Coney Island class warfare and other opinions you might have missed this week
If you thought the conversation around last month's demolition of Sunlite Pool was finished, you're wrong. Some Greater Cincinnatians, it seems, are still processing their disappointment and frustration over the loss of the world's largest recirculating pool, which continues to result in a flurry of letters to the editor and op-eds to the Enquirer.
Mount Washington resident Jess Ebert wrote an op-ed in response to my recent column examining what civil rights icon Marian Spencer, who fought to desegregate Coney Island in the 1950s, would have thought about the pool's closing. Ebert rejected the notion that Sunlite Pool's demolition was "justice" for Coney Island's discriminatory past. She said closing the pool was more like "class warfare," because so many poor and lower-middle-class families depended on Sunlite Pool for affordable recreation and swim lessons. Now, she said the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra expects these people to "just shut up and shell out $200 for a single concert ticket."
Ebert's op-ed immediately sparked a rebuttal letter to the editor from West Price Hill resident Patria Lenoir who said Coney Island fans need to quit whining about the Sunlite Pool demolition and move on with life. Ebert's bad-mouthing of the CSO crossed a line with Lenoir who said closing the pool isn't discrimination, "it's business."
Their commentaries topped the most-read letters and op-eds this week. In case you missed them, you can check out both opinions in full by clicking the links above. You can also tell me what you think. Is it time for Coney Island supporters to give it a rest, or are they justified in their continued outrage? Drop me an email here with your two cents.
Here a chance to catch up on some of the other opinions you read the most this week, include the Enquirer editorial board's take on the Cincinnati Futures Commission report:
Editorial: With new report, Cincinnati's future is in the air. Pay attention.
Op-ed: City Council must present full picture of city's proposed zoning reforms.
Letter: Cincinnati Futures Commission should have recommended ending tax abatements.
Letter: Future Commission: City poised to break railroad sale promise of no new taxes.
Column: Newtown residents have made it clear they want Police Chief Tom Synan to stay.
Your opinions matter and are an important part of the dialogue needed to move our region forward, hold those in power accountable and maintain democracy. A diversity of thoughtful opinions adds to the overall perspective on important issues and elevates the conversation. So take a moment and join the conversation on these and other topics by sending your thoughts to letters@enquirer.com. Letters of up to 200 words may be submitted and must include name, address, community and daytime phone number. Op-eds are submitted the same way except they should be 500-600 words and also include a one-sentence bio and head shot. Submissions may be edited for space and clarity.
Opinion and Engagement Editor Kevin S. Aldridge can be reached at kaldridge@enquirer.com. X, formerly known as Twitter: @kevaldrid.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Coney Island class warfare and other opinions you might have missed
