Residents in the towns of RSU 5 (Freeport, Durham and Pownal) are being asked to approve a bond issue of approximately $3 million to pay for a new sports complex in Freeport.

A meeting was held recently in Freeport and subsequently in Durham to explain the project’s scope and why it was “much needed.” Citizens attending were told of scheduling troubles at the current facilities and how inferior they were compared to facilities in surrounding towns.

School pride was talked about, and an effort was made to equate students’ sense of pride to the grandeur of their schools sports facilities. There was even an attempt to suggest that overall academic achievement would be improved at the school if the new sports facilities were built.

I am a taxpayer of Durham and saw a large increase in my taxes last year. Let’s be clear about this bond issue — it is increasing the towns’ debt. There will be increased taxes to pay for it.

I question if I and my neighbors should pay to make extracurricular activity scheduling more convenient. Should we really be teaching our children that school pride is measured in artificial turf and lighted ball fields? And do we really believe that student grades will improve by having a nicer ball field?

This is a want not a need. The time to say “no” to more unnecessary spending is June 14.

Peter F. Liscomb, Durham