This is in response to comments by the Mexico Budget Committee against the Recreation Department budget.

Most people don’t realize the actual increase amounts to only 50 cents a month difference. The Recreation Board and director have invested a great deal of planning and time to turn around a department that had failed in the past because it was the easiest place for the town to cut funds.

When we take away recreation, what is next? The library? Maybe two or three lengths of fire hose? Patch material for potholes?

People who have children in their homes are probably between 18 and 62 years old, so let’s drive the workforce to move to other towns that offer services. That will only make Mexico’s taxes higher and eventually leave the whole tax bill to the pikers.

In order for tax bills to go down, we need small shops on Main Street. Let’s make things like the recreation park, libraries, greens and, yes, our Main Street, look like assets instead of liabilities.

When kids are throwing baseballs they are not throwing rocks through windows or breaking into homes.

The Recreation Department budget, which hasn’t changed much during the past 10 years, should be passed. Voters should show the Budget Committee that Mexico is much more than just a mill town with nothing to offer.

Peter Merrill, Mexico, selectman