Wichita Falls, let’s be a community that says yes.
Yes to growth.
Yes to employment possibilities.
Yes to infrastructure improvements.
Yes to a flourishing downtown.
Yes to our youth who ask, “Do you have any good reasons for me to stay here?”
Yes to the potential we all know this community has at its grasp.
On May 5, Wichita Falls voters have the chance to say “yes” to a number of projects, all aimed at enhancing quality of life and, more importantly in some cases, improving fiscal responsibility.
You have an opportunity to seek out your interests, vote for bond proposals that excite you, or vote as a whole, for progress.
Proposition A would fund park and trail improvements, such as resurfacing the Lake Wichita parking lot, nearly completing the Circle Trail – with matching grants – and adding turf to four fields at the Softball Complex. This funding would also add trail spurs in key areas in the city.
Proposition B would improve Lake Wichita amenities, which would also give us a wonderful chance to pay tribute to our veterans with a memorial plaza. The Circle Trail from the marina to Barnett Road would be completed. The boardwalk funding would receive matching grants, if the bond passes.
Proposition C would improve specific streets, including extending and widening Maplewood Avenue to McNeil.
Proposition D would construct a much-needed municipal government center. Without the funding, the city would have to use money from the general fund to complete repairs – that would still be there if we vote “no” – and reduce the likelihood and ability to consider raises to city employees.
Proposition E would make improvements to MPEC, a facility thousands upon thousands visit each year.
Proposition F would make improvements to Memorial Auditorium, home to fantastic entertainment and cultural performances, including those by the Wichita Falls Ballet Theatre and the Wichita Falls Symphony. Our talented, hard-working artists deserve an outstanding venue.
Proposition G would make spectacular improvements to downtown streets, including new sidewalks, intersections, curbs, decorative street lighting, benches, parks and water features.
What would voting yes mean for Wichita Falls? Henry Florsheim, president and CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber & Commerce, says it's time we find out.
"Wichita Falls has been voting no for years, both in the election booth and with our policies," Florsheim told the Times Record News. "As a result, we have aging schools, aging streets and an aging downtown, none of which make it easy to attract or retain residents. It's time to change that. A yes vote would mean that this community is finally ready to ditch that old "this is just Wichita Falls" line and become a great city."
Study them. Consider the possibilities. Do the math, on how the total $131 million proposals would affect your taxes. For every $100,000 your property is worth, you’re looking at about $162 a year in added taxes.
That’s 44 cents a year.
No increase to school taxes for those 65 years and older. Your taxes are already frozen. Let’s repeat that. If you’re 65 years and older, your school taxes are already frozen. Not affected.
For 44 cents. Two quarters. A cup of coffee.
Who pays 50 cents for coffee anymore?
Let’s stop saying no. We love Wichita Falls. We want Wichita Falls to be the city where we’d spend the day, celebrate the night, live, work and play.
Yes, that sounds like a plan.
The Times Record News endorses the bond proposals presented on the May 5 ballot. We vote yes.