Metro Creative Connection
By Tom Slade | Sun City West
I am concerned about the process followed by Recreation Centers of Sun City West in the adoption and implementation of the “strategic and master planning” efforts. I estimated that total five-year implementation of these efforts will cost between $1.35 and $1.37 million.
Some language in the strategic plan:
• “We prioritize the well-being, engagement, and satisfaction of our members.”
• “We uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making in all operations.”
• “Continuously engage members through transparent communication and actions utilizing strategic outreach initiatives.”
• “Utilize feedback and performance metrics to refine and improve the member experience.”
I requested information from General Manager Stephen Erno about how many comments against the planning efforts were received? His response “…there has not been tracking of comments in favor or opposed to this effort (the plan).”
It would seem that these high-sounding objectives got lost somewhere in plan adoption and the first year $250,000 budget for implementation.
In my letter, I challenged Mr. Erno to a public debate about the merits of this effort: “I wonder if you are willing to publicly debate me about the merits of these planning mandates? I envision that this would be done in front of a live audience and recorded for viewing on the SCW website. Such an action would provide an opportunity to demonstrate that you actually embrace the principles of transparency, public involvement, and discussion of two sides of this or any other issue.”
I envision that after this public process the community be allowed to vote on whether or not to add these costs to the operations of SCW.
To date, Mr. Erno has not acknowledged my challenge.
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