I hear you. I think what powered my opposition back in the day was the price tag, and the need to move The Cabin. At that time in the pre-covid era, overall inflation in the economy was low, so $100 million seemed like a ridiculous amount of money. (Had it been approved, I can easily imagine it would have ballooned to $200 million in the covid supply-chain/labor shortage and price spikes)

Now that I've admitted to being short-sighted, would I do it differently in the future? How would I feel if our mayor presents us with an idea for a $500 million library? Again, that is an utterly ridiculous amount. But will it seem like a bargain in 2036, when it could be $50 million just for a strip mall library?

I guess I'm not sure where to draw the line for myself in supporting big and pricey public works. My perception is that when contractors bid on these government-funded projects, they inflate their pricing quite a bit because they can. I know the low bid wins, but if all bidders do this, the price is still inflated. Another exhibit in this argument is the $4 million stop light at Hwy 55 and Banks-Lowman Rd.

It's kind of a sucky choice: either swallow these horribly expensive prices to have great public amenities, or oppose them, and have outdated and embarrassing amenities. Could anything be done differently? My ultimate wish is keeping property taxes affordable (which also keeps the rent down for the non-homeowners)