OPINION: Sprouting ideas

It's no secret that governments in Colorado and around the country are facing continuing budget shortfalls. Most have already cut programs, laid off employees, shuttered offices and, generally, cut what they consider to be fat from their budgets. Citizens have been told there are no more easy cuts to be made. It seems these are the times that will define what the people want from government and how much they're willing to pay to get it.

Colorado Springs City Council member Jan Martin seems to be willing to make difficult choices. On Monday she proposed closing the city's municipal swimming pools and using the money saved to buy water for parks. Only 15 of the city's more than 130 parks are scheduled to get the 24 inches of irrigation needed to keep their grass green and healthy this summer. The rest will get half that.

Martin's idea gets to the heart of the issue of what Springs residents expect from their city government. Images of carefree childhood summers often include kids splashing in pools and playing in parks. Adults, too, enjoy these amenities. Should people have to choose between the two? Or is there another answer, one that hasn't even thought of yet?

A couple of things we do know: the budget isn't getting any bigger and the parks need water.

When watering cuts were announced earlier this year, many letter writers and online commenters pointed out that not watering parks might end up costing the city more than watering in the long run if the city has to replace turf damaged by drought. That's one of the points Martin made, noting Colorado Springs risks losing a lot of grass this summer that would have to be replaced at a cost of about $6 million.

Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Director Paul Butcher says it'll be tough, but he'll give City Council options to consider. "We have pools, ice centers, City Auditorium, community centers," he said in a story in Tuesday's Gazette. "Everything is an option to look at, and the pools would just be one of them."

Whatever Butcher and City Council decide is the best way to proceed, not everyone is going to be happy with the result. Pools, parks, community centers and other city services add to the quality of life and keep kids busy and out of trouble. They all have value and the city is a better place with them than without them. But are they an essential role of government?

Obviously, this editorial page believes they're not, but others disagree. Regardless of which side you're on, let your council members know how you feel. They'll appreciate it if you have some real ideas, not just criticism that they're "wasting" money without providing any details.

And Councilwoman Martin, thanks for forcing everyone to consider difficult choices.

That's the type of leadership government needs, at all levels.