Park and rec commission members are cool to mayor’s proposal

YOUNGSTOWN — Members of the city’s park and recreation commission expressed concern in a very cautious and noncommittal way to Mayor Jay Williams’ proposal to place the agency under the control of the city administration.

The five commission members attended Thursday’s meeting of city council’s park and recreation committee to discuss the mayor’s plan to place a charter amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot to remove the commission’s autonomy.

David M. Davis, a commission member, said Williams should have worked with the commission to come up with proposed changes to the body.

Member Michael A. James agreed telling the mayor, “I object to us being reactive rather than being responsive.”

Williams fired back saying that overhauling the commission has been a topic of discussion in the city for many years. The mayor said he understands the members’ concerns because “there’s a natural resistance to a body losing some of its autonomy.”

At its Wednesday meeting, city council will consider Williams’ proposal to overhaul the commission through a charter amendment that the mayor wants on the Nov. 6 general election ballot. The proposal needs the support of at least five of council’s seven members for it to be considered by voters in November.