Kalinyaprak’s research brought changes to golf course
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Editor,
I am writing to show my support for Murat Kalinyaprak for Polson City Commissioner in Ward 2. He has spent a great deal of time researching issues that affect the people of Polson, showing his concerns for the taxpayers, and the public in general. Among these were issues involving the municipal golf course. He had presented some of his concerns to the City Commission while I was on the Commission.
The rising costs of season passes would keep some citizens of average income from being able to afford to golf at this course. I understand that some season pass holders switched to punch cards, and others stopped golfing there, going to other nearby, more affordable courses instead. He provided information showing the increased costs caused a decline in memberships. It became more like a club for those who could afford it. Murat brought his objections of the “club” idea to the Commission, resulting in the name change from Polson Country Club to Polson Bay Golf Course. His research and objections produced another change. It had been the practice to give elected city officials and city employees free golf passes. He believed that was wrong, and that practice was stopped. I recall those passes had to be counted as income for tax purposes.
Among my concerns at that time were that young kids who wanted to play golf may not be able to participate due to the costs. Yet, if they could learn to play, they were the future golfers, when the current golfers retired from the game. It’s good that there is a junior golf program in place.
Murat has given a lot of his time to bring about good changes for the people of Polson. I believe he’d be willing to show anyone interested the research he has done on the golf course issues for the public’s interests. I encourage you to vote for Murat Kalinyaprak.
Elsa Duford
Polson
