I have lived in Sun City West for eight years and have read an increasing number of letters to the Independent voicing complaints about one thing and another here in our community.

I am hoping there is a “silent majority” of Sun City West residents who simply skim these complaint letters and chalk them off as a few disgruntled individuals. However, after once again reading a couple letters addressing concern about the allocation of our funds, I would like to express my opinion.

I looked at several communities before I moved to Sun City West to determine where I would like to spend my retirement years. I chose Sun City West for, among other amenities, the beauty of the environment — the majestic palm trees, the golf courses, the sunsets, etc. Today as I walk in my neighborhood, the grass on the golf courses is actually shamefully dried and brown! Not only do I consider them an eyesore, I can not help but be concerned that people searching for a retirement community will see them as a detriment.

I believe if we do not allocate the funds to maintain the golf courses, those who are researching retirement communities will choose to go elsewhere, which is very sad since Sun City West is such a lovely potential, but it will eventually drive our property values into decline. I personally live in the area of the Stardust Golf Course and not only is the grass dried and brown, the fountain in the pool on 123rd Avenue was removed. It has been gone several months, which decreases the beauty of that area as well. Short-term savings may not be a long-term savings!

There is so much to appreciate about Sun City West — the respect for veterans, the U.S. flags flown on R.H. Johnson Boulevard, the diversity of shopping options within the walls, the clubs, the churches, the homes, the awesome neighbors and much more! I am looking forward to living here for many more years and trust that Sun City West does not become a statistic of a community that was once inviting and beautiful but reduced to decline!

Please, let’s voice our support and allocate the funds to maintain Sun City West to ensure the future is bright and attractive!

Judy Wood

Sun City West