I am writing to express my disapproval of the Ontario City Council’s pending vote to dissolve the Ontario Recreation Board. I strongly feel that dissolving the board and the way it is being handled is not in the best interest of the citizens of Ontario. Here’s why:
· The Ontario Recreation Board is strictly volunteer and has proven to be extremely beneficial. Present and past directors have relied heavily on the board for ideas, input, and volunteering at events. I have seen firsthand from my work experience how valuable a board like this is. Why throw that away?
· No reasons have been given as to why the council wants to dissolve the board. In addition, if enough council members had been present at the last council meeting, a vote would have taken place right then and there without any prior notification to the public. That certainly does not look good for the council.
· If this vote passes, the current Director will be reporting directly to the Ontario Mayor. Why take up the Mayor’s valuable time on the Recreation Program when there is currently a productive volunteer board? Tax dollars must be spent more wisely.
· Is the council offering to volunteer their time to replace the countless volunteer hours lost if the board is dissolved?
To be clear, although my children attend Ontario Schools, we live just outside the city limits so some may feel my opinion is not worthy of consideration. However, I have worked for the program and my children have benefited from the program for over a decade. It has been wonderful.
Before the council votes to dissolve the board that had such a big hand in the success of the program for 30+ years, much more needs to be brought to light about the reason for this decision.
If you agree, I urge you to get involved by contacting the local Ontario officials or by attending the November 15th Ontario council meeting – before it is too late.
Angie Fanello
Mansfield, Ohio
