Hillsboro's current swimming pool is on its last legs. No one can say with certainty how much longer it will last.

Which raises the question: couldn't Hillsboro get by without a pool? Yes-at least for a time. Eventually, losing basic amenities that people look for in small-town living will spell our demise over the long haul.

Our kids need a place for healthy physical exercise during the hot days of summer. In this age of video games and the Internet, an attractive outdoor outlet is more important than ever.

In the long term, how will we keep and attract young families if we don't provide such a basic amenity for children-and adults, too? With a declining school enrollment, we must keep this community as attractive to families as we possibly can.

It's unfortunate that some of our big-ticket businesses-specifically the car dealerships and building-supplies center-carry the most risk when it comes to a sales-tax increase. We can help them bear up under it by redoubling our effort to buy locally whenever possible-even if it costs us a few dollars more. In a real sense, that is an investment we as local consumers must make in the future of our community.

This is not the time to shrink from a challenge. By voting "yes" for the half-cent sales tax increase, we communicate that we look toward our future with progressive eyes. -DR