YMCA in North Stafford would be nothing but positive

Date published: 3/24/2005

I am glad to see that plans are moving forward on having a YMCA in North Stafford. I am a YMCA member, and based on what I have observed at the YMCA on Butler Road, I truly believe that a YMCA in North Stafford will be an asset to the community and will "hit the ground running."

However, I must say that I'm disappointed that two of Stafford's supervisors--Kandy Hilliard and Pete Fields--consistently voted "no" for this project.

I am a bit perplexed that we would have elected officials who would object to having an organization like the YMCA in our county--especially when there are no other facilities in North Stafford that offer such a wide array of programs and amenities.

Consider this: The YMCA offers financial assistance to those with financial difficulties. No one is denied membership due to inability to pay. This speaks volumes about the organization.

In addition, the YMCA offers programs for the physically and mentally challenged, not to mention all the programs it offers for children, adults, and senior citizens. And it's managed by a local board of directors that reflects the community's interests. Please tell me what I am missing!

If these issues are important to Fields, would he have required a for-profit fitness center to offer these programs in order for them to have been considered? If he did not take these programs and services into account before he voted, I do not think he performed his due diligence.

I would like Fields to publicly articulate where he stands on this issue. In my opinion, he has a moral obligation to support initiatives that are in the best interest of the residents of Stafford County from a countywide perspective.

I question whether this is the case, based on his voting record.

Lynda Davisson

Garrisonville

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Date published: 3/24/2005