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

The City of Everett is diverting funds from Washington's Youth Athletic Facility Account to support the construction of a new baseball stadium. This move impacts the availability of tax dollars that previously funded parks and athletic fields statewide, including in cities such as Spokane and Tacoma. The Youth Athletic Facility Account has financed 24 projects with funds now redirected to the stadium. Local resident John E. Martin has urged the Everett City Council to terminate the grant agreement, citing potential future denials of youth facility grants.

He advocates for community engagement, encouraging residents to reach out to their State Representatives and the City Council. The issue underscores a broader debate over public funding priorities, particularly regarding youth sports and community recreation. A significant concern remains regarding the sustainability of youth recreational funding amid such large-scale developments. Community voices play a crucial role in shaping these funding decisions and ensuring that youth facilities remain a priority.