Jun 26 2008
The New York Bureaucrat at work
I went to swim on Tuesday 6/24, found myself on the receiving line of the out cast: you need to have a bathing cap and lock. Cap is a must for me, so no problem. But I never use a lock, so I wasn’t allowed to go in. I was on the tight time schedule (am I ever). The unexpected parking took a toll on my time: Mets was playing and the usual parking lot wasn’t available to us - why did we have to give in to Mets??? Swimmers matter less than the baseballers? We had to drive further to Lot F. When I go to Mets game, I just pay the asking price, was it $16 or so. But the swimming pool parking lot is far away from the Shea Stadium! A good 20 minutes to half an hour walk.
I found the lock requirement was out of order. I can take rude people, but I never thought them as thieves - it’s insulting. The lock requirement seems to me that someone among us is stealing. So, I went to the manager’s office. Not sure she was the one. But anyone sitting in a office looks like one.
A very pleasant & professional young lady waved me in. It happened she’s the center’s manager. I stated my case, asking to be waved for this time only. I’ll bring a lock next time - did I really mean it?? I was just never been told it’s part of the deal - I would never join a facility where a lock is mandatory. I have faith in people, especially New Yorkers - they would do me no wrong - ever saw the Deadwood? New Yorkers are Al Swearengens - principalled lovable jerks, you hate to love. (Seth is too easy to love.) She asked for my name, I gave it to her and said the commissioner never replied to my e-mail. Guess what, she had all my records, how many times I went and what’s my last visit. Geee, I manager to charm everyone putting me on their black list, not just FBI. I don’t even have it. So someone did read my e-mail to the commissioner but deemed not worthy of a reply? Thank you so much for an elected official.
Make the story short, they let me in. It wasn’t as crowded as last time but I could only do 20 laps and the rest was in fragment. After swimming, I went to her again. Asking if there is anything I could do to help, and if I could get my membership refunded. She said no one took it seriously when she suggested a short film showing the etiquette of swimming - I think her idea is great. And no, I can’t have a refund.
One thing I don’t understand, swimming pool needs a lot more care and liability, yet the city pools only charges $75 per family and children under 19 (I think) gets it free, while tennis permit cost $100 per adult and kid $50 (I think) - per head. I thought New Yorkers are good with money. I saw a lady in the locker room surrounded by her 5 or 6 children, calling her friend ” .. you should join .. it’s so nice ..” I almost fainted. I also don’t know when the young lady manager’s hair turns gray. It’s kind of miracle that she hasn’t. I would by now.
Oh, btw, the commissioner replied the day after, 6/25. Slow but she did. Even it sounded like a form letter, not really addressing my concern.