I never thought I would be so disgusted and disappointed with local politics to need to write something like this, but the misrepresentation, and mismanagement of the tax increase that I publicly supported and voted for has left me with few outlets.

I am speaking of the bond issue and tax increase for the support of Evergreen Parks and Recreation District.

When I supported it, I and many other Evergreen residents thought that the Stagecoach Park was to have limited development, specifically open areas, a playground, one sports field, trail, picnic tables and parking for approximately 50 cars.

Well, it seems that the open area has become a monster of a sports field, endangering the majestic 183-year old Ponderosa pine that sits on the rise at the corner of El Pinal and Palomino streets.

I cannot imagine the grading and compacting of the soil that will go so close to the tree will permit it to live. Not to mention the change in the water, as you know, the soccer field will require quite a bit of water.

Ponderosa pines prefer limited moisture. I would rather not have my tax dollars going toward the long yet imminent death of this historic tree.

It has survived droughts, torrential rains and countless lightning, wind and hail storms that have blown out the windows of homes in this area and required new roofs. However, I do not believe it will be able to survive the ownership of EvergreenParks and Recreation.

They have overspent the money on three times as many parking spaces (now more than 150) that had been represented prior to the election; the field has become a monster and in fact there are now two fields.

The Evergreen survey showed priorities that the community supported.

The number one priority was to maintain open areas. The number two priority was for a playground. Number three priority was a family picnic area. Number four, was for a multi-use sports field and five was for art/sculpture.

The priorities of the survey have been ignored to the point that they have it exactly backwards. There is no useable open area, nor is there an adequate playground. There is a private foundation trying to raise money for the playground.

Well I am sorry; I am already tapped out with the tax increase that was mismanaged. I do not want to "donate" any more money. They have given the arts $9,000 for a slab for some kind of sculpture. Art and sculpture was fifth down the list with only a 7percent preference indicated.

At lastthe March 20Park & Rec. meeting, I witnessed how they are going to "sweep" the interest that has been building on the money from our bond into operating expenses.

It seems to me they should be "sweeping" it to the playground. Allen Casey said this is a typical accounting tactic that businesses do. I am sure it is legal. Ethical, I am rather doubtful.

I could go on about other poor judgments that EPRD has made. Like why would they not permit the Audubon Society to have use of the old lake house, where thereare natural wetlands, perfect for the viewing of wildlife. Instead, they want them at Buchanan, surrounded by art buildings, noisy athletic fields and limited wildlife viewing opportunities.