The Editor,
Unless funds are privately donated, wishlist mega-projects such as Richmond's proposed $59-million museum must materialize from general revenue, i.e., the pot supported by Richmond's tax-paying residents and businesses.
I'd prefer that city councillors and staff use my family's hard-earned tax dollars to:
Fill in all remaining open ditches - they inevitably attract rodents; plant all residential streets with trees to provide beauty and shade; ensure well-placed benches in all parks - the elderly deserve a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the morning sun or a cool afternoon rest.
Widen and level all sidewalks to invite walking and more easily facilitate shopping trolleys, walkers, wheelchairs and motorized scooters, not to mention baby strollers and tricycles; install fun, challenging, and universally accessible equipment in every playground; prioritize properly separated bicycle paths on all major streets, and traffic-calming circles at all neighbourhood intersections.
This particular wishlist is inspired by my own bare-bones Richmond neighbourhood, and I'm sure we're not the only neglected pocket in the city.
Yes, museums are important and documenting history for future generations vitally so.
But please take care of basics first.
Ruth Alsemgeest Richmond
