Cranky?

Most of you who commented on my previous post regarding the Astoria Aquatic Center are just being cranky. That according to Mary Blake the director of the Sunset Parks and Rec District.

I guess I'm cranky too.

In an interview with KAST's Michael Desmond, Blake talks about the proposal briefly before straying into the success stories she can tell about her district. She confirms that in order for this annexation to take place an election will be held. She says her board has already set money aside to poll the residents of her district and those in Astoria about the proposal. She says that to her mind this whole thing makes perfect sense. Then she starts talking about the metaphysics of swimming pools and lost me again. One thing was pretty clear. The Sunset Parks and Rec district board is eager to add Astoria. No doubt. Adding Astoria to a Seaside tax base would be beneficial for them even with the added operational expense. I guess that's what Mary is saying.

She suggests that under a district structure fees at the ACC could be reduced. She suggests that she would introduce the same programs in Astoria(perhaps running a summer meal site?, 50 cent swims?) that she has put in place at the pool facility in Seaside. She is deeply into synergy so those Astorians who fear losing control of the ACC need not be concerned about that aspect of the annexation proposal. The Sunset Parks and Rec District coexists with other organizations like Seaside Kids Inc. so the recently re-incorporated Patrons of the Pool non-profit would most likely be welcomed in a Mary Blake Universe.

Perhaps the City Of Astoria should consider getting out of the parks business entirely and simply place all of the recreation programs under this expanded district. Mirror what Seaside does in order to make the proposal more attractive including the management of community halls, parks upkeep..etc. If we are considering this annexation proposal seriously we should go all in.