Editor,

Why would someone like me who lives and is a registered voter in Coupeville be interested in a Oak Harbor swimming pool levy?

The Vanderzicht Memorial Pool is tax supported and fee supported.

I pay a non-resident fee. The pool’s 81 degree temperature is year round and provides affordable recreation for all, encouraging a healthy lifestyle with activities that are well supervised.

My use of the pool is through the Silver Sneaker program which is supported by my health insurance that pays the pool for my use.

Fee support does not cover the expenses that the pool requires, so from time to time a levy is used to help with the maintenance.

The Oak Harbor pool is the only facility on Whidbey Island that has a Silver Sneaker program.

Other districts on the Island have tried to have a pool facility but have failed. Oak Harbor’s pool is established and this levy will keep it maintained and continue to attract people like me, who, though not a resident, still help pay the bills.

Vote “yes” for the parks and pool levy.

Brian Martin

Coupeville