On August 4, voters in Hamtramck will have a chance to renew a millage that funds recreational venues for the schools and the entire village.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We urge people across the city to vote “yes” on the proposal to renew the millage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Failing to continue the funding would be a terrible own goal by the community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The mileage pays for recreational activities for residents young and old, and it will deliver even more joy and entertainment in the coming years with Hamtramck officials planning to use it to establish more fields and sports leagues, including soccer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The millage also covers the maintenance of swimming pools and parks as well as sports classes for adults and seniors and communal activities, such as movie screenings at the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is imperative to stress that the renewal of the millage would not impose new taxes on residents. Instead it would keep the existing structure with a modest amount in property taxes being allocated to recreation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The millage will renew for 10 years if approved by voters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We just witnessed the World Cup and saw the United States host the globe in celebrating sports, unity and joy. That’s the power of sports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We cannot afford to rob our children and community of that physical and mental fulfilment in the name of slightly lowering property taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, recreation programs are not just about physical and mental health. They are about the community’s safety and overall well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sports and other communal activities keep children out of trouble. A teenager with nothing to do is more likely to veer towards mischief if not something more nefarious like drugs and crime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Would you rather your children play soccer and go swimming with their friends or loiter on street corners and potentially get in with the wrong crew?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is a saying attributed to the second Muslim, Omar Iben al-Khattab, that goes: “Teach your children swimming, archery and horseback riding.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The advice is not about the specific sports, but rather it calls for keeping kids physically and mentally engaged to help them grow in a healthy way for their own good and for the good of society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In that sense, the millage affects everyone in Hamtramck, not just those who use recreation programs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Democracy is a blessing. It allows people to decide what future they want for themselves and their community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, let us choose to support investing in our neighborhoods and our children. Vote to renew the millage on August 4.<\/p>\n