Thank you, Cobb Chamber

From the Marietta Daily Journal on Friday, October 13, 2006, Letters to the Editor

DEAR EDITOR:

Kudos to the Cobb Chamber of Commerce for recognizing the business impact of greenspace and parks for our community. As Chamber leader David Connell pointed out in Friday's MDJ, it's important that we all learn the economic facts and benefits of providing parks for people. After all, employers based or branched in Cobb benefit from the talents of Cobb citizens. It seems logical that we'd all want to create a community that will continue to be attractive to both families and singles, and the old and young alike. Parks and greenspace are important contributors to livability. Employers know that and are drawn to communities that draw people.

In the coming weeks, let's all follow the chamber's lead: Carefully weigh the benefits of providing more parks for our children and grandchildren into the future against the cost of a low-interest rate loan that we'll pay off in 10 years without a tax-rate increase.

Friends, as citizens and stewards of this community, let's not allow political rhetoric to cloud our judgment on this important community decision.

Joni H. Cope

East Cobb