Monday, May 16, 2016
YOUNGSTOWN — A few dozen protesters calling for the resignation of Mill Creek MetroParks Executive Director Aaron Young now are gathered outside the Mahoning County courthouse, which houses the offices of Mahoning County Probate Judge Robert N. Rusu Jr., who is responsible for appointing park board members.
"We want a voice, a public voice that in some ways has been marginalized. We want the Valley to know there is a unified voice asking for the termination or resignation of Aaron Young as the Mill Creek MetroParks executive director. He has humiliated the Valley by his egregious leadership decisions, including the termination of critical, valuable park functions," said Kathleen Berry, of Youngstown, one of the anti-Young protesters.
Some community members have called for removal of Young since February, when he implemented a staff restructuring that cut the positions of 13 park employees.
The crowd includes representatives from a number of local groups, including Save the Wildlife in Mill Creek Park, Frack-Free Mahoning Valley, Concerned Citizens for Mill Creek MetroParks, and others.
The protest takes place hours before tonight's MetroParks board meeting, which is at 6 p.m. at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield.
Meanwhile, State Rep. John Boccieri, D-Poland, has renewed calls today to change the way metro park board members are appointed.
Boccieri is the author of House Bill HB 561, legislation introduced by lawmakers who represent metro parks from throughout the state that would require probate judges to engage and seek input from citizens groups when making appointments to park district boards. Under the bill, county commissioners would hold appointment authority for additional board members, beyond the initial three members.
“Some may not agree with me, but I feel that, with the outcry for reform coming from citizens’ groups, this is a responsible step,” Rep. Boccieri said. “This legislation balances the fact that probate judges, as the appointing authority, cannot be out in front on controversial issues because they’re bound by judicial restraint. In taking this into account, the bill allows for a more accountable board.”
After lengthy research from Boccieri’s office and Statehouse legal staff, no clear intent was found explaining why the Legislature gave probate judges the unique ability to make appointments to MetroParks.
“Permitting citizen involvement in the appointment process is important, especially as it relates to parks,” Boccieri said. “Commissioners appoint members for every other board in the county and can be responsive during controversial decisions. They should have a voice in the process as the fiscal stewards of the county.”
HB 561, joint sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent), was introduced earlier this month and awaits a committee assignment. Rep. Michelle Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown) is also supportive of the bill and is a part of the bipartisan list of co-sponsors.