Votes on rec centers show different minds

I was in Creston, British Columbia, for the Canada Day celebration. The visit included a tour of the public recreational center.

The center is a very impressive facility and Creston residents I talked with were proud of it. The facility was of special interest to me because I remember the referendum to build it was on the ballot in Creston about the same time a similar measure was on the ballot in Sandpoint.

At the time, many of my friends in Sandpoint said they did not want to pay for a recreational center they were too old to enjoy.

Many of my friends in Creston said the same thing except they added, but someone paid for the facility I used as a youngster so I am obligated to vote yes, although I don’t care if it passes. I voted yes in Sandpoint for the same reason my friends in Creston did.

Of course, living in North Idaho, I did not have to worry about paying for the consequences of my actions. The yes vote in Creston was about the same percentage as the no vote in Sandpoint.

Interesting to see how different cultures develop. Growing up, I had never seen a private beach, played hockey in a private arena or tennis on a private court. I had never swum in a private pool. I did not know any better. I thought that was the way all over.

Today, I live in a private condo park. I have a private beach, tennis courts and pool.

If I had grown up this way, I wonder if I still would have voted for the public recreational center in Sandpoint.

HARVEY PINE

Sandpoint