On Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m., I will be attending the special town meeting at the Hermon High School auditorium. Residents will consider approving a $400,000 matching fund to assist with Phase 2 of the Greater Hermon Community Athletic Complex.

If approved, it will not cause an increase to our taxes. Hermon has a surplus of funds that can be used on projects such as this one, which is long overdue.

This will be a beautifully landscaped public park with a focus on fitness and physical activity. The outdoor tennis center will be the best in Maine and it will be right in our own backyard for our families, our schools, and our community to enjoy. The pavilion building will be beautiful, the location is perfect, and the walking trails and gardens will add color and activity to our town.

I understand the hesitancy of citizens to spend a significant amount of money on any project, but this is an investment that will benefit many generations to come. So many times people wait for good things to happen in their community, but in the town of Hermon, we’re not waiting, we have the chance to make something good happen today.

Approximately $800,000 in private donations will be invested here in our town – and our taxes will not go up. Does it get any better than that?

Please join me in voting yes on Jan. 18. I look forward to meeting all of you someday. I will be sitting on the garden bench, watching the kids play, after my walk.

Patricia Ingalls

Hermon