Story Published: Feb 3, 2012 at 5:28 PM PDT
Story Updated: Feb 3, 2012 at 5:28 PM PDT
The frustration, disappointment and confusion with community members of the Lewis Clark Valley was expressed in an open letter. The letter was published in the Wednesday edition of the Lewiston Tribune. The letter addressed the council's decision to cancel their annual contribution to the Asotin County Family Aquatic Center.
"I think they broke promises to the county, which means the citizens who overwhelmingly voted for the Aquatic Center and it's originality and the sales tax that they promised would be contributed to the Aquatic Center, they stopped,"said retired financial executive Jack Seeh.
"Clarkston made a commitment when they closed their pool down that they were on board with the Aquatic Center and now all of the sudden they are pulling the rug from the kids of our community and families." said Sherry Seeh.
If the Family Aquatic Center does not receive funding or some alternative source of funding, the six foot wave pool will remain empty and the drains will remain dry where tumbleweeds will continue to gather.
"I hope the letter is going to generate more support or at least more vocal support from the public," said Facility Director Nick Bacon.
"My hope is that we engage the city in redebating this and understanding that they have some obligation," said Seeh.
The City Council Community Development board opted out of an interview Thursday saying, "A public statement will be issued as a group at the next city council meeting."
"I would hope that everybody's opinion counts and that the council listens to those and not just a vocal small group no matter which side of the issue they are on," said Don McQuary.
"It's important whether you have children or not that there is a facility like that," said Seeh. "It exists already so why wouldn't we provide it for the use of the people in our community, people that visit?"
"It is something that we need to reconsider as a community." said McQuary.
The Family Aquatic Center would hire anywhere from 20 to 60 people during the summer months for the water park.
