YMCA: Lexington Park community should raise it’s $4 million share before taxpayers of St. Mary’s invest $15 million

Todd Morgan and the YMCA

TO THE EDITOR:

It is disingenuous for anyone to suggest that I am opposed to the YMCA and that I do not care about the Lexington Park community.  I was elected Commissioner of this district for three terms. During my 12 years as Commissioner, I supported the investment of over $70 million into Lexington Park.  No other area in the county received such an investment.

The YMCA project was initially proposed to the Commissioners as a County Run Community Center.  As Commissioner, I voted to support the Community Youth Mapping Project.  I was skeptical.  But, after reviewing the data and talking to citizens, I agreed to a County Run Lexington Park Community Center.

I believe it is important for the YMCA to show its commitment to Lexington Park by demonstrating its ability to raise $4 million prior to the County committing its $15 million.

Delegate Todd Morgan

Over time, this concept morphed into a county-funded YMCA as part of the YMCA of the Chesapeake. This is a sticking point for me.  All of the YMCAs on the Eastern Shore have been funded with private money/resources.  The citizens of St. Mary’s County are committing to invest $15 million of the $21 Million project, which will be a privately run and managed facility. The YMCA is required to raise only $4 million.

I believe it is important for the YMCA to show its commitment to Lexington Park by demonstrating its ability to raise $4 million prior to the County committing its $15 million.  This was my view as a Commissioner and remains my view as a Delegate.  My position has been consistent.

Respectfully,

Todd B. Morgan
Member, Maryland House of Delegates