Saving the pool

EDITOR: Fort Bragg's community and aquatic center serves as a deterrent to crime and drug use as it provides wholesome recreational outlets for patrons of all ages. Therefore, it is requested that the Mendocino County sheriff and district attorney release $200,000 of asset forfeiture money to the Mendocino County Recreation and Parks Department to offset operating overhead costs for the C.V. Starr Community Center and Sigrid and Harry Spath Aquatic Center through June, when other funding will be available ("Swim center may close," Dec. 1).

For citizens who don't know, asset forfeiture funds are the money taken from growers of illegal marijuana. These funds are to be applied by law enforcement for drug-control. We understand that recently it has been decided that these funds will be used to keep selected sheriff's deputies on the payroll. Most citizens enthusiastically support this expenditure.

Assuming that asset forfeiture monies are plentiful, let's take another step forward and also apply these funds to the C.V. Starr center, whose mission is in harmony with federal asset forfeiture regulations.

Interest in this matter is keen as evidenced by recent donations of approximately $100,000 by private citizens. The need for interim funding is $300,000. Let's all become stakeholders in our community and separate money from our wallets for a good cause.

BOB SHOPTAW

Fort Bragg