Letter: Tri-Cities needs own AAU league, now and in the future
Congratulations to Robert Wirtzberger and all those who helped bring AAU basketball to the Tri-Cities.
Paul Campbell’s disregard for the families who are the bedrock of the program comes through loud and clear in his comments (TCH, Jan. 16), especially when he says he denied the request for a much better program (certainly for Tri-Cities residents) because “... we already have an existing league.” Could there be a weaker argument? Just because you already have something doesn’t mean it is serving all the people well.
Perhaps it would be enlightening to look into how much money the Yakima (Three Rivers League) stands to lose without the revenue generated by the 45 lost teams. AAU is a nonprofit organization and does not pay taxes, yet generates lots of income. Decisions should be made for the benefit of those who are involved, not those in charge.
Campbell’s comment that he still has the right to deny the league next year is uncalled for and out of place. The Tri-Cities deserves to have its own AAU basketball league, now and in the future. Good luck to all the teams, and don’t forget to play defense.
Larry O’Brien, Prosser
This story was originally published February 6, 2016 at 11:05 PM with the headline "Letter: Tri-Cities needs own AAU league, now and in the future."