Sunday, July 1, 2007 | I apologize for the negative tone of my recent letter re: Fiesta Island. Negativity evokes a defensive responsive and communication stops. I would to clarify my position.
Whether you are a boater, dog owner, hiker, senior citizen or a single mom with uninsured kids, we all want the same thing: We want a government responsive to our wants and needs. We expect to be heard and treated fairly.We hope that the government will provide what is necessary to improve our quality of life.
Some citizens’ needs are quite costly. Universal health care, although a laudable concept, would cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Other citizens’ needs can be met with little or no capital outlay.
The city of San Diego faces many financial challenges. Its infrastructure (roads, water and sewer) has been crumbling for decades. It faces oppressive future debt to provide promised pension benefits.
The city is not in a financial position to undertake a $150 million project to develop Fiesta Island.
I support leaving the current fenced off-leash dog area on Fiesta Island just as it is. There is preexisting fencing, a hardpacked dirt parking lot, and a preexisting road providing us access. The primary recurring expense to the city is emptying a few trash cans, servicing the PortaPotties and twice a year wildflower/brush clearance, all of which is currently being provided.
What we want will NOT cost the City any additional funds. The vast majority of dog owners want no improvements made. Unlike many other groups’ wish lists, our request for a safe and pleasant place to exercise our dogs would not require a large capital outlay that the city cannot afford. Thank you.