I just love it when money grows on trees in my backyard.

Yeah, it takes a little work to get the dollars to come off in one piece without tearing through the illustrations of Washington or Franklin, but once I’ve harvested a bag full from my flowering moneywood, I’m all set for any unforeseen expense. I can pay for my groceries, gas, and even those darn taxes. And with the recent price hikes, it’s especially handy to have these special trees right out back.

What, you haven’t heard of this breakthrough in financial flora? Well, don’t worry. I’m making it up. (I had you going, admit it!) But apparently, in Standish, some of the local leaders believe town residents do have such trees growing in their backyards. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t still be considering building a multi-million dollar community center.

I can’t believe we’re still talking about a potential community center for Standish. This effort has been around (stalled?) for years and is afresh on the pages of the Lakes Region Weekly. It’s admirable that the community center study group – albeit comprised of dedicated, loyal and longtime Standish residents – wants to bring a community center to the sprawling town, but there are two major reasons not to do it.

1. The whole idea of the project is fiscally irresponsible. With finances for average Mainers frighteningly tight, Standish doesn’t have the money to build a community center. If the average Standish taxpayer is having to curtail his spending in order to afford next winter’s heating fuel, gasoline to commute into Westbrook or Portland each day and costlier groceries, there is no way town leaders can expect taxpayers to pay for such things as a community center. Even if the building were barebones, namely without a pool, the project’s cost would still be in the six figures.

I don’t understand the mentality that believes a town (which at its core is just another word for a group of people) can afford luxury when the individuals making up the group are struggling to pay bills. To propose spending for items not essential to running the town at a time of financial strain is irresponsible. Responsible leaders should recognize the current financial state and cancel the project until the townspeople can afford what is essentially a luxury.

2. Redundancy. What makes the community center a non-starter, and has influenced my view of the project from the get-go, is that the project is unneeded. Think of all the other buildings in town that already provide what supporters have wanted in a community center.

You want a pool to practice your Phelpsian breaststroke? Go to St. Joseph’s College. The college has repeatedly said it wants more residents to take advantage of the Alfond pool and even offers discounts to lure Standish’s swimmers.

You want a large meeting space? Well, the gymnasium at Bonny Eagle was pretty huge the last time I was in it.

You want a smaller space for more intimate settings such as senior citizens or arts and crafts groups? Hold them in one of the elementary schools in town or the Schoolhouse Arts Center. The Schoolhouse, I’m sure, would be more than grateful for the income generated from this potential use of their building.

The bottom line is this: Why construct a new building when everything it would be used for can be found in existing buildings around town? It doesn’t make sense.

Standish is a great place. I’ve always enjoyed driving its country roads and viewing Sebago Lake from the boat ramp. Who can drive by the Old Red Church without enjoying its deep red color and ancient, yet sturdy frame? And, unlike Windham where the location of the center of town is in dispute, there’s a distinct town center in Standish that provides all the essentials of a well-organized community including banks, a large food store, restaurants, gas stations, car repair garages and even some historic homes that provide a link to the past.

With so much going for it, Standish leaders don’t need to provide anything else for the townspeople. The status quo is working well. I wonder if supporters of the community center somehow believe a community center would increase Standish’s clout or entice newcomers. They should realize Standish is perfect the way it is.

I take that back. Standish isn’t exactly perfect. It still needs beach access on Sebago Lake with a few flowering moneywoods planted as buffer for beach erosion. Then, it would be truly perfect!

John Balentine, who lives in Windham, isn’t perfect either. If you disagree

with his comments, write a letter to the editor and share your view.