To the Editor:

In your May 13 issue of the Washington Daily News, an article written by Mike Voss discussed the City Council’s deliberations concerning the possible closing of the Hildred Moore Aquatic Center. Comments made by swimming coaches Spencer Pake and Scott Pake, along with Dr. David Mays, who makes extensive use of the facility, pointed out very strongly the importance of the swimming pool in our community. You also quoted remarks made by Doug Mercer of the City Council, whose opinion is summarized in his statement that you highlighted, “As far as I’m concerned, gentlemen, we out to get out of the pool business.”

I would like to inform Mr. Mercer that supporting facilities like our swimming pool for the betterment of this community and our kids is not a “business.” In the past, doing what is right and best of the members of this community has been our priority, not whether we manage to stay in the “black” or not. Has this changed?

Steps have been taken and will continue to be taken to enhance the appeal, and thus revenue, of this operation. Destroying this wonderful asset to our community either through closure or restricted hours would simply be wrong—for all of us, whether we swim or not.

 

Jim Biese

Chocowinity