By Terry McConn of the Union-Bulletin

How can we deal with the homeless problem?

And the lack of parking downtown?

Will we ever have a swimming pool? Or faster street repairs?

Can Borleske Stadium last forever? What about the building that houses the pro shop and restaurant at the city golf course?

And should we pay for a city-run youth center to keep kids off the streets?

Questions like those are what spurred the Union-Bulletin to poll governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations and members of the business community to get their takes on which projects taxpayers will likely be asked to fund in the next two decades.

We plan to print a compilation in the next few days and then ask readers to make a valuable contribution to planning for our future.

We want to emphasize that in most cases, the projects listed are just well-intentioned estimates by public officials. No one, at this time, is asking voters for any money.

But the information will allow the community to view anticipated needs over the next 20 years all at one time, rather than individually and piecemeal through bond elections. In other words, you can examine the entire meal in advance, so you know how much of each course you might want to eat.

Keep in mind, you're likely going to be asked in future elections to vote for only one project at a time. Remember also that bond payments eventually drop off once a specific debt is paid.

Decisions ultimately are up to you.

To all of us.

Can we afford all that we want? Should we put off what we need?

The Union-Bulletin is asking you to decide priorities by participating in an easy survey, one that we hope will be eye-opening.

We believe everyone wins when the public helps its elected officials set priorities.

Would you pay extra property taxes for a new police station or improvements to Walla Walla High School?

Or both?

Or a swimming pool, a library, a downtown parking garage?

Or any other requests likely to come your way?

Perhaps you want to put your money where your mouth is and suggest an idea of your own for public discussion. Or maybe you don't think you can afford anything more.

If enough readers participate in this exercise that will be outlined in the Union-Bulletin in the next couple of days, community leaders may get a clearer picture - and focus - of the future we all envision.