To the editor:

Why is it that politicians, spending someone else’s money, are so gullible and universally have no personal fiscal restraint? The proposed Cape Coral National Swimming Center is a typical case in point.

Some 15 or 20 or so years ago, Roseville, Minnesota faced a very similar proposal when the skating enthusiasts of the Twin Cities wanted an International Olympic skating facility and came to the city council with the proposal. The arguments in favor of it sounded exactly like the ones being proposed for the National Swimming Center, and the city officials bought into the sales pitch just as the officials are seemingly buying into them in Cape Coral.

“People will come from all over the country to stage their meets here.” “It will bring in untold business and employment opportunities.” “Tourists will flock here to use it.” “It will make so much money that it will reduce the taxes of all the residents,” (an actual promise made to Roseville rulers, never mind that the only two other such existing facilities in the country were losing massive amounts of money, a piece of information that was given to the council members but totally rejected). Of course those who were suggesting the construction of this facility were not the ones who would have to pay for it upon its failure. And fail it did.

Oh, it is still in operation for the comparatively few who come to use it, (ice skating in the winter and roller skating in the summer) and they do truly enjoy its massive layout, and it is truly a structure of magnificence, as most government-constructed structures are. However, from the very first day of its existence, it has lost “massive amounts of money” (my prediction to the city council members at the time it was being considered), which the city and Roseville residents have had to support with their property taxes ever since. Many have suggested that it should be torn down and turned into a park or parking lot or some other income-producing center, to no avail.

Some quotes regarding this Swimming Center proposal should be noted:

Mr. John Mcilhargy, National Swimming Center Corp. consultant: “This is a next generation aquatic facility that will be event conscious, and will make swimming more accessible to people who don’t understand the sport.” Exactly the same argument that was made by the skating association enthusiasts to Roseville.

It will be large enough to accommodate up to 10,000 spectators with all of the related accommodations and amenities. Roseville heard the same promises, and to date have never accommodated more than a few hundred spectators with no related amenities.

“When you generate commercial projects, it’s like that ‘Field of Dreams’ thing: Build it and they will come,” Mr. Mcilhargy said. Roseville heard that promise and believed it, despite contrary evidence, and built it, and “they” did not and have not come.

Finally, and to end the conversation, if the proposal is so fantastic and will be so successful, then why are the investors looking for that “free” taxpayer money to support it. Someone should call Corpus Christie, Texas, where this facility was rejected, and find out just what the objections were. Perhaps someone there has information regarding such a facility that would put an entirely different perspective on it, and certainly one that will not be revealed here by the promoters of it. Public servants beware of investors who want to use taxpayers’ money to promote their risky developments. Be the guardians of tax monies and not just wild spenders.

R. J. Houck

Roseville, Minnesota

Part time resident of Cape Coral