Editor:
I am in full support of keeping our community pool open for use by all our citizens.
Eleven years ago I was a member of the political action committee that worked on the school bond measure which included two options for the pool. One would have built a new facility. The other, which the voters chose, addressed the deferred maintenance issues of the current facility.
At that time, one task I had was to collect information about other similar public pool facilities around the state. The results of my research showed that Sweet Home’s annual operating costs were low in comparison.
The proposed levy to raise about $90,000 is even less than the $150,000 that operating the pool cost in 2001. Some of that difference will be made up for by increased user fees, but not all of it can be.
The pool serves so many in our community. The child just learning to swim, competitive athletes, pregnant mothers, people recovering from injury or surgery, those with joint issues that can no longer walk for exercise … I’ve been all of those. I bet you know someone that has too. The pool makes a difference. It builds our community, it helps keep our kids safe, and it fosters health and wellness for all ages. Please cast your vote in this election and when you do, please vote yes on Local Option Tax 22-111.
Donna Short
Sweet Home