In addition to selecting a new president and many other public officials during the Nov. 4 general election, Hays voters will be weighing in on two ballot measures as well. The first is the county government's $5 million purchase of and resulting move to the Hadley Building. The second will be a proposed $8 million sports complex on the west side of town.

Promoters of the sports complex have been extremely active -- visiting nursing homes, social organizations, businesses, pretty much anybody who'll lend an ear -- to explain the benefits the community will receive if the measure is approved.

They're even planning a town hall meeting next week to reach anybody they haven't up to this point. It will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Gross Memorial Hall on the campus of Fort Hays State University.

We encourage anybody with questions about the sportsplex to attend. It will be an open opportunity for the public to speak directly with the committee.

There should be plenty of questions associated with a half-cent additional sales tax imposed on purchases made in Hays for the next four years. Previous 1/2 cent sales taxes have resulted in two outstanding quality-of-life enhancements to the community: The Hays Aquatic Park and the renovation of the Hays Public Library.

While we believe this $8 million complex will benefit this area as well, it is in the hands of residents as to whether we'll proceed with the project.

If you're not aware of answers to these questions, you should:

* How much revenue will be generated directly by the complex? Where will those dollars go?

* How much revenue will be generated indirectly and which businesses stand to gain? Will the complex potentially spawn new businesses to open?

* Is there demand in the market for a venue of this size? Will we be able to book enough tournaments to justify its existence?

* What will the balance between tournament play and community use be? Who will control the schedule of field use so FHSU, Hays High, TMP-Marian, the Hays Recreation Commission and the general public all are accommodated?

* How many new employees will the city need to hire to maintain the complex? Will they be paid out of the sales tax proceeds?

* Will the complex have a cereal malt beverage license in order to attract adult league play? Will the concession stands be run by private or public entities?

* Will the fields be surfaced with real grass or artificial turf? How do costs compare over the long run?

* Will it be possible to incorporate sand volleyball courts into the plan?

* Will the overall price tag be lowered by sharing infrastructure costs with FHSU?

The sports complex committee members and the hundreds of volunteers involved to date are ready to answer these questions -- and plenty others. We encourage the public to take advantage of the town hall meeting by attending. This is a significant amount of tax dollars being proposed; voters should get all the facts before Nov. 4.

Editorial by Patrick Lowry

plowry@dailynews.net