I would support a recreational district to keep the Astoria Aquatic center open. Even though I don't use the pool, I understand the value of the facility to the community.
Others may not be quite so generous. In comments added to previous posts on the Blog there is a call for those who use the pool to take on the burden leaving the majority of city taxpayers out of the mess.
In order to be effective and acceptable to most city taxpayers this district will have to offer something of value beyond the pool. This suggests a division between parks and recreation in the city of Astoria. If the newly formed committee looks at the big picture and doesn't limit it's discussion to the AAC it may be possible to craft a win-win situation that would significantly improve recreational opportunities while dedicating more of the parks budget to take care of our infrastructure in the long-term.
In this economy voters are unlikely to pass a district measure that would increase taxes unless there is significant thought given to what we stand to gain over time. I would strongly suggest that if the city goes this direction they do not down-play the cost by comparing the tax increase to the cost of a pizza. Instead be clear about how this district will make our community better on the whole.
Regarding the idea of going outside of Astoria to help fund the Aquatics Center, I suggest not to ask city by city to share in the funding, but to go neighborhood by neighborhood ie: Riverpoint, Lewis and Clark, John Day, etc. I think there would be more chance to get agreement. Neighbors could lobby neighbors to join in. We are coming up on summer where it would be beneficial for families to carpool children in for lessons. These kind of opportunities to promote the agreement are significant.
ReplyDeleteI suggest declaring the pool a "disaster" area and apply for fed. funds. (The way it has been operated certainly is a disaster). If that won't fly, apply for a bailout.
ReplyDeleteNext: Give it to the Coast Guard, let the Feds pay for it.
Better idea: Give it to the county, get out of the way of Northern Star, build Bradwood, and pay for the pool with new tax revenu from that. (But don't retain the present mis-management.(
What Jim Wilkins is on the Budget Committee?
ReplyDeleteI thought he was also a contractor for the City?
I have a question. Everytime I have ever been to the pool in the mornings, it is full of Coast Guard people. Do they pay to use the pool? If not, maybe they could partially fund it.
ReplyDeleteIs there a viable option to turn it over to a private party that could make it turn a profit?
Back when the college needed money, it was suggested it partner with the Aquatic Center. Why not do that now? Swim classes could be part of physical education credits. Give the students more options and bring more activity to the aquatic center.
ReplyDeleteAnd as for energy savings, how about a big wind turbine on the roof? What we have here is definitely lots of wind!
Tom, Another thing that is never mentioned regarding the pool is that CITY EMPLOYEE's and their FAMILIES use the pool for free. That is a perk I would like to see stopped. If they want to use the pool they should pay just like the rest of us.
ReplyDelete