Support for the YMCA community center

To the Editor:

My name is Crystal Morton and I am writing in regard to the ongoing discussion about the future of our town as well as the development of the YMCA community center.

I was born and raised in the Fairmont community, and I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience growing up here. I am currently 22 years old and pursuing a degree in social work at Minnesota State University, Mankato. As I finish my last year of school, I am happy to say that I am at a point in my life where I get to decide where I want to begin my career, buy a home, and start a family. I would like nothing more than to raise a family in the place where I grew up, but I am apprehensive as this city is reluctant in investing in the future of a growing and prosperous town. Often, I am asked by community members if I plan to return after earning my degree, and I have to say that I’m not confident that I will return due to the fact that in my 22 years here, the town has grown little. I feel that investing in the community center would bring a wide variety of opportunities for our youth and make the city an attractive place to live, work and visit. The YMCA Community Center is for everyone, every age, and every background. Young families will be encouraged to move to Fairmont and stay when they know the community has an asset like the YMCA Community Center.

I desperately want to see this community grow. I feel and understand this community feels at risk to pursue a project like this. However, I as a prospective permanent community member feel that I would be taking a risk to return to this town without leadership that is willing to further the development of this city. We are all taking risks. The community center WILL BE the deciding factor on whether myself and many others will stay or return to Fairmont. I strongly support the YMCA Community Center and ask that you support it as well and do what you can to bring this asset to our community.

Thank you,

Crystal Morton

Fairmont