I read the July 2 letter by Charlie Vascellaro regarding an aquatic center with interest. The fact that he opposes an aquatic center is his right. But making up things isn’t. He quotes me as being in favor, and then goes on to say: “Good to hear Alan Magazine’s positions on the aquatic park, taxes and zoning. Perhaps he would like our town to look like Country Club Road in Mesa…Being in favor of the aquatic center means higher taxes.”

I have reviewed my June 25 letter to the editor and nowhere do I see any mention of tax support. It merely indicates that I am in favor of the concept! Once details are known, we can all make an informed decision about whether an aquatic center is in the best interest of our town.

The same goes for any other potential projects. First, let’s get the facts! How would it be funded? Where might it be located? How would it be maintained, etc.?

As an advocate of increased economic development and our attempts to lure small businesses to our town so as to support our tax base, increase the number of children in our schools, and have more patrons for our retail stores, it is imperative that we be forward thinking in attempting to improve Fountain Hills.

The consequences of allowing the status quo to prevail preordains the town’s stagnation. The result would be property values that don’t keep pace with the rest of the Valley, a continued decline in population (we lost 2000 citizens in the last census) and an overall lack of vitality.

Whether to move forward on any project must be based on the wishes of the public -- and facts.