Mayors lament

Billy seemed to be observably upset that anyone would doubt that his motives for wanting the new gym were anything but altruistic. It would be easier to believe him if the whole thing hadnt been handled in such an underhanded, secretive, and disingenuous manner. To say the survey indicated that the residents wanted a wide array of new services was unwarranted. They asked a bunch of kids what they would like, as a wish list, with NO considerations as to the possible costs. A bowling alley and a water-theme park were two of the options, if memory serves me. IF the Pistorino report had been given a full hearing, discussion, and vote, then it could be said that due diligence had been done. THAT wasnt done, and was dismissed early on by the MAYOR. HE was responsible for burying that report DEEP so it was never heard of again. Kids presented with a wish list are going to ask for everything they can get. Those are wants, not needs. Its the adults job to inject some reasoning and fiscal sense of what is affordable to that discussion. The Mayor seems intent to bring this new gym here whether we need it, want it, or can afford it. There is considerable doubt on all three fronts, and that leads people to question his motivations. If he had operated in an upfront, transparent, and responsible manner those questions would be moot. To decide out of hand that the Pistorino option was NOT a possibility AND not let the people vote on the new gym was a mistake that may very well come back to haunt him.

commentary

There are serious doubts that ANY family would choose to live here and buy a home because of the swim coach. I know of NONE that have done that in over forty years. The reason we cant afford to pay for everybody else's kids is because we cant afford it- we are in a recession that is deepening every day AND we are already losing 300k per year. We may be willing to give our handful of kids a break on the price to practice here but we should NOT be expected to pay for everybody else's kids too. It is simply a luxury we can no longer afford. If the others want to contribute their fair shares to keep the losses to a minimum and the pool open, that could be considered, but to pay 5% of our losses when 95% of that team is NOT our kids, is just unacceptable. While the pool is not designed to make a lot of money, its also not designed or intended to LOSE 300k a year. We have shouldered the load and taken the losses for years- its somebody else's turn now.