In regards to Scott Harvey’s recent op-ed to not support the renewal of our parks levy, I don’t believe his claims are accurate.

Based on past behavior, this appears to be a personal campaign he is waging against the park district, using “alternative facts.” Let’s not forget that Scott resigned from the park district board at a time when some community members believed he had been acting unprofessionally. This is the same Scott Harvey that was against paying park district employees a living wage and commented that if they didn’t like it, they could leave. This is the same Scott Harvey who ignored a 2016 community survey that concluded islanders want our facilities to be repaired and maintained.

The truth of the matter is that the park district levy renewal represents a very small percentage of our overall property tax bill (approx. $260 for a property worth $500,000). This money is to restore, preserve and maintain the facilities and open spaces that we already have — to make them safe and available for everyone to enjoy. This is not about wish list items. Delaying repairs any further will only cost us more down the road and could result in facilities being closed.

After reviewing the facts of the levy, I believe the information provided by Scott Harvey is clearly misleading, and in some cases just false. If you have questions about what the levy will be used for, go to the source. Contact the park district and get the facts.

— Karl Stetson