Tuesday, July 25, 2000

Swim program supporters oppose cuts

Recent events have prompted discussion, once again, about the youths in our community.
   But talk is cheap, says Richard Solano, a local car dealership employee, dismayed that city staff has recommended axing a public swimming program that his 3-year-old daughter, Sabrina, has come to love.
   "As a parent I'm concerned that here again there's talk of not making a long-term investment for our kids," Solano said. The City Council votes on funding for programs at the CCISD's natatorium today.
   "I know it's a big investment for our city to make. And I know a swimming program won't keep a child out of trouble and gangs," Solano said. "But it's the kind of program that reinforces respect and self-confidence and goes a long way in building friendship and fellowship between kids and parents. In the long run, it's an investment that will pay off many times over to the benefit of our community."
   Children not 'being heard'
   Elma Kring, a city employee, knows all too well the economics of business.
   "But even I'm surprised to see that it has reached this level of cutting," said Kring, whose 4-year-old son, Ryan, has participated in the summer swim program as a Noah's Ark Day Care student.
   Kring joined a handful of other parents at the day care center Monday, where they presented some council members signed petitions in support of saving the program.
   "I just feel like the voices of children in our community aren't being heard," Kring said. "They're too busy crunching numbers. What they need to remember when balancing numbers is that this is not just about numbers, it's about human beings. There's an impact to consider."
   David Cardenas, at 4 years old, may understand zip about balanced budgets. But ask him about back floating and blowing bubbles and David's face lights up.
   'Positive experience'
   This is the same child that just two years ago was so terrified of water that he would kick and scream at poolside excursions, said his mother, Liza Cardenas, an insurance coordinator.
   "This has been a very positive experience for David," Cardenas said. "It helped him overcome some fears and gave him more confidence to interact with other children. And that's what so many kids need, opportunities to experience those positive reinforcements."
   Grace Gonzales, a Corpus Christi Medical Center case manager, also has witnessed tremendous results in her 4-year-old daughter, Rebecka. Gonzales wishes city officials weren't discussing whether to save or cut such programs, but rather that they were adding more. "When you focus on the numbers, you lose sight of quality and service," Gonzales said.
   That is a worry not lost on Kring.
   "Our city is so focused on the basics, like making sure the water runs and the trash (is) collected that we've failed to see this as a necessity," Kring said. "Like food and water, we've got to see this as nourishment. It's a basic that every community needs to survive."
  
  
 

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