PETITION DATA: 67% of Building Indoor Aquatic Center Pools First supporters from three (3) zip codes:  87122 - 87111 - 87109

SENATE, DISTRICT 31

It’s great to see the North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center under construction. Back in May, I encouraged neighbors and friends to sign this Petition to build the indoor pools first. I also encouraged my neighbors to attend the May 22 Capital Outlay Discussion at N. Domingo Baca Center.

Attending the discussion, I learned part of why the indoor aquatic center will be so impactful. Parents told stories of young La Cueva team students and parents driving to early morning practices across town. Some resulted in accidents, and they were certainly a strain on schedules. Imagine if the LC football team had to practice at Eldorado High School every morning. 

Then I reviewed my 25 years in the area. My youngest son might have continued swimming competitively. He excelled in the city swim and water polo teams at Eisenhower Middle School, but it is an outdoor summer pool. In addition, I needed access year-round for my bi-annual physical fitness tests in the Navy reserves. Most people chose the running option, but I had always had access to a pool and viewed running as an emergency procedure. I was always trying out area pools, expensive Wellness Centers, and eventually built a backyard pool.

When I ran for City Council (D4, 2019,) I promised to get the Aquatic Center done. Afterwards, I watched what my state Representative and Senator contributed from their capital outlay money. Now, New Mexico is flush with money from the Permian Basin boom.  We need to plan for the future. And the Aquatic Center is part of the plan.

A robust Aquatic Center that our students, families, professionals, and seniors can use year-round will add to the great quality of life we enjoy here in the far Northeast heights. Planning for it to make an income, like Balloon Fiesta Park, is the icing on the cake.

Finally, swimming is one of only a few lifelong activities. As your District 21 Senator, I will be committed to maintaining and growing this opportunity for all.

Athena Christodoulou

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I am aware of the history of challenges in completing the original Olympic pool plans and have attended several meetings to better understand the challenges and solutions to getting this finished for our community and state.  I was on a synchronized swimming team in high school and understand the many benefits the new facility will offer to all ages and types of swimmers, not to mention the potential revenue generation from such a facility. I fully intend to support efforts to complete the pool and will work with Mayor Keller, Brooke Bassan and others to ensure its completion. My support will include capital outlay funds on my part. 

In Abundance, Nicole Tobiassen

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