Dear Editor,
I agree with Mr. Wardell Leach on the fact that our community needs its public pool, but I don’t think raising donations is the right approach.
The black and white issue is in the past. That is not the reason why the opening of our pool is in question every year now. It is because we are too afraid to tackle the real reasons.
The truth is we should challenge the people who are responsible, our public officials who are at fault. The Board of Supervisors heads the list. The city has given so much until they have no more to give because of the lack of support given by the county. This community needs to understand we elect these people to serve us and not their personal ego.
The majority of this community’s leaders are black so burden of proof is really on them for not addressing this issue.
The city is not free of criticism on this issue. The fact is the city cannot afford to bear this burden alone, but you can fight a board that is elected by 55 percent of city voters. We have your back. Stand up for our children and the community as a whole.
My question is, why are we so hell bent on blaming the white community when most of our elected officials are black? This blame game has passed us years ago. On the Board of Supervisors we have two blacks; one is the president. If just one of them make a motion to fund the pool it will pass, and if not we will know where the rest stand.
I am personally asking my supervisor in this letter and by phone to make a motion to fund the operation of the pool for this summer. Why would we have to raise money for recreation when we pay taxes for it?
I commend Mr. Leach's effort. His heart is in the right place. Your taxes are just like Jesus’ blood – the price has already been paid.
The pool needs to stay closed until the board of supervisors become active players in the growth and development of our children's recreation. The lack of recreation is not only hurting our public schools, it is hurting our private schools as well. I talk to people, and I listen before I write. I am personally making this an election issue, and every candidate needs to make it the same. What are you running for and what issues are you running on? Recreation and education is a good start. If the city fails the whole county fails. It is time to put the children first.
If not now, when?
Coach Johnny Staples
