Consider pool issue facts and not scary Halloween stories

To the Editor:

I read the letter from Mr. Welsey and would like to say, shame on you, Mr. Welsey for using scare tactics and half truths.

Mr. Welsey stated that if the aquatic center costs rise so will our taxes. That is pure BS. If the voters vote for the aquatic center at the $2.8 million projected building cost then that is all they will get for construction and no more so they will have to make it work, and as with any community improvement project there are ways to keep cost down.

Mr. Welsey went on to say that costs have skyrocketed, and so they have, but what he failed to point out is that this happens after every major disaster and that the cost come back down within a few months when supply starts to meet demand. Even after the vote there's a lot to do before construction can start, and winter is coming so before the start up of this project prices should be close to normal again.

I spent hours online trying to find any cases of someone who was taxed out of their home. I did not find any, but did find that those who did lose their homes to tax liens were due to non payment of a business tax, or nonpayment of property tax in protest of taxes.

Now to the rent issue I don't think that the land owners will raise rents to cover costs, most will only see about a 7 to 9 dollar increase hardly worth the hassle.

This aquatic center by itself will not bring tourists but it may get them to stay an extra day, and it will bring people from the surrounding area, all spending money in our little community. All this will be icing on the cake. The bottom line for the pool is for the people of Libby, so that we have a place to enjoy spending time with friends and family.

Mr. Welsey, you want the voters to question the center and well they should. Questions like how have aquatic centers helped other communities and how they make for a fun and safe place for kids. And if you read the brochure you will see that this pool has many planned uses, all of which will help to support it. I have seen first hand how a pool can help a community and neither one became a money pit.

So Mr. Welsey, if anyone needs a reality check it's you. Look to the facts and save your scary stories for Halloween.

Rodney Whelchel