Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Tax-funded San Mateo fitness club draws anger

Sunday, June 6, 2010

A sparkling new fitness center opened this spring in San Mateo, with more than 20,000 square feet of high-end equipment, two heated pools and exercise rooms with views stretching across the bay.

The public has flocked to join the new San Mateo Athletic Club, as well they should: Their property tax dollars are paying for the gym through Measure A, a $468 million bond measure approved by county voters in 2005 to benefit San Mateo Community College District facilities.

The expenditure presents a potentially beneficial way for colleges to reap money for educational programs. But it also raises questions about how voter-approved bond money can be used, and whether the San Mateo Community College District was forthcoming to voters about its intention to spend tax money on a fitness center that would compete with other local gyms.

Submitted by Jim Alex

1 comment:

Kathy Meeh said...

Gyms have become an important component of adult athletic exercise activity, and colleges educate people for their future including scholarship, vocational, and athletic activity.
The "fitness center" is an asset to the community, no bargain to the general population, price break to seniors and campus students. Smart economic plan, which eventually pays for itself. Looks great!