Editor:

Raising taxes is against what Fairhope was founded on. Instead of arguing what I am against, maybe I can could offer some positive suggestions … what I am for!

Instead of throwing away perfectly good flowers, let locals get them as the city changes them out. Charge a few dollars—maybe $5 for a bag or two. It is a “green” way to help. It will raise money for the city, can cut down on workers and enhance the rest of the city landscapes, too.

There are many options we can explore here.

Another great way to bring revenue into our city is to add venues for our youth and families. Our young people need, and have needed, a safe place to enjoy their hometown. They are our future, and as a parent, it is easy to see our neighboring towns prospering from our families. We have done a great job for our senior citizens but are lacking in venues for our children. This has been a problem for as long as I can remember.

Fairhope is not a small town anymore. We can keep the charm and rise to the fact that we are a city that is growing by leaps and bounds.

I would love for us to be known as the No. 1 place to raise a family—or maybe not (we all know what happens with those ratings). But we can move forward with that mentality. We have many rising stars on their way up. How great to be a positive part of their journey!

Instead of raising taxes,why not get creative? Fairhope is the perfect town for creativity, and there is evidence of it around every corner here in our wonderful city. If we pull from within, and look outside the box, thinking of our youth, our future, we can provide ways to create revenue.

Let us grow in a positive direction and watch our young people blossom, giving them a reason to stay where they are planted, adding future success to Fairhope.