Opinion: Why Measure R deserves to be defeated

Publisher’s note: The following is the rebuttal argument for Measure R that was submitted for the voter guide.

I feel the best way to decide your vote on Measure R is to simply tour the two facilities in question. At the ball fields you will find new paint, poles, bleachers and grass. All of these improvements were accomplished through the hard work of several individuals and organizations without any financial support from Measure S. Voters should reject Measure R since it will not add any new fields, it will simply destroy and rearrange a fully functioning complex.

Along the bike trail you will find large dangerous cracks that as residents we told the JPA to fix years ago with Measure S. It’s obvious the wording of Measure S needs to be changed to allow bike trails the use of its own funding, but why steal half of its money for unnecessary field renovations. Cities like Sacramento, Boise, and Bend have world renown bike trails and, in our struggle to rebrand our city, a freshly paved bike trail system would be a great start.

As residents, we deserve all of our trails to be in the same renovated condition as the Al Tahoe section recently completed.

Locals should vote no on Measure R because our trails need 100 percent of the money voters restricted for its use not just half. With 100 percent of trail funding available, improvements like public restrooms and bike parks can be envisioned and implemented. Safe bike trails benefit all and the unwarranted money grab for the ball fields in Measure R should receive your no vote.

Stephen Reinhard, former South Lake Tahoe Parks and Recreation commissioner