To the Editor:

I am writing this letter in hopes that more people in Grant County will really step back and look at the benefits of what a pool does for a small community. When I moved here, my parents’ co-worker had several children on swim team and it piqued my curiosity and so I went for it. I loved the weekend meets, both in Grant County and surrounding areas, and being able to participate definitely kept me out of trouble.

By having a pool in John Day it will help keep kids occupied and those that want to be on swim team will have that ability to participate, and also with swimming lessons and lifeguard training, recreational swimming, these are all assets to a small town bringing revenue, jobs and a lifetime of memories.

I can honestly say from experience that this is so important to have in this community. I realize some people are upset by increased taxes, but don’t we all buy coffee or go out to eat? Seems like a small price to pay for the kids and families to have something to do.

Vote “yes” for a pool, it will be worth it!

K. Pike-Howard

Seminole, Texas

Editor’s note: The author is a traveling nurse who spends part of each year in Grant County.