A District in Crisis

By Frank L. Steenport

The purpose of this paper is to introduce myself to the people of this district, present my reasons for seeking this position, my qualifications, and express my committment and appreciation for your support.

Recreation is a critically important component of a healthy and growing community. It is an integral part of a person's healthy lifestyle, a powerful preventative for juvenile delinquency, and positive "glue" that bonds all aspects of a community together. And while having and maintaining parks and related recreational services may not be viewed as being a priority when compared to other services such as public safety, water, and others,the need for recreation and open space is a critical human need that realtes to a community's "quality of life".

As a career law enforcement officer, I can tell you what a difference not having Recreation and Park servuces and facilities can mean to a community. From my position on the Board of the West Fresno Crisis center, we deal with issues having to do with family violence and sexual assault. A large portion of our time, energy and funding concerns prevention. The same issue of prevention apples here. Recreation prevents many other problems that we face every day: Active health styles reduce or prevent illness and medical problems, provide juveniles with places to go, things to do, and alternatives to getting in trouble, and existing facilities being maintained prevents properly protects the district's investments. We are in tough fiscal times caused by a multitude of reasons. While the causes may be national, we have to deal with it locally. We have challenges and choices to make and people need to care and get involved.

My purpose of seeking this position is simple and straightforward: By virtue of my personal and professional life experience, education, and training, I think I can make a difference. My family lives here and will benefit or suffer, depending on what action we take, or don't take. Police work teaches you the importance of common sense, making tough decisions, providing a service on a budget,and being a problem solver. I understand how the "system" operates because I work with it every day.

I view the right to vote as one that has been hard one and something sacred. As a voter, I never really liked someone making promises to get elected because they were seldom kept. I think the best thing to do, if not the right thing to do, is to make one promise and keep it: Do my best, never forget that I represent the people of the district, conduct myself with personal, professional and ethical courage in all my activity, be accountable for my actions, and strive to work closely and cooperatively with the public,staff of the district, and fellow board members to achieve the Mission Statement of the district and strive to reach as many of the goals and objectives as we can. I would greatly appreciate your support in November.

Sincerely,

Frank L. Steenport