Quick Poll
With Friday's announcement of her show coming to an end in 2011, has the Oprah Winfrey Show been a television 'must see' for you in the past 25 years?
- Absolutely: 10
- Sometimes: 48
- Not At All: 124
- Didn't Care: 46
Total Votes:
Published Wednesday, October 28, 2009 in Opinion
Citizens council on recreation could be helpful
Editorial
The majority of Coweta County residents wants more recreation facilities to serve the citizens of this growing county. In our daily Internet edition QuickVote question, we asked, "Should Coweta County create more fields for local sports?" The vote was: Yes, 433; no, 207; don't know, 51. Granted, QuickVote is not scientific, but that's an overwhelming majority wanting more local sports fields.
The Coweta County Commission and county staff are exploring ways to improve recreation facilities. Earlier this month, Commissioner Randolph Collins initiated a conversation at a commission meeting about forming a recreational advisory council to offer input on recreational needs.
We thought Collins' idea was a good one. Why not hear from citizens, including users of the existing facilities? But only Commissioner Rodney Brooks joined Collins in supporting an advisory council. Commissioners Paul Poole, Tim Lassetter and Al Smith spoke against the idea. They talked about lack of money, control and fear among recreation department employees that such a council would usurp employees' powers.
Granted, there's a lack of money right now, but the control and usurping of recreation employees' powers are lame excuses for not seeking citizen input.
After the advisory commission idea was shot down, County Administrator Theron Gay and staff began to take inventory of county property that could easily and cheaply be turned into recreation fields. This was seen as a short-term solution, said Gay, "to relieve some of the pressure" on the existing fields.
The big problem with recreation expansion at this time is indeed a lack of money. We support the ideas of finding some short-term facilities, but that is not the answer to the long-term recreational needs in this county.
We continue to believe the idea of an advisory council makes sense. This council can be a fact-finding group to gather information and make suggestions to the county commission. Even during this time of revenue shortfall and tight budgeting, we need to do more than wait and complain about control. Let's plan. Let's explore possible funding sources -- like impact fees and SPLOST. Let's not fiddle and fall further behind in recreation facilities.
Comment On This Story
Times-Herald.com does not necessarily agree with the comments posted below. Responsibility of comments rests solely with the writer. Comments posted in ALL CAPS will be deleted.
Submission of a comment does not guarantee publication. Comments will be posted by a moderator after being scanned for abusive language, relevance, etc. See our Comments FAQ for more details.
No hate here for the Stallions. I just see them as a huge siphon. Talent & dollars are being used that should be contributed to the local association. Instead of playing within the Coweta County Recreation Department, as it is setup, the Stallions are looking for special allowances. If you do not mind being governed by the county and you want to play on county fields, then be apart of the county. The Stallions are an offshoot of PTC Packers. I know the history & I do understand. Could not get their way over there, so it was decided to form their own organization in Coweta.
Posted by David M. at 8:28 AM
The Stallions have offered to pay to use county facilities. The Stallions also asked to be governed by the county Rec. Dept. Why the hate at the Stallions?
Posted by writing without understanding at 10:04 PM
In a time when we are being taxed to death on our property, I for one think that it is time for those who use the sports facilities should pay a fee to support them. There are poor property owners who are fighting to hold on to there home, and SOME want to raise taxes for PLAY GROUNDS??!!
Posted by registered voter at 3:26 PM
It is a county government run by the employees of Coweta County who are governed by the County Commissioners elected by you and I. If the council that is suggested can be elected by the entire population of Coweta County, I'm in.
Posted by Fred at 1:40 PM
I never said anything regarding the ability of Mr. McKnight or Mr. Gay to do their jobs. I applaud them for all they've done. My stance is the newspaper was doing its job. This county should not be afraid to hear new voices, new ideas. Just because you've done the same thing for 5, 10, 15 years doesn't make it the best thing. Keep on making suggestions Times-Herald, we'd love to hear more.
Posted by Raymond T. at 11:59 AM
The Rec. Dept. has come a long way under the current leadership. Mr. McKnight and Mr. Gay are very caring people and do their best to serve the needs of all with the resources available. I am proud to call them my friends. I am not afraid of any idea that might help the citizens of Coweta County. I just believe we have people elected to office and employed by the county that can come up with good ideas. Anyone that has a plan, send it to the commissioners. First hand input.
Posted by Fred at 11:41 AM
Why are folks so afraid of the input of the citizens? of course there will be ideas that are not workable and too expensive. BUT there will also be ideas that are helpful and well thought out and that provide additional resources without significant cost. It has already happened as a result of this conversation. Don't be so territorial and afraid!
Posted by just a mom at 11:28 AM
Fred, the newspaper editorial is to make people stop and think. Maybe Mr. McKnight and Mr. Gay can put together a plan, maybe their plan will fall short in meeting all needs. Why be afraid that someone who is not associated with the Rec. Department might have a better idea? Are County officials that paranoid or afraid to lose their power status? This county should not ignore the tremendous amount of kids playing soccer and its alarming growth. And then there's another growing sport, lacrosse. Yea Fred, that sure is newspaper tabloidism telling us there might be another idea, a better idea out there. That is what a newspaper is supposed to do! Worry about your buddies - McKnight and Gay - and their ability to put together a solid, comprehensive plan. The newspaper probably could care less if you think it was once proud, now proud or will be proud in the future.
Posted by Raymond T. at 11:02 AM
Wow! 688 people took a survey and you think Coweta County backs the idea of a sports council. Not scientific? You got that right. You are in the business to sell papers and have the mindset that controvery will sell papers. Your sound off section is absent of any of the high standards the NEWNAN Times Herald was founded on. It's a shame that our once proud local newspaper is headed in the direction of a tabloid. Mr. McKnight and Mr. Gay can put together a plan and present it to the commissioners. We elected them to represent us in these matters.
Posted by Fred at 10:31 AM
"This council can be a fact-finding group to gather information and make suggestions to the county commission." Save money & effort & put up a suggestion box at each facility. Let Carl, Lance, Kevin, and the rest of the county folks do their jobs. We have been here for almost 10 years & have never had a problem finding a facility. Does this relate to the Stallions wanting to use county facilities, but not be governed by the county? A portion of all of our tax dollars goes towards the recreation dept. If you want your own fields & want to be a separate entity, then buy some land & run it how you see fit.
Posted by David M. at 7:27 AM
Most Popular
- Viewed
- Emailed
- Commented
- Schools continue search for thief
- Teen charged in string of robberies
- Judge denies new trial for wife convicted of killing her husband
- Newnan rallies past M.L. King, returns to quarterfinals
- Senator shares bad budget news with teachers
- Police: Mail carrier found drunk, eating noodles
- Cougars face another hurdle in M.L. King
- Hikers should avoid Chatt-Bend park this weekend
- Jobless rate rises; many job seekers 'giving up'
- Annual holiday sale Friday, Saturday
- 5-year-old wants Christmas cards
- A Better Way Ministries makes move to Senoia
- Teen charged in string of robberies
- 81-year-old tries to set girlfriend on fire, sets house ablaze
- Rezoning denied on 54, 16; OK'd on Lower Fayetteville
- Hollis assets drop $4M in three years
- Police: Mail carrier found drunk, eating noodles
- It's Chubby Checker Day
- Authorities: Man tied lizards to chest at airport
- Cougars roar back in second half to return to quarterfinals
- Be aware there are increased patrols on roadways
- Northgate's AAAA state title reign continues for third-straight year
- Senator shares bad budget news with teachers
- Obesity, bad health troubling sign of times
- Cougars roar back in second half to return to quarterfinals
- Rezoning denied on 54, 16; OK'd on Lower Fayetteville
- There's talk of a future need for an air traffic control tower
- High school coaches under pressure to win
- Jobless rate rises; many job seekers 'giving up'
- Schools continue search for thief
registered voter
10/30/2009
Link To This Comment
We do pay a fee to use the sports facilities, its called taxes and a regiteration fee. In case you are not sure of how much it is for each child to play soccer each season it is over $100 plus uniforms.
Posted by soccer mom at 11:29 PM