Dave Hopkins Letter to the Editor 8/9/2023

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Here is your chance to respond to the David Hopkins Letter to the Editor in Methow Valley News 8/9/2023

Process questioned

Dear Editor:

There has been a lot of excitement, confusion and anger since Friends of the Pool (FOP) announced it would put an initiative on the ballot to establish a Metropolitan Park District (MPD). My confusion prompted me to contact FOP and do some research.

FOP has been planning to replace the aging Wagner Pool since 2019. In 2021 a feasibility study was conducted. In March 2022, FOP conducted a Zoom meeting open to the public to offer three different pool alternatives. The least expensive alternative was an outdoor competitive pool with attached recreational pool area (that could be covered in the future) at a cost of about $6.8 million to $11.8 million, with annual operating costs of $75,000 to $125,000. The most expensive alternative offered two indoor pools (one heated) and hot tub area at a cost of $17.9 million to $24.3 million, with annual operating costs of $650,000 to $725,000. The 40 people that attended the zoom meeting overwhelmingly chose the most expensive alternative. FOP agreed, and decided to establish a MPD to run and fund the pools.

While I admire FOP for its willingness to take on such a project, I don’t agree on their process or decisions. A small sample size of enthusiastic supporters may not reflect what pool option a majority of people would choose. In my opinion, a scoping letter should have been mailed to everyone in the district to explain options and gather input. “A pool for everyone,” right?

FOP chose to establish an MPD, which is bestowed enormous powers and provides little taxpayer accountability. The vast majority of recreation projects in Washington state are funded by Park and Recreation Districts, which give taxpayers accountability by putting the levy on the ballot every six years. I trust the people in this valley enough to know they wouldn’t abandon a pool they just paid for.

If the proposition to establish a MPD fails, I hope FOP will allow all people to vote for the pool alternative of their choice (if any), run by a more taxpayer-friendly recreation district. I would like to be able to give my support to FOP in the future.

Dave Hopkins