Editor’s note: This Reader Forum article was written by Hugh Jackson of Lake Bluff and it first was posted on GazeboNews last week; it is being re-posted in the “features” section now so that readers can compare the pro-referendum commentaries with the vote-no commentaries. Reader Forum articles represent the writer’s opinions and not necessarily those of GazeboNews. If you would like to comment on this Reader Forum, you must include your full name. We encourage civilized discussions, and we have a few requirements; please fully review our comments policy.

By Hugh Jackson

Fellow Residents Of Lake Bluff,

The decision to replace the Pool is, understandably, a topic of hot debate, and an emotional issue for many. My sense is that many folks come down pretty firmly in one camp or another. The “VOTE NO” and the “VOTE YES” camps offer two completely different messages. I don’t mean to be overly dramatic, but they bear heavily on our own views of Lake Bluff and the world at large. Our decision will have an impact on family life, communal life, our personal spending, and our net worth — but not necessarily in the ways you might imagine.

Voting YES for pool replacement is a bold and positive statement about our future as a community, and our continued strong commitment to child raising, good health, exercise, and strong family life. Lake Bluff residents can afford themselves this positive view of the future because Lake Bluff itself is a remarkably stable and resilient community.

Voting NO for pool replacement is a regressive position, not one of maintaining status quo. It cannot simply be characterized as fiscal restraint, or holding the line on spending. The pool has been a part of Lake Bluff communal life for almost 40 years, and eliminating this valuable asset would be a step backward. If you read the “VOTE NO” position statements, the clear take-away message is that you should be fearful of the future, as bad things can happen. In fact, the arguments are based largely on the fear, uncertainty, and doubt that many Americans (not just Lake Bluff residents) feel in today’s world.

In terms of communal life, the pool is a tremendous source of healthy fun, outdoor exercise, and communal gatherings evenings and weekends. Families with children do benefit disproportionately from this amenity, but that should be viewed as a good thing. After all, that’s what we do as adults (both as parents and seniors) — we raise kids to be happy, healthy, and well-adjusted members of society. As seniors or empty-nesters, we continue to give back to the community that we and our now older children grew up in.

On the matter of personal spending, for most families with children, the pool is a cost-effective option for summer vacation activities. Without the pool, families will have to choose from other more expensive options, as compared to the swim team (for example, kids attending a series of $200-$400 one week “camps” for soccer or basketball) Looked at in that light, a $200-300 hit on taxes seems like a bargain.

As it stands now, with swim team, and after-practice swim time, the kids are happily tired and well-exercised come mid-day. During the teen years, the availability of summer employment helps them mature and gives them a sense of contribution to the family.

The availability of the pool is one of several conscious factors that people weigh when making home buying decisions. Of course, Total LB Village debt is a legitimate matter for discussion — bad things can and do happen. However, Lake Bluff on the whole is a resilient and stable community. On the macroeconomic front, most of the truly bad news is out there. As compared to two years ago, the world is moving on.

Yes, the U.S. had a home price asset bubble. But, when you get out there in the world, you see that to be only one factor in the global economy. Given the unprecedented low interest rates (and the unprecedented amount of money flowing into bonds — particularly municipal bonds), failure to act will likely prove to be short sighted, and overly cautious.

In terms of family asset protection, think about the selling price of your home. Home buyers already pay a premium to buy in Lake Bluff. If the “value” of the pool affects Lake Bluff home values by even half of one percent, then on a $500,000 home, that’s worth $2,500. A hypothetical $250/yr tax bill increase would afford ten years of home value protection (to break-even). Home price protection is rightfully high on everyone’s mind, and the move to replace the pool is a sound investment.

Please vote in favor of the referendum. With your vote you have a chance to speak up for and protect an important community resource that helps make Lake Bluff what it is today. It is why we choose to live here.

Hugh Jackson
Lake Bluff