During the past decade, Ashe County’s citizens and leaders have had to deal with a variety of “bills” that have come due.

For a period, the county’s leaders put off paying these bills, even though with some foresight it should have been possible to see the needs. Finally, there was no way to delay “payment” any longer.

The historic but inadequate and deteriorating courthouse was the first bill to come up. Then came the high schools, where duplicated services were costing taxpayers and their small size was depriving students of too many opportunities. Next the county had wrestle with the jail, as the present facility is obviously past any possibility of long continued use. Then, finally, came the wise decision to invest in the future of our children (and, really, everyone) by expanding and modernizing the library.

Just when we thought we had hit the end of the list of major capital projects in the county, there came the unwelcome news that the pool at Ashe County Middle School had to be closed because of its poor condition.

The pool is an important facility for the county. We have too little recreation for our young people, and closing the pool simply makes that situation worse. To make our position clear, we believe the pool must either be renovated to be usable or, if it proves more cost effective, replaced.

Swimming offers our young people the opportunity to learn a life-long fitness skill and have safe, clean fun in a healthy environment. The pool also offers an opportunity for families to have fun