Project Seattle Pools thanks State House Representative Jamie Pedersen for his recent letter of support.  Excerpts:

Dear Tom Rasmussen,

I am pleased to endorse the efforts of Project Seattle Pools to pursue a Comprehensive Aquatics Plan for Seattle and hope that the city will include funding for such a plan in the 2009 budget.  I am thankful for the volunteer work of community organizations such as Project Seattle Pools that strive to make Seattle an even better place to live.

According to the Center for Disease Control, "…fatal drowning remains the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years." We need to provide opportunities for all children to learn how to swim.  We should also ensure that our elderly and special needs populations have the kind of facilities and programs that will keep them healthy.  My district, like the city, spans the isthmus from Puget Sound to Lake Washington.  I think we owe it to our residents of all ages and abilities who live in a city surrounded by water.

…Now is the time to plan for future aquatics facilities and programming that address the needs of all of our citizens.  Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Best wishes,
Representative Jamie Pederesen