According to Mike Motschenbacher's letter, I was "insulting" to Robert Harms during our March 20 park board meeting. That was not my intent. I just called his comments for what they were - a blatant attempt to undo the aquatics/wellness center project. I thanked Harms for testifying and for providing comments in advance - after all good debate is what makes government work. But I don't believe a small vocal minority with a petition signed by 24 people represents the 60,000 citizens of Bismarck.

Harms started by saying he was in favor of the aquatic/wellness center project, then disingenuously went on to state his concerns - all of which were intended to delay or stop the very project which he says he wasn't against. I just pointed out the incongruity of his remarks.

Over the past year, the park board held numerous meetings requesting public input on an indoor aquatic/ wellness center. Residents who testified were largely in favor. Now, after a year of planning and budgeting, and on the day that the park district was voting on the project, comes Harms with his concerns.

When the 2006 People, Parks and Places initiative was proposed, Harms and his group, the Citizens for Responsible Government, were on record stating that the park district didn't need a new sales tax, but that the tax increase resulting from the increase in property valuations would be sufficient. That is exactly what the park district has done. The mill levies have remained the same. There is a detailed operating budget for the project that is available to anyone. I would say concerns have been answered, but I bet it won't be good enough. You just can't please some people.

I do not believe a public vote on this project is required. The park board has done due diligence and doesn't even have the authority to call for a vote. A vote would delay completion of the project for a year and add more costs. Both Harms and Motschenbacher have stated they were in favor of this project. Let's take them at their word. Let's get this project done.