By Clayton D. Floyd Jr.
Stevensville
Regarding the June 25th meeting of Stevensville Town Council and its portrayal in the July 1st Bitterroot Star. The meeting really focused on one agenda item – placement of an overnight bike camp in Lewis and Clark Park.
As was reported there were 436 signatures on an unofficial petition, which raised four points of concern. First, when the land that is Lewis and Clark Park was deeded to the Town of Stevensville; it came with a restriction. That restriction in part stated, “Said second party (Town of Stevensville) shall hold the property and keep it for use by the public as and for a community park or playground.” Second, the Stevensville Bike Camp Committee (SBCC) had never received formal approval for such a facility from the Town Council of Stevensville either by resolution or vote. Third was serious concern over expenditure of taxpayer dollars for the improvement sought by SBCC. Fourth was a concern over strangers using the same area as our children playing at the playground or swimming pool.
Amy Leach offered data from her sociology professors that most sexual assaults were at the hands of a family member or someone known to the victim. She did state that 14% were at the hands of someone unknown to the victim.
Persons testifying also brought concerns over the loss of youth soccer fields to this project, use of tax money in support of private business and the apparent lack of research supporting the project.
The mayor chose to point out that I had known about the Bike Camp for over four years. I would suggest that knowing of an idea and having details to judge that idea are two different things. Only a small group of people were aware of the details until Kathleen Meyer revealed the project details Thursday evening. If this project is such a great idea why were proponents afraid to put details out so everyone could evaluate it? If it is such a great idea why are the businesses of Stevensville not gathering the money to do the project?
Sadly this debate became more about wills than what was best for our community. Some supporting this project do not even live in Stevensville to pay taxes to help. It is important to know how proposals like this one impact our quality of life. If this money had been used at our pool it would improve quality of life for Stevensville residents. So as I see it, we do need to help Stevensville residents first. Putting Main Street Association priorities ahead of Stevensville residents is just wrong thinking.