To the Editor:

A letter to the editor published on Aug. 24 by Nick Green stated, “Grant County does need a pool.” Mr. Green confused wants with needs.

Needs are essentials for survival: food, clothing, shelter and medical care. I would add safety, but that was not in the definition found online. Wants include everything else, things that can improve quality of life. A pool is a want, not a need.

Now, with high inflation, increasing fuel and food costs, loss of the dollar’s purchasing value, already stressed families from unexpected increased costs, and uncertainties in employment is not the time for an unnecessary expenditure. Costs for heating will be an added burden with the onset of winter, and food and fuel costs will continue to rise.

I understand a segment of our population wants a pool in John Day, but it is fiscally irresponsible to approve a bond levy during this time of financial instability, committing the community to paying years of added taxes for a want.

If you have extra money not required to meet your family’s needs, please consider donating to the Grant County Food Bank or Carrie Young Memorial. Both entities are providing assistance, encouragement, and support to people in need in our community, and the needs are growing.

Do not vote to commit your neighbors, many of whom are struggling financially, to any added, unnecessary taxation to satisfy your want of a pool. Struggling families deserve consideration and compassion, not censure for opposing an added tax levy.

Pauline Loerke

John Day