Letter to the editor Your tax dollars being used to build new baseball stadium in Everett

Washington state taxpayers are funding a new baseball stadium in Everett, diverting resources from the Youth Athletic Facility Account, which historically supported youth athletic projects statewide. This account has financed parks and fields in cities like Spokane and Tacoma, funding 24 projects now jeopardized by the stadium initiative. The City of Everett plans to subsidize Major and Minor League Baseball owners with these funds, which raises concerns about the future of youth athletic grants. Local advocates, including John E. Martin from Mountlake Terrace, have called for the termination of the Youth Athletic Facility Account grant for this stadium.

The implications of this funding shift may deny future grants for youth facilities across the state. Residents are urged to contact their State Representatives and the Everett City Council to voice their opposition. This issue highlights the importance of civic engagement in local government decisions. Democracy thrives when citizens actively participate in the political process.