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The recent campaign to fund the new $2,400,000 Memorial Field and the current $53,000,000 school facilities tax levy have much in common.

Both impose a five-year tax. Both used outside companies to declare the structures “substandard” —whatever that means. Both propose replacing 50-year-old buildings.

Are we in a 50-year cycle of crisis funding to replace facilities? Is it really fair to the current property owners and residents when many generations have benefited from these facilities over the years? It seems that rather than laying a heavy financial burden on whoever happens to own property at the time of the “50 years facilities crisis,” that a small tax be assessed yearly to pay for something that seems so predictable.

A small levy to build a replacement fund would spread the financial burden over all who benefit, eliminate election and finance costs as well. It would also demonstrate sound fiscal management.

Saving a little each month for predictable financial obligations is the hallmark of sound financial management at the personal level. Smart property owners set aside money each month to pay their annual tax bill. For example, $150 a month for an annual property tax bill of $1,800 cuts the drama at tax time.

When the dust settles on the current “50 year facilities crisis,” I hope that our leaders start thinking long term and planning in a more financially responsible way so that we can avoid the current crisis mode that we seem to be in.

JAMES C. GOOD

Sagle