Letter regarding millage sent to Largo Mayor Gerard and City Council MembersI understand that you are taking up the issue of millage rates in Largo. I would like to express my support of keeping the millage rate at 3.8448. I say this because I am pleased with the quality of services that I receive from the city. I am a working mother of two young children ages 5 and 2, who was unable to attend the meeting. As a member of Largo's Recreation, Parks and Arts board, I am an active citizen and I use my Rec card for the city's recreational facilities at Highland Aquatic Center for family water days and birthdays, and Southwest Recreation Center for swimming lessons. I take my children to the beautifully maintained grounds at Largo Central Park and to the Playground. I attend productions at the Largo Cultural Center. In the early evenings I have driven past skate parks filled with teens. I have attended Largo's Spooktacular, Touch-a-Truck, Movies in the Park and the Holiday Stroll, and bring friends from other surrounding cities to "show off" Largo's commitment to safe, quality, family-oriented activities. I understand that the Community Center is very popular among senior citizens with its wide variety of offerings, shows and classes. Our PLAY magazine has won national acclaim for its innovative marketing to all ages. The quality of Largo's recreational facilities and abundant parks was one of the main reasons why my family chose to move here five years ago, along with services offered such as the recycling program. You have chosen to offer activities and services to the citizens not because you have to, but because it is the right thing to do. Unfortunately with most issues, the negative voices often drown out the supportive voices because well, if people are happy, they just don't seem to go around saying that they're happy. But when someone's upset, oh boy, does everyone hear about it! Kind of like the old adage about one's experience at a restaurant... I completed Largo's Citizen Academy last year and I encourage others to do the same. In my dealings with city officials and staff, I found them to be knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic, and willing to go the extra mile. I found out so much about how the various departments work and about the careful budgeting process that each of them have to go through. We have seen the adverse affects of Amendment 1 on local municipalities in the Tampa Bay area, particularly in areas that were supposed to be sacred, such as public safety. How would a lower millage rate crunch the already scaled back budget of Largo? I like the quality of life in Largo and feel this is an appropriate millage. - Maria Kadau
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Ms. Kadau: Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts about the city's budget. I am forwarding your email to the Mayor and Commission as requested for their information and consideration. Shirley Frick, Mayor/Commission Secretary, City of Largo
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