A joint message to the community

To the Editor:

A joint message from outgoing Mayor Deb Foster and incoming Mayor Lee Baarts.

As the city transitions from the outgoing mayor and council members to new leadership and council members, we are filled with hope and optimism of the many good things to come and how we all can work together, as one, for the betterment of the greater community.

We believe there IS a path forward with the Fairmont Area Community Center. A path that this community as a whole can support. We look back on the lessons learned from years’ past and how they provide insight and healing for the next chapter, for the New Year.

We have heard this community loud and clear. We have heard your support, your questions, your concerns and your excitement for what can be. We do not take anything lightly. We are confident, working together, we will find solutions to make the new community center a reality.

As we reflect on where we have been and where we are going, there are several beliefs and commitments that we share:

• We believe this is an exceptional community and want to see it succeed, prosper and grow for years to come.

• We believe this community is blessed to have so many people give so much of their time and talents over the many years to get us to where we are today.

• We believe there is an immediate need for a new YMCA and this community is fortunate to have private donors investing so significantly to make this a reality now.

• We believe the community will greatly benefit from a new ice arena but a financial path must be built immediately to bring it to fruition as soon as possible.

• We believe in the greatness of Fairmont and the surrounding communities.

• And, we commit to work together, with respect, with kindness, and with civility in order to accomplish our mutual goals.

Please join us, along with the Fairmont Area Community Center Foundation and the Fairmont Youth Hockey Association, as we pause to give thanks this Holiday Season and to celebrate the many blessings and opportunities that await our community in the New Year.

Deb Foster

City of Fairmont Mayor, 2017-2022

Lee Baarts

City of Fairmont Mayor, 2023

FACC Foundation

Fairmont Youth Hockey

Association