Opinion: Measure P makes recreation possible

By Rich Bodine

On Nov. 8, local voters will have the opportunity to vote on Measure P to expand recreation in South Lake Tahoe without increasing taxes paid by residents and businesses. We encourage a yes vote.

Our stunning natural environment and vibrant community make South Lake Tahoe a wonderful place to live, visit and do business. At its core, our community values the freedom to enjoy the ample recreation opportunities that our city has to offer. Measure P enhances and improves recreation for all residents. Voting yes on P will help protect our quality of life and property values, and will also boost our economy.

Measure P approves a modest 2 percent increase in the hotel tax paid by visitors to South Lake Tahoe. By law, funds from this measure may only be used for recreation in South Lake Tahoe, and priority will be given to the construction of a new recreation and swim complex on Rufus Allen Boulevard. Measure P does not increase taxes paid by residents and businesses by one penny.

Our current recreation facilities are over 40 years old and are in dire need of expensive repairs. Without increasing our taxes, Measure P will replace our aging facilities with a new, year-round recreation and swim complex for use by residents and visitors. This new complex will have space for after school and vacation youth programs to be offered by the Boys & Girls Club and the Parks and Recreation Department to all residents. The competitive sports facilities within the new recreation center will be equipped to host tournaments and attract visitors to stimulate our local economy all year long. This low-cost event space can be used for celebrations and gatherings, and will provide affordable exercise facilities to our community.

Measure P also requires strict fiscal accountability. No funds can be taken by the state or used for other purposes, and annual audits will ensure funds are used as promised.

We encourage a yes vote on Measure P because we value the opportunity to expand recreation in South Lake Tahoe, protect our quality life and property values and boost our economy. When a yes vote can do all of this without increasing taxes at all for local residents and businesses, the clear choice is to offer our full support.

In addition to being supported by the South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association, Measure P is also supported by city of South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David, Boys & Girls Club President Terri Arnold, and 40-Year resident and active recreation center user Valerie Rudd.

By mail or on Nov. 8, join us in voting YES on Measure P.

Rich Bodine is president of the South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association.