Letter to the Editor: Park Board Meeting Abusive

On Oct. 26 workshop/meeting in Oswego.  I was appalled at how the board and staff treated an elected official, Len Wass.  Mr. Wass was scheduled present his campaign numbers he represented as wasteful spending by the Board. 

Even before Mr. Wass began his presentation the attack team (Bob Mattingly, Deb Krase, Danielle Ebersole, and outside Lawyer Dirke Price) started the attack, often interrupting Mr. Wass with criticism and abuse.

The Board suggested Mr. Wass’ numbers were wrong as he had compared the Oswego operating budget to the actual funds expended by the comparison districts.  OPD actually expended, according to the Board $9.6 Million.  The budgeted/comparison number used by Mr. Wass was $18.2 million as published in the OPD Annual Report. 

Nowhere in the OPD Annual Report is the $9.6 million figure mentioned.  That begs the question if the actual operating fund expended for the OPD is $9.6 Million and allowing for a 20% reserve ($1.92 Million) where is the remaining $6.68 million.  (all rounded numbers) One immediate answer is the board made it clear if they reduced their levy (leading to a lower tax rate) the OPD would not be allowed to again raise their rate. They would have to live with the lower rate forever.  

Having watched the municipal government budget process for over 30 years I know you ask for what you can and never turn back or lower you overages as you will be expected to operate at the lower number in the future.  This is not acting in a fiscally responsible manner. 

The Board's hidden agenda was clearly to intimidate Mr. Wass into conforming to the incumbent Board as an OPD cheerleader.

The tenor of the meeting was embarrassing and despicable. It was abusive, vindictive, well planned and orchestrated by incumbent Commissioners and staff.  The taxpayer paid attorney participated in the feeding frenzy on Mr. Wass.

To his credit, Mr. Wass kept his demeanor and acted with great professionalism.  He always kept the taxpayer interests above the fray.

The meeting reached the lowest level possible, with personal attacks on Mr. Wass and demands he conform.  Some of his observations on OPD spending were called a "community joke".  The Chairman demanded Mr. Wass’ periodic reports to taxpayers in the media cover items favorable to OPD, in violation of his First Amendment rights and taxpayer interests.  Ms. Ebersole demanded he "stop grandstanding and become part of the team".

It is sad Commissioner Roy White, who Mr. Wass supported in the campaign, could not bring himself to speak against the mob action occurring--probably intimidated by it.

As I am limited in my word count my letter has to end here with the observation that the OPD Board has no intent of ever examining cost reduction measures.  According to them, they are doing everything perfectly.

Richard B. Ayers, Oswego