Invest in our kids: It will be worth it

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May 10, 2010

Anonymous Submitted The Tahlequah Daily Press Mon May 10, 2010, 12:12 PM CDT

TAHLEQUAH — Using an ages-old adage last week, Tahlequah Mayor Ken Purdy said, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” That’s worth keeping in mind, especially in today’s economic climate.

Purdy was responding to questions about the progress on the city’s new sports complex, which taxpayers generously agreed to help fund. The project is one that’s long been near and dear to the heart of City Councilor Jason Nichols, and will provide an immense benefit to this city and its children.

Work has already begun on the complex, which will be constructed on 60 acres on the city’s northwest side. Eventually, it will be the hub of most of the city’s recreational sports programs. Soon, the city will host another planning meeting, where input will be sought. And officials are serious when they say they want ideas. This is a significant undertaking, and for a project of this magnitude, any savvy official would want constituents to be on board every step of the way.

When it comes to the children of Tahlequah and Cherokee County, no sensible investment could be too great. Without nurturing at the earliest stages, children cannot be expected to grow into contributing members of society. A top-notch education, fitness venues, early childhood programs and organized after-school activities are all not just advisable courses of action, but are mandatory.

That bears repeating, with feeling: Programs designed to educate and maintain the physical and mental well-being of children are absolute musts. We have no choice but to provide them. Anything less is a dereliction of our duty as parents and citizens.

The sports complex may take several years to reach fruition, but ultimately, it will enrich the city and county in a variety of ways. Everyone who considers himself a part of the community should take an interest.

The same goes for maintaining an excellent education system. Yet even as you read this, certain individuals at the statehouse are working against those of us who view education as the apex of the pyramid. If voters in the counties who put these folks in positions of power don’t wake up and smell the coffee, we will all pay the price.

Another local key to children’s success is Boys & Girls Club. When funds get tight, such programs are often the first targets for number-crunchers with knives. If that should be the case here, Cherokee County residents should do everything they can to prevent this from happening, whether that may be organizing community fundraisers, chipping in financially, or demanding the ouster of an organization board member who likes associating with the cause but does nothing to further it.

If, to paraphrase John F. Kennedy, you want to ask what you can do for your community, start with the kids and everything that affects them. You can’t go wrong.

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