal thoughts)

Dale,

 

You wrote;

 

“A third option would be to see that it is not the city's responsibility (or charter) to build and run a pool. If the citizens of Moscow want a pool, then it should be funded and run privately.”

 

The majority of the voting population of Moscow seemed to disagree with you on this point. Isn’t that the way the system is supposed to work? When due process has been observed and the majority makes its determination, we have to live with that decision. I guess it then becomes time to either live with the will of the majority or move out of town.

 

I have lived in several communities in the US, Canada and Sweden where I would not raise my family because of the decisions that were made by the city. However, no rules were broken, no rights were infringed upon - I just didn’t agree with the majority. Luckily, the majority thinking in Moscow regarding community development seems to mirror my own. I have lived my life in communities that funded swimming programs and am proud that Moscow has continued a practice that is common throughout the US. And to those of you who voted for the swimming pool, my family wishes to offer our thanks.

 

Bill Strand