PAID ADVERTISEMENT The election is almost upon us, and I can't help but reflect on the journey to November. It's been quite an expedition getting Measure R on the Nov 6 ballot, one that has come Better quality of life happen. Yes, it will increase your taxes and yes that initial impact may be hard to digest. But overall, both the initial and long-term benefits far outweigh the negatives. Some have expressed their support for a smaller bond, or that we achieve our goals of replenishing current parks and building . A boost to local economy A commitment that attracts new A more sustainable future for eIncreased property values business opportunities and residents MICHELLE VANCE with plenty of opposition and enthusiasm. generations to come take every comment, negative or uplifting into consideration. I understand the worriesReport, conducted by the National Recreation over time. But trust the experts and the surrounding the financial aftereffects for taxpayers if it passes and I commend the bravery that comes with backing the vision local parks and recreation outlets. This year's and repairing bits at a time calls for separate And that is exactly what this is, a beautifulfindings include: and achievable vision. The 2018 Americans' Engagement with Parksa well-rounded recreation center in pieces and Park Association, investigated how people use, benefit from and connect to their will be more costly in the long run. Building studies we've conducted, doing it in pieces approvals, permits, multiple staff and e "Americans, on average, visit their manager salaries, etc. Tie it all together and I don't want my time as District Manager of the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District to simply pass by as I sign papers local park and recreation facilities more than twice a month the bottom line cost is much higher than placing everything under one beautiful roof e Eighty-five percent of Americans The Measure R plan saves taxpayers money that do the bare minimum to keep our parksconsider high-quality park and recreationin the long run, gives future generations thriving and functional. My wish is for all of us to be part of the legacy that makes amenities important factors when better quality of life and makes Tehachapi a home to admire. Let's make this a well oosing a new place to live Tehachapi's parks and recreation options brilliant and inspirational. The TVRPD teamagree that parks and recreation is an that has poured hours of research anc studies into this proposal are leavinga footprint in this town and shaping the path are more likely to vote for local politicians you want to be part of Tehachapi's forward for future generations. What sort of imprint should we be making now to ensure the future of Tehachapi is just as bright, if not brighter than it is today? In my past columns I've listed the positive impact parks and recreation has on a community e More than nine in 10 Americans rounded community based on prosperity and progress As you head the polls or fill in your ballot at home, ask yourself this question... do important local government service. e Seventy-six percent of Americans who make park and recreation funding a thinking legacy? priority Michelle Vance is the District Manager of the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration from Cal State Bakersfiel and has lived in Tehachapi for 26 years. Seventy-eight percent of survey respondents indicate they want their local governments to increase park and recreation spending." This is a big investment and it takes the commitment of a community to make it Increased health and wellness PAID FOR BY TEHACHAPI VALLEY RECREATION AND PARKS DISTRICT