To the editor:

I don't have children, and I'm retired. As an elder, I'm one of those people who resents being used as a pawn in the higher taxes debate. While I recognize that raising taxes can be a hardship for some, I am in full support of a recreation center for youth in Newburyport.

I spent my career working with children and families. I recognize the importance of gifted staff (which we are truly blessed with at Newburyport Recreation and Youth Services), along with how much "place" matters for connection and development. Yes, we support children with a good school system, but there are many more hours of the day that still need to be addressed. And it's not just an after-school program, it's a place to be fully accepted, learn social skills, plus try out new activities and behaviors. We don't simply care for youth, we invest in them.

Expecting staff to continue lugging supplies all over to ever-changing spaces stresses out all involved. The fact that NYRS staff have stayed and remained so professional in the face of multiple moves and inadequate spaces really amazes me. Lack of afterschool structure results in more time on potentially harmful screens and poor decision-making in brains primed for risk-taking activities. Our current world is far more complex and difficult for youth to navigate, along with parents who need to work. The former leaders of Newburyport made really compelling arguments for this project, which I fully agree with.

NYRS deserves a home as much as our other essential departments and services. Tax cuts need to be addressed. Continual rises are unsustainable, and weakens our community when a more diverse population is unable to move here. This should be done by looking at the total budget, all departments, and not reserved just for kids' programs. Now's the time to commit and vote yes on a building for Newburyport Youth and Recreation Services.

MARIANNE VESEY

Newburyport