The recent Candidates' Forum at City Hall was a rather depressing affair in that it demonstrated that so many of our elected officials have no idea what is or is not a valid function of government and what ought to be left to the private sector.

I learned, for example, that Laurel has a city-run and maintained dog park with a water fountain for dogs. But, this is ridiculous. This is not something government should be involved in at all. 

I heard Councilwoman Crary say she'd like to see the city have a skateboard park for kids. But, again, that is not something for government to be involved with at all.

Councilwoman Nicholas said she is for the city providing "more senior services and youth programs." This, in addition, to the $1.7 million that has already been spent on "youth services" by the city, according to Councilman Ricks.

Councilman Smalls indicated he might like to see a rugby stadium in Laurel similar to the one he saw in Denver. And he said he'd like to see the city "level the playing field" for women-owned and minority-owned businesses. 

And on and on it goes. The aforementioned ideas may or may not be good ones. But, it is a very bad idea to have the Laurel city government involved financially in any of them. If such things happen it is the private sector that should caused them to happen.

John Lofton

Laurel