SEELEY LAKE - Most of us living in Seeley Lake share some common values: independence, some desire to be isolated, appreciation of nature and security for our families and homes. These are important values that are not easy to compromise. We also know that making a living in Seeley Lake is difficult. Given this understanding, let’s consider an important initiative that can affect our values and income—the Seeley Lake Sewer Initiative.
No one wants our small community to become a booming metropolis or another Boulder, Colo. This would destroy the quiet, peaceful surroundings and our desire for some isolation. In addition, when the county, state or federal government begins talking about changes that are not initiated by us, many of us have an immediate reaction -- resistance. Why? Because this touches our independence. If the proposed changes affect our homes or families, then often our reactions are compounded due to our independence and security being threatened.
But what if there were proposed changes that would support our values and benefit our incomes? Would we be so quick to resist? I’m guessing the answer is no.
The proposed sewer initiative is such a change. For example, currently new business development in Seeley Lake is at a stand-still; that is, unless the sewer system is constructed. Clearly, the proposed change would benefit new and old businesses, enabling each to employ more people and better attend to the tourist population. This is an economic boost for everyone in the community, resulting in more security for us all.
Another example is the water quality in our lakes. We know that the current septic systems have been polluting the ground water, which eventually flows into our lakes. As a result, our lakes are being negatively affected with greater algae growth and other pollutants. This alters the natural surroundings that we so much appreciate and spend time recreating within. Not only will these areas benefit from the sewer system but in addition, each home that eventually utilizes the system will benefit. Home values and security will increase.
Then, there is the financial expense of the sewer system. Well, we all know that we can’t improve our homes and properties without some expenses. If someone said, “I’ll pay for 66 percent of your home improvement,” I think most us would accept that offer. It’s an offer too good to refuse!
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development has made us such an offer regarding the sewer system development. Since the sewer system will help increase each property value that utilizes it, our home improvements and our family securities are being assisted by 66 percent of the expense. The remaining expense will come from us, the homeowners who are improving our homes and providing greater security for our families. That’s a good deal!
In the future, if the sewer district is expanded, then more families would enjoy greater security and home improvements and the sewer expenses will be shared by more of us. That’s something many of would welcome.
The independence we value so much usually is measured with respect to making choices. We can choose to refuse the 66 percent offer, the improvements to our homes and greater family security, the new and old business incomes and the betterment of the surrounding nature or we can hold on to our common values and make a statement about how important these values are by accepting the sewer initiative. Either choice is an expression of our independence.
Increasing the quality of life in our private lives and within our community seems like an easy and strong independent choice to make.
Reader Comments(0)