Over the past several months, I received an astonishing 728 e-mails from different Rio Linda/Elverta constituents pleading with me to oppose the “Panhandle” agreement, which (among other things) would remove the “Handle” from the service area of the Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Park District (RLERPD), and give it to the City of Sacramento. This action would not only significantly reduce future revenues to the district, but it would make it much more likely that the “Pan” would eventually be removed as well.
Last night, the issue came to a final vote at the Sacramento Local Area Formation Commission, which is a board I happen to sit on, so I wanted to take this opportunity to explain to you what happened.
After a long discussion in which I argued on behalf of RLERPD, a motion was made to allow RLERPD to continue on as the service provider for the “Handle”, which was unfortunately defeated 5-2. I then made a motion to allow RLERPD to negotiate for a better deal, and was again defeated 5-2. Finally, a vote was taken to approve the removal of RLERPD, and that passed 6-1, with me being the only “no” vote.
I’m sorry that we were unable to achieve victory for RLERPD, but I leave this battle feeling more encouraged about the future of Rio Linda/Elverta than ever. To see a community the size of Rio Linda/Elverta fight so passionately for their future, against an entity so enormous like the City of Sacramento, was truly inspiring for me. I know in my heart that if we can harness that passion into future endeavors, great things lie in Rio Linda/Elverta’s future.
Sincerely,
Sue Frost, Supervisor, District 4
