By Dan O’Brien
Re “Natatorium: Why It Closed, Why It Should Be Reopened”
Two points to Robert Smith's letter yesterday morning, which I have placed in quotes:
1) “We have almost 1,000 signatures on the paper and online petition. United Parents of Culver City started a petition for the bond after they saw our petition was working.”
Rebuttal: Online petitions actually did exist prior to Robert Zirgulis’s efforts to rally support for the Natatorium. In fact, UPCC used one last year in support of parent volunteers: http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/culver-city-board-of
Maybe Mr. Z started his petition because he saw that our petition worked. Or maybe because petitions have been around since the Magna Carta was written, and have been used with great success over the centuries, it is common knowledge that publishing a petition is a good idea.
2) “I can't believe I have to fight UPCC as well as the School Board to get this pool reopened. Who are these people who want to tear down the building?”
Rebuttal: UPCC never has published a position on the Natatorium. We do have members who actually support its renovation. But it never has come up for a vote. UPCC is a democratically run organization with representatives from across the School District. If one of those representatives feels an issue, such as the physical state of the Natatorium, should be fought for, then he or she can present the argument for a vote. If it passes, UPCC would begin a process of advocating for that cause.
Mr. O’Brien may be contacted at beverlyanddan@aol.com
