Dear Editor:
So council would like Summerland taxpayers to vote yes in the referendum to borrow up to $50 million for the proposed pool and recreation centre, amounting to said taxpayers writing a blank cheque.
Although we have witnessed an enthusiastic sell job claiming this state-of-the-art, carbon-neutral wonder will bring harmony and happiness to the community in perpetuity, a
it was claimed that the existing pool has more users than Summerland residents. When pushed on this, it was said that due to software issues, they have no real idea of the numbers.
Another tidbit dug up was that the existing pool had not been properly maintained for several years. That makes me think the planners thought this would be a slam dunk.
The sales job further insinuated that a no vote would mean no pool to trigger the guilt factor.
Not true. Most of us voting no are saying no to this plan. There is no other plan on the referendum.
It does not take a genius to understand that Summerland residents are being hit hard by inflationary costs at every level including our Summerland monthly bills, and that the additional $600, $800, $1,000 or more per year for this facility is not rational.
Considering the council just stated there are several more expensive capital projects coming in the near future, which they won’t announce until after the referendum, voting yes would be sheer folly.
Andy Richards
Summerland