Last night, the Escambia County Commission held an hour-long discussion about the Escambia Children’s Trust waiver request that highlighted fundamental questions about how we best serve our community’s children. The debate centered on whether to grant a tax waiver to the Children’s Trust and how to allocate approximately $495,000 in funds – should it go toward youth programs or community infrastructure improvements?
Programs vs. Safety Infrastructure
Commission Chair Mike Kohler made his position clear: “No one’s against student programs here. We’re a hundred percent in support.” Yet he passionately advocated for using funds to improve infrastructure in underserved communities, arguing that basic safety needs must be met before programs can succeed.
“Safety is the second ring in a person’s life before they can get even to self-actualization”
—Kohler explained, sharing his concerns about communities lacking lighted fields, basketball courts, and other safe spaces for children…