LtE: Clarification for Support of Killam and ReCAL

I want to clarify my thoughts regarding the projects on the table for Reading.  I don’t disagree with the LTE writers & pickleball players who are passionate supporters of the Pickleball sport & project.  What I do believe is that we need to think wisely about every nickel & dime we spend.  The Town has indicated that we have 2 important projects to consider this year, Killam & ReCal.  ReCal already includes more pickleball courts in the planning.  Pickleball courts were not listed as a town priority.

Reading is, generally speaking, a middle class community.  In my volunteer work for the town & association with Reading Neighbors Network & The Friends of Reading Seniors 60 Plus I have seen tears & heard fears about elders inability to manage the increasing property tax burden.  Almost all of these folks are not eligible for Circuit Breaker relief & the town only offers 10 positions for the Property Tax Work Off program.

The pickleball project may be an insignificant cost compared to the two priority projects…but they still are a cost.  In this economic environment, I believe we should carefully focus all taxpayer revenue on the Town’s priorities & projects that will benefit the largest numbers of Reading residents.

Joanne Wooldridge

Precinct 1

President, Friends of Reading Seniors 60 Plus