To the Editor:
Is Alexandria’s sense of community being undermined by city budget cuts? I don’t know the answer to this, but it’s a question worthy of debate.
In recent years, I have been troubled by cuts in programs that tend to build and support community life and cohesion; for example, reduced library hours and the closing of swimming pools.
None of these cuts have saved the city a lot of money, and yet I wonder: As city officials scour the budget for savings, do they consider the effects that cuts in certain programs and activities might have on the city’s sense of community? Do they even ask the question?
I want to focus in particular on community events and activities, many of which are being hurt by the city’s diminishing financial support.
For example, Alexandria’s three major parades are now in jeopardy because the city wants the organizers to pick up most or perhaps all of the parade costs. But these parades are run by volunteers who by and large do not have fund-raising experience. The elimination of any of these events would be a great community loss.
Yet another example is the current budget proposal to eliminate the paid performance of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra at the city’s birthday celebration in July. Although this may make budget sense, ending the ASO’s tenure devalues a great community institution.
A big reason why many of our events are feeling the pinch or even in trouble is the cost of police protection. We certainly need our police at these events, but the cost appears to have become prohibitive. Indeed, is it possible that the cost of protection is inadvertently hurting events that are a key to our strength as a community? If so, what can be done?
I have two suggestions. First, the City Council should direct the city manager to form a task force made up of individuals with diverse community experience to examine the issues I have raised. Specifically, the task force should examine all community events and activities and ask a variety of questions: Which are most worthwhile in terms of building community? Which have marginal value and could be eliminated? Should we consider having fewer overall events but aim for higher quality of the events that are continued? Are there events that we do not have now that we should be having?
My second idea is that the city should consolidate all funding for community events and activities into one office with one budget, with citizens given a major role in deciding which events and activities are funded in the future.
The strong community that exists in Alexandria today is a major reason I live here. The city government needs to do all it can to support and bolster that sense of community.
Bill Hendrickson
Alexandria