commentary

Nope, no open houses for me, but I DO intend to come to YOUR HOUSE as I go around the Springs talking to people. There are serious issues to be discussed and debated and THIS is the time to do it! I had several interesting discussions yesterday about the pool and various other city functions, or malfunctions. This is American democracy in action, as it should be, debating and discussing the pros and cons of a wide range of opinions and possible solutions. Dr. Mel P. Johnson

commentary

This forum seems to be most helpful and valuable when issues are addressed. When personalities are involved the issues are frequently lost and the discussion degenerates into name-calling and worse. This forum can be, and usually is, an exercise in American democracy. Freedom of speech. Lets make an effort to address the issues in a manner that lends itself to productive and positive debate and discussion, and eventual resolution of the many problems that face us as a community. We really ARE all in this together. stating the facts as we know them, with accompanying documentation or credible references, should always be welcomed. Personal attacks and vendettas have no place here. Personal criticisms based on facts of public officials and their performances is fair game. It is part and parcel of their position and a healthy and necessary part of our democracy, as a part of the checks and balances process. Lets do our part, but do it conscientously and include ALL the facts as it pertains to the method and performance of our City officials.

exercise in American democracy

It was good to see the Council chambers packed again, as it does show that some of our residents care about what happens at the pool. I am afraid that most of the speakers missed the main point, however. NOBODY was saying that swimming isnt good exercise and a great sport, with LOTS of benefits to a lot of people all over the world. That much is pretty much conceded and indisputable. The point is that, in these VERY difficult times, can we afford to leave it open year-round? especially when there are so few of our own kids involved, and the losses are HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of dollars to the taxpayers? That is the basic question, and doesnt even begin to address the propriety of subsidizing a private team with public tax monies. OR why numbers and statements were made WITHOUT any form of documentation or proof? Another question would be- why are we NOT getting the standard pool rental rates for the use of our pool? IF we were, at least getting those monies, our pool costs would be considerably less. There are several questions that still remain unanswered. The Aquatics/polo numbers make no sense if what they are telling us about revenues that were supposed to have been collected is true. Why would Gym say there is an Optimist connection if there IS NONE? If he would blatantly fabricate that statement it casts doubts about his credibility, and makes one wonder what OTHER statements are fabricated? Just because only one resident showed up to question the wisdom of all these issues does NOT mean that others do not care either. Plenty of concerned residents show up here and do a lot of valuable services to the city with their research and inquiries. They show up HERE and that is a valuable contribution. To say their points are invalid because they didnt show up at the Council meeting is ridiculous, of course. MORE community involvement is needed, but lets focus on resolving the real issues. It is conceded that swimming is great exercise and team swimming is a great sport. Now lets focus on the issues that are specific to OUR pool, and its operations. By the way, I am not hiding anywhere. I was there and I spoke. This is an exercise in American democracy. Comments are welcome.