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Concerned citizens unite in opposition to recent MetroParks dismissals
YOUNGSTOWN
A group of concerned citizens is working to coordinate an organized response to what it regards as “shoddy leadership” at Mill Creek MetroParks.
At a planning session Monday, several community members gathered to establish goals and strategies in response to the recent dismissal of 12 park employees.
The group reached consensus on a few goals: expansion of its reach to other community members and organized groups, reinstatement of park employees recently dismissed and a change of leadership at the park system.
The group plans to host a public meeting before a March 14 park board meeting. Its members also hope to gain the support of organized groups such as Guardians of Mill Creek Park, an advocacy group concerned with park preservation, and Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens, a nonprofit organization that provides considerable monetary support to the MetroParks’ public gardens.
Those who met agreed they want the resignation or dismissal of Executive Director Aaron Young, although agreement was not reached on how best to accomplish that goal.
They also voiced dissatisfaction with the leadership of park commissioners John Ragan, Dr. Robert Durick, Scott Schulick, Germaine Bennett and Mike Senchak. Judge Robert Rusu of Mahoning County Probate appoints board members.
A long-term goal, they agreed, should be to change how park leaders are selected, since Mahoning County voters do not elect them.
“I think the process needs to go. I think the board needs to be elected, not appointed,” said Gina Centofanti.
Reinstatement of park employees who recently were let go is a top priority, the group agreed.
“The reason I’m upset about this is the people,” said Bill Adams. “To me that’s what this is about – treating people right.”
Adams was referring to recent implementation of an “internal reorganization” plan that eliminates 13 park jobs.
The park leadership’s handling of those eliminations was brought to light after Vindicator staffers witnessed park employees – including longtime horticulture director Keith Kaiser and beloved outdoor education manager Ray Novotny – being summarily dismissed Feb. 12 while park police were made to supervise.
Officials said the restructuring will save the park system $13 million over 15 years to make up for a projected $15 million capital-improvement shortfall. The decision came after approval at the polls last fall of a 15-year renewal levy with additional millage for capital improvements.
Some group members noted their dissatisfaction with park leadership extends beyond the recent dismissals. They voiced frustration at what they feel is a lack of responsiveness to community input.
“This is a cumulation effect for me. It started with the geese, then the breaking of the Sunshine Laws, and then the firing of employees,” said Angie Bradian, referring to the June 2014 euthanization of 238 geese and the park board’s apparent violation of state open-records law in its initial vote to hire Young in December 2014.