commentary

There is no doubt that swimming is an excellent sport and good for our kids. Nobody is questioning that there are dozens of dedicated and selfless volunteers and parents that make a swim team successful. Those are givens. The question is whether we can AFFORD to give a free ride to all the surrounding swim teams while we lose 300k a year? The reality is that we are in a recession that is deepening every day. People are tightening their belts and cutting back on expenses that are not absolutely necessary. The residents of MS are willing to work with the residents of other cities to work out a fair and equitable solution, if one can be found. The residents of MS are no longer willing to bear this burden alone. If no reasonable solution can be found, closing the pool during the off-season would be a last option, as a means to minimize our losses in these difficult times. There are other options close by for MDAC. Closing may not be the most desirable outcome, but losing 300k a year is not very desirable for the Springs residents either.