Council Lady Nash Extraordinaire
Situation: I am part of the Menlo aquatics community. I live/rent in District four. I am saddened by all the negative media drama and situation with the Menlo and Belle Haven Aquatics community that you and your team have promoted.
Background: I teach swimming to the 6-12 year olds at Burgess, this is the highlight of my week. I am a pediatric Nurse and believe water safety is paramount in reducing obesity and unnecessary deaths from drownings especially in underserved communities. I have swum solo the Maui, Catalina and English Channel. I care about swimming and aquatics programs deeply. I have swum multiple times at Belle Haven. My career has included voluntary work in the Belle Haven Community with Boys and Girls clubs and other programs.
Assessment: I am horrified at the unnecessary uncertainty of the Aquatics program at Belle Haven and Burgess and the expectation of one pool to pay for the other without suitable financial support from the local city council.
Request: Please provide a legitimate and viable option for the Menlo Park City Council to financially support Belle Haven other than expecting Menlo Residents and Burgess Pool and programs to pay higher rates.
For one of the top areas in the country for living, it is ridiculously sad that a strong aquatics community is not better supported by the local city council.
Please also provide a viable alternative if Sheeper had to be forced to resign due to the (unnecessary demands required from him) from running the always crystal blue pool and strong community supported aquatics programs.
My vote for your term to be renewed next year is in serious jeopardy for your ongoing role in the negative media for Burgess and Belle Haven Pools. I will also share this on social media so people understand your role in pressurizing Burgess and Menlo Park residents to pay to keep Belle Haven pool open.
Sincere appreciation for your time in reading.
Michele Santilhano
michksan@yahoo.com
