 | I want a government that supports arts, culture, and sports. These things are key to economic development and to our quality of life. Recreation is fundamental to creating a healthy and balanced community. Infrastructure for sports promotes exercise and good living, and this in turn keeps heath care cost down. | |
Cornwall - January 24, 2012 - This column is in reply to Phillip Blancher's editorial: What do I want from Government?
According to Blancher, "Arts, culture, sports programs and the like....all should have zero funding from government." I disagree with Blancher. I want a government that supports arts, culture, and sports. These things are key to economic development and to our quality of life.
Recreation is fundamental to creating a healthy and balanced community. Infrastructure for sports promotes exercise and good living, and this in turn keeps heath care cost down. Thousands of citizens have already benefited from the Benson Centre, from hockey to zumba, therefore public spaces like this are important to the people of Cornwall. The new multipurpose centre was created from a combination of tax dollars and fundraising.
There has been much debate about the need for an arts and culture centre here in Cornwall. Such a centre would be useful for showcasing local talent, it would be a boost for tourism, and there would also be education and mentorship opportunities for young artists. I strongly support an Arts and Culture centre created and paid for with a combination of tax dollars and fundraising.
I agree government should use common sense when dealing with financial matters, and find ways to spend more efficiently. But cuts to sports, arts, and culture is not common sense. A good quality of life includes sports, arts, and culture - they are a necessity! It can attract new businesses to our city, stimulate growth, and it ensures that more people choose Cornwall. It benefits the community as a whole, and for those reasons, I want a government that has enough vision to support these important endeavours.
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