Letter to the Editor: I want to invest in my community

To the editor,

I sometimes feel grouchy about our city’s decisions. When the last pool closed, I was upset that it couldn’t be saved (and a little doubtful that was really true.) I am also keenly aware that Shoreline residents already pay a lot of taxes (I’m also thankful for that: I am a teacher).

Yet I am also, more than ever, grateful for my small local government working to help our community. As a second grade teacher I have also been teaching my class about communities. We sing a song about taxes and government. “Taxes pay for the government, for school and parks, pools and libraries.” It feels like a gift to talk with students about these ideas. When we have talked about pools, I always have a couple kids pipe up “I have a pool” or “I go to Innis Arden” and then we talk about how not everyone does, or can.

Pools are so beneficial to communities. Swimming lessons are a safety necessity for our community; water exercises for seniors are vital. We have neighboring public pools but who knows when Seattle (or other communities) will need to close those. We need our own.

This project is expensive. Regretfully, I think I might have voted against the last one. I think I thought it was too big and fancy. But I am definitely voting for this project. This project is scaled down. It won’t get any cheaper. I want to invest in my community and contribute to a project that will benefit future kids and families.

I hope you will join me in voting yes,

Mary Anne Thomas
Shoreline