Now that the YMCA has been open for a few months, a little reflection is in order. As you may recall, there was quite a bit of opposition to this project led by a group with the less-than-respectful name of “Stop the Madness.”
Those opposed to the Y project were certainly well-intentioned. However, by successfully lobbying the county board to cut the project’s budget by 3 million dollars, here’s what they actually accomplished:
1) Original plans had to be scrapped and new plans drawn up, costing many tens of thousands of dollars.
2) Construction was delayed by many months, also costing many tens of thousands of dollars.
3) The building’s quality and energy efficiency were diminished, resulting in higher operating and maintenance costs. (This one will probably cost hundreds of thousands of dollars over the next couple of decades.)
4) The size and scope of the facility was scaled back, decreasing the Y’s economic viability and its ability to service the community. (Again, costing lotsa dollars in forgone revenue, and some understandably grumpy ballplayers.)
5) Superior National Golf Course got 3 million dollars. (Good for them, and I hope it does well.)
This is not to say that the Y will be unsuccessful, nor that it’s a deficient building. But, it could have been significantly better, and cost less to operate. The point is this: The reflexive impulse to choke off public spending can backfire, diminishing needed investments in quality public infrastructure and costing taxpayers more in the long run.
Best wishes for the Y .
G
eorge Wilkes
Grand Marais
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