Janurary 23, 2008: In Urbana, we love our parks. I grew up just two blocks away from Carle Park, and it's been my neighborhood park ever since. I learned to swim in the original Crystal Lake pool. Recently I joined with other dog owners to propose and support the wonderful Dog Park.

While we all enjoy the parks, many of us don't know that funding for the Urbana Park District has been failing to keep up with costs as a result of property tax caps. I opposed those tax caps because as costs rise they effectively cut needed programs. Parks aren't free, and without increases the Park District will eventually not have the funds needed for basic maintenance, never mind capital improvements such as the Park District's comprehensive vision for improving Crystal Lake Park.

So this February 5th, a referendum is on the ballot in Urbana to raise property taxes to put the Park District on the right track and ensure that we will continue to have high-quality recreational and green spaces that do so much for the quality of life here in Urbana. The tax increase will certainly impact my bottom line, but as a homeowner surrounded by outstanding Park District projects--Carle Park, Blair Park, the Indoor Aquatic Center--I am more than willing to do my part to keep our parts great, and I hope you will too.