LopezRocks - Item

Started by Karlena Pickering (Lopez Village Properties, LLC)
Apr 4, 2026

Feedback

Apr 4, 2026

On April 2nd, I replied to a post regarding the Parks and Rec Levy where I expressed my disappointment that many people who would like to engage in the conversation were afraid to do so.

I also said that I would post those concerns anonymously. I was not soliciting input, but Oh Boy! Did I get some! And I keep my word, so below you are going to see comments from people who have contacted me with concerns.

Why are they doing that, instead of attending meetings or posting themselves? Consequences!

And also, as community that prides itself on having civil discourse, apparently that’s just window dressing?

Read on! And at the end I will have some notes:

*When adults frame the debate as “if you care about kids, you must vote yes,” they are making a deceitful argument. They are using children’s hopes, feelings, and dreams to pressure struggling families into accepting a financial burden those families may not be able to bear. That is not compassion. That is manipulation.

*It is sad to see such division over this issue, particularly at this moment in time when we are going to need community more than we have in quite a while in the coming months as the oil and food shocks get far more real for people here, and as prices skyrocket. Adding to our costs right at this moment when we can all see that everything is going to get dramatically more expensive very soon... are Rec supporters not aware of that fact, or perhaps they are all wealthy enough that it won't affect them? I don't know.

* The chaotic jumble of thoughts and emotions that I’ve been experiencing after reading through the recent social media posts - the volume of manipulative propaganda and false narratives / rhetoric is astonishing. I’ve experienced entitlement here before, but never at this level.

*I’ve worked really hard and saved enough money to buy a small piece of land. I’m building a home but I’ll be taxed out. Should I post?” (my answer to this question was NO!)

*I attended a Rec meeting at the library because I’m not familiar with levy issues and hadn’t made my mind up. A woman who spoke to the commissioners, who I found out the next day was a member of the Rally for the Rec, turned to us at the meeting after talking to the commissioners and told us that we “should be ashamed” of ourselves. I was shocked. I hadn’t made my mind up. I did right then. Hard No. I have never seen the approach before to get votes for an issue.

*Real community is built not only through public spending, but also through volunteering, private giving, fundraising, and neighbors helping neighbors by choice. We can support kids and school sports while still saying no to a levy that places yet another strain on island families.

This is just a small sample of what I have received. Very small sample! It think it is a very SAD DAY when these people, who want to be heard are afraid of being attacked. Is this community? Is this open and fair discourse? NO! Why do these people need to reach out to me to have their voices heard? Because apparently Lopez, who prides itself on “community” is only interested in an echo chamber? Anyone who disagrees is immediately vilified.

NOTE: No comment here has said kids should not have school sports. Did you read them? NO ONE said that.

I have more, but it would be an even longer read. And I just want to point out that the county is slipping in that property tax cap to .85 cents. I have done hundreds of CMA’s for people to try to get that property tax business under control, and now they roll out that? That should be a solid NO. Peace out and Lopez? Try, OK? Try your best to be civil. But if you can’t….

Comment by Jane Smith
Off-Island
Apr 11, 2026

Thank you Wendy for taking the time to explain this. So it seems, each student, whether they are enrolled at the school, pays $100 to join a varsity team. Am I right in assuming that the cost of the athletic program per student could be around $5,000 per student, if we assume around 36 student athletes ... Read All

Comment by Wendy Stephenson
Apr 10, 2026

Hi Jane,
I think I can help with some of these points, I’m the parent of a graduate and a senior. My senior has played sports all through HS. Students are assigned a fee per sport it was 100$ per sport this year unless your family qualifies for free and reduced lunch. Since non-enrolled students don’t fill out paperwork to qu ... Read All

Comment by Jane Smith
Off-Island
Apr 9, 2026

I want to follow up on this comment about school sports and non-enrolled students. How much does it cost parents & the school district for a student to join and compete in a varsity team? Does the school get any revenues from non-enrolled students joining sports teams?

I heard the school could hire ... Read All