Off-presidential election years can often present a challenge to voters and candidates. For voters, the challenge is caring enough to get to the polls and cast a ballot. For candidates, the challenge is to compel voters to care.

This coming Tuesday's election includes issues that voters should feel compelled to care about because they affect the future of our community.

Vote for Measure R Tuesday

Mired in nuances, controversy and details, the question of Measure R can be boiled down to this: Should we improve the recreation infrastructure for our community?

If South Lake Tahoe aims to re-brand itself as a recreation destination, as so many groups advocate it should, then the answer is “yes.”

In 2000 voters approved a special tax that secured funding for the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena, along with new bike trail maintenance, play field construction at the college and improvements at the Tahoe Paradise Park in Meyers.

However, a lack of state funding has led to only eight miles of new bike trails being built since 2000 and left the South Lake Tahoe Recreational Facilities Joint Powers Authority with about $300,000 it cannot spend under Measure S. The JPA could have about $470,000 by next summer.

As Tahoe's trails deteriorate, this money continues to pile up. It's a rare condition in this economy and this basin — to have money to spend but nowhere to spend it.

Measure R will remedy that situation and also provide funds to improve ball fields on the California side of the South Shore.

This special tax has 20 years left on it — that's 20 more years money can pile up with nowhere to go.

Voters should amend the 2000 Measure S to expand its use. However, if they do, the JPA has a responsibility to be transparent and open with how that money is spent.

If voters pass Measure R, the JPA should be proactive about clearly communicating the public process to decide how to spend those dollars and the timeline in which projects will be complete.

Strong, rate-payer centric leadership needed on utility district board

The South Tahoe Public Utility District Board of Directors may not get as much attention as the South Lake Tahoe City Council or Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, but its direct impact on local homeowners is undeniable.

This upcoming election could change the philosophical make-up of the board, which is why it's important for voters to elect candidates who are strong advocates for rate payers.

Randy Vogelgesang is one of those candidates. Throughout his interviews with the Tribune and at other public forums, he has come out as a strong advocate for tax payers. He also has a strong grasp on what his role would be as a public official and the importance of overseeing the spending of public dollars.

When voters fill out their ballots on Tuesday, they should be certain to educate themselves beforehand and choose candidates who will represent the interests of the public.