Not Fooled
In reference to the election results.
I am glad to see the voters were not fooled, even though some candidates left their original party to try to fool the voters in thinking they were a Republican, when their true values and beliefs are that of a Democrat.
Don’t worry Judge G, we are still behind you in the next election.
William L. Ferritto
Huntsburg Township
Disband Russell 511 Park Board
In spite of the uninformed wishes of the leader of the Russell Citizen’s Park Commission levy campaign quoted in a local newspaper last week, the result of the latest levy attempt to fund this redundant park board (the 511 Board) has failed again.
Perhaps now the taxpayers of Russell Township can see some cooperation and positive actions between our township trustees and the long standing park board (the 1545 board). I expect the trustees to stop all funding for this 511 park board that so divided the community, and that the trustees will initiate action to disband this 511 Board.
The Modroo farm field property is progressing toward being a usable park for the people who paid for most of it, and the only other accessible property owned by the existing park board, the Russell Upland Preserve, is getting heavier use during this COVID-19 situation. That’s more in line with what the average citizen expects out of their park system: usable, accessible spaces for recreation. That is not what the 1545 park boards prior to 2016 did for so many years; they bought small, inaccessible parcels that are totally unsuitable for access and recreation.
I have urged many times in the past that if our township trustees don’t want to see any new housing stock within our borders, go to the voters with a levy specifically authorizing monies to be raised for land preservation. Let the voters decide, in the light of day, whether they think that is a good use of tax monies.
And then, let the existing 1545 Park Board function as a park board under the goals adopted at the formation of the board back in the 1980s. Goal #3 states: “The Russell Park District will provide year-round recreation activities and facilities which are fully compatible with all other aspects of its responsibilities.” Goal #7 states: “The RPD will make efforts to promote adequate and equitable access to its facilities for all residents of Russell Township.”
Couldn’t get any clearer than that.
Charlie Butters
Russell Township
