The concept of a regional parks and recreation authority is stupid.* Recreation conjures images of free release. An authority connotes an overlord with a bureaucracy to make sure people do it properly. Now, since parks and recreation departments are already in existence, creating a regional authority would be an improvement because it could consolidate overhead. But no. The General Assembly has, by amending HB 418, decided to create the Lords of Fun without realizing any fiscal advantage. New language excludes municipalities from participation barring new legislation to the contrary. The only other thing the bill presumes to accomplish is it grants the unelected Game Wardens some taxing power. It would have been better just to let the elected commissioners raise property taxes all around.
Consequently, the peeps are a little suspicious of their legislators, believing HB 418 may only have been leverage to seduce the City of Asheville into wandering down somewhat from its strategic high ground in the water fight.
*Here is your PC lesson for today. If you have children in public schools, you know it is no longer appropriate to use the word “stupid.” That is because it is sexist. Since Southerners require explanations for jokes: All men are smart, and all women are stupid. To use the word disparagingly implies there is something inherently wrong with women.
