Too many questions

To the editor:
To build or not to build is the question to be asked of the residents of the Township of Alberton in the Nov. 13 election. But we are being asked this question without any information on which to base such an important decision.
Cost has been arbitrarily put at $200,000. That, of course, is ridiculously low. Judging by the costs of the new airport building which is less than half the size of the proposed new recreation building, it could be closer to three-quarters of a million dollars!
No survey has been done to determine a need, and no commitments have been solicited from anyone for the use of the building. The only use mentioned so far is to rent it out for wedding anniversaries. How many of those could we count on in a year?
To my knowledge, there are no groups in organized activities who would be willing to rent the hall. There are no organized sports activities of any kind that I know of.
We don’t even have enough people interested in getting onto council to help run the township! Age and uncertain health force me to decline taking an active part.
If we must have a new recreation facility, let’s go about it in a business-like manner. Get a proper estimate of the costs done by a qualified person, and do a survey of prospective users (the paying kind).
As to location, the school site should definitely be tossed out. One look at the area should tell you why.
As to who pays? The taxpayer, of course! Personally, I am in favour of public subscription. That would be the most honest and fair way. Let the user pay!
Signed,
K.O. Schafer