Opinion

State shouldn't fund Naperville park

Posted March 29, 2014 5:01 am

The proposed new park by Naperville's Riverwalk and North Central College is a great idea. However, asking our bankrupt state to contribute $1.1 million to help build it is not.

Such a project is certainly worthwhile, but it strains credulity to call it "essential," which should be the criteria for investment of scarce state dollars. If Gov. Pat Quinn's dire budget predictions are true, and I think they are, then spending state money on a park in one of the state's wealthier communities instead of on necessities doesn't make sense.

P.S. You can replace this park funding proposal comment with one about the proposed walking bridge along Chicago's Lake Shore Drive and get the same argument.

"Fiscal responsibility" has to become the norm, and it has to start by saying no to each worthwhile but nonessential idea that comes along. That's what "belt-tightening" means.

Steve Smith

Aurora

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