STADIUM NO SELLING POINT

Re: Barbara Carson's Nov. 5 letter, “Media negativity on Halifax stadium stifling progress.” I moved to Halifax 12 years ago, work in Dartmouth, and am now raising a young family just outside of Halifax. I have to say, based on my experience and conversation with my peers, her comments about young people needing a stadium to be attracted to Halifax are dead wrong.

First, Halifax is doing a great job growing our population. In fact, it's growing so well (two per cent last year!) that it's making it hard to find an affordable place for young people and immigrant families to live. More than half our growth last year was from immigration, and a lot of those people were between the ages of 25 and 49, making Halifax a pretty young city overall.

Second, the media aren't being negative; they're reporting the news. The price tag for this stadium is more than most of us feel comfortable ponying up, for entertainment that is not guaranteed. Politicians are asking tough questions because, at the end of the day, their constituents are on the hook. It's their job to be critical thinkers for the rest of us.

Do you know what many young residents in Halifax want? Affordable and appropriate housing options. A transportation system that is quick, reliable, affordable and environmentally conscious. Great educational opportunities for our kids. Stable jobs that pay a living wage, and allow us to pay off our student loans and save for home ownership.

For most of us, a football stadium falls into the “nice to have” category — not a necessity, and not a priority. That's not being negative; that's just being real.

Sarah White, Lantz