Funding the aquatic center was an economic and political challenge. But once voters were informed of the need and weighed the cost, they stepped forward as a significant majority to accept a half-cent sales tax increase. We appreciate the marketing challenge the increase presents to our local car dealerships; as a show of solidarity, we citizens can and should support them by buying vehicles locally.

We also want to add that city leaders made a wise choice in hiring Jodi Stutzman to oversee the development of the facility and its programs as aquatic director. Barely a year out of college, she has proven to have the enthusiasm, vision and business sense that will be needed to make the aquatic center successful in every sense of the word.

This a project residents can be proud of. -DR