To the editor:

I am voting yes in the special election on May 13 to ensure that Newburyport Recreation and Youth Services finally has a permanent home and I encourage all of my neighbors to do the same.

I moved to Newburyport from Chicago three years ago, expecting to stay for a year or so. But Newburyport captivated me, and I decided to stay, open a small business, and make Newburyport my home.

But before moving here, I spent 20 years in nonprofit management, including a decade as the chief of staff at one of the leading early childhood education organizations in the country. I spent years writing speeches, letters to policymakers, and public presentations all focused on the incredible value of early childhood education—not just to individual children and families, but also to society. This is why I was so pleased to see that the plans for the RYS building include dedicated space for affordable early childhood programming. This is truly the wisest investment a community can make.

I know the early childhood space is only a part of the plan, but it demonstrates to me how comprehensive and thoughtful the Department of Recreation and Youth Services has been in designing the center. Providing space that is developmentally appropriate for young children and new parents can be a challenge, but it is so important. It is the time in life when parents need the most support, and having the opportunity to bring their child to a space designed specifically for them is critical.

I could try to synthesize the ample research detailing the tremendous ROI on spending in early childhood programs, but it would exceed the letter to the editor word limit. What I will say is that I don't have children and don't plan to, but I do know that the investments we make in our community return to all of us—whether that is safer streets, or more supported and secure kids. I feel lucky to live in a community like Newburyport and I hope to stay and see it continue to thrive. But that will only happen if we make the right investments in our future by investing in our kids.

Please join me in making the smartest investment we can and vote yes for the rec. on May 13.

ELLEN SMITH

Newburyport