Let’s have a vote

To the Editor:

Since there was limited financial information at the Nov. 2nd open house for the Fairmont Community Center, I attended the joint work session for the proposed community center on Nov. 9. Thank you Sentinel for your very thorough coverage of such an important matter.

At the meeting, the public had an agenda and colorful drawings of the 3 proposed facilities and photos of the existing hockey arena. The people that were at the table, as listed in the article, had additional information, such as the YMCA’s breakout of salaries and memberships, bonding options and I don’t know what else. During the presentations, I wrote down questions, 9 to be exact. After all presentations were done, Kathy Reynolds opened the floor up to discussion. I waited until there was a lull and I raised my hand. I was given a no head shake and so I am still in the dark on some important details.

I will state the obvious again; Fairmont citizens need to be educated about this project. If I’ve had this much difficulty obtaining a few details, I can’t imagine what other citizens know, or don’t even know they don’t know! I am at the point that it feels like information is intentionally being held back from the public.

The city council will be voting on the Fairmont Community Center during their Nov. 28th meeting. Is anyone else concerned that they will be casting their vote without getting feedback from knowledgeable constituents? Given the recession and the impact COVID has had on society, it is only democratic to seek input from the very citizens expected to support this facility. How awful would it be to build a community center and not have enough support to continue operating it?

Terry Riggs

Fairmont