Alarm clock rings, coffee, spouse and kids, work, emails, meetings, phone calls, reports, difficult boss, traffic, bills, TV, sleep, alarm clock rings, coffee, etc., etc.
Human beings were not built for this routine. Yet, most of us have either this or a similar lifestyle. We do not take sufficient care of our bodies, our minds, our values or our need for aesthetic fulfillment. In addition, we frequently forget to instill into the children, who are so important to us, the need to tend to these requirements.
The solution is obvious. We need greater access to libraries, museums, arts and cultural facilities, parks and open space, as well as recreational facilities. Numerous studies have demonstrated clearly that these amenities provide real and tangible benefits both to the individual and to the community.
Firstly, they will benefit you personally. Museums provide you with inspiration and make you smarter. They afford you an opportunity to spend quality time with friends and families. Simply put, they make you feel good. Libraries offer you free educational activities, and parks provide you with a site to stay physically active. Furthermore, it has been shown that green areas are directly linked to mental health and wellness.
Secondly, they will benefit your community. Communities with museums change and develop in very positive ways. Libraries, cornerstones of healthy communities, serve as a resource for underserved populations, preserve history, connect communities and boost their local economies. And parks and other recreational areas increase values of nearby properties, conserve natural areas and serve to reduce crime.
If you are a voter in Mesa, there is a great opportunity for you to help. You can do this by simply remembering one number—4, and one word—yes. I am referring to Question 4 on this year’s election ballot, which would allow the City of Mesa to issue and sell general obligation bonds in order to raise dollars, which would go directly to libraries, museums, arts and cultural facilities, parks, open space and recreational facilities.
Alarm clock does not ring, coffee, spouse and kids, pick up a book at the library, visit a museum with your son or daughter, go to an art gallery, relax in a park, etc., etc.
Sound good? Yes, let’s Go 4 It. Vote yes on Question 4 on Nov. 6.