Additional information regarding a potential City of Boise bond election. A bond would preserve and enhance police, fire and library services and continue to protect critical natural areas, open space and clean water – protecting and strengthening Boise’s livability. The public will be heavily involved throughout this process to assure we craft a potential bond that is reflective of the interests of our community. Public Safety: An investment in public safety would improve emergency response, enhance neighborhood safety and improve training for our emergency responders. The proposal calls for the construction of a new police station downtown, the consolidation of older poorly located fire stations and the expansion, renovation and relocation of other stations to reduce emergency 911 response time and deliver emergency services more efficiently. Passing this measure would reduce gaps in emergency service and improve emergency response to keep our families, seniors and children safe. Open Space: The 2001 Foothills Open Space vote proved the value of coming together as a City to protect our way of life. The $10 million investment by Boise residents has protected over $34 million of foothills open space, but other vital areas still remain unprotected. A bond could invest additional funds to continue protections and stewardship of critical natural areas, open space and clean water and improve recreational opportunities and trails. Getting our children onto our open spaces and natural areas and teaching them the importance of staying healthy through physical exercise ensures that the things that make Boise such a wonderful place to live are passed on and protected for generations to come. Parks: Boise has many wonderful parks amenities, but some areas still have far less access to parks than other parts of the city. This investment would open and update new parks facilities on city-owned land in these underserved communities where there aren’t enough playgrounds, picnic areas or sports fields, especially in west Boise; and, renovate several of our much-used, but considerably aged public pools. Libraries: In these economic times, libraries are more important than ever as one of the few free services left that allow access to books, technology and entertainment. An investment in our libraries would allow the city to expand and construct new branch library space in underserved areas of town, including a much anticipated Brown Crossing library in southeast Boise.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Jun 2013 22:59:35 +0000