04/08/2026
Post-election words...
It was a difference in 64 votes that determined whether or not Proposition 1 would pass. While the results were not in our favor, it is clear that a majority (53%) of the 1,648 people that voted felt that EAA meant enough to them that they were willing to make a financial sacrifice to assist. That means a lot, especially in today's economy. I am told most bond measures like this are typically shot down overwhelmingly. Thank you to all of those who came out in support.
I am moved by the number of people who tried to make a difference during this process. So many reached out asking how they can volunteer. From the creation of graphic art, to organizing canvassing efforts, to actually going out of one's comfort zone and knocking on the doors of potential voters... all of the efforts are appreciated more than words can ever say.
While I'm being told that hitting a support level of 53% is a "win" in and of itself, I've never been one to accept a consolation prize. I will always ask myself "what could we have done differently?" regardless of the knowledge that countless hours were spent over the course of nearly two years trying to make something, ANYTHING, happen to financially support these fields. I am not sure that more could have been done, but I will always wonder.
I learned a lot about local politics during this time... more than I would ever have cared to learn. Unfortunately, I saw a dirty side as well. Online arguments that grow personal are unfortunate but are a biproduct of having passionate disagreements. The stealing of signs out of front yards, however... that's a level of desperation and unfair play that I NEVER thought I'd see in a campaign to save community-run fields.
The entire mission, regardless of whether or not the proposal ended up being a tax increase, was centered around preserving a legacy, and ensuring future generations have the chance to enjoy what so many have spent their personal time and efforts building. Disagree with the tax increase as much as you want. Playing dirty goes beyond the unwritten (actually, "written" from a legal perspective in this case) rules of any game. Baseball. Softball. Soccer. Politics. There's no room for dirty play.
Either way, the past is the past, and we respect the results of the vote. As the dust settles, we will have to sit and figure out the path forward. While it is unfortunate, we know that a large number of people in the area understand what EAA means to the community.
If you'd like to support our park, feel free to donate: https://www.eaaballpark.com/donations-and-fundraisers
Thank you all!
Your donation helps keep our fields in great condition and our programs accessible to all families in our community. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and your donation may be tax-deductible.
