Letters to Editor
Hand-Picked to Do Judge’s Bidding
I attended the recent Park Board meeting at Big Creek Park because the new Geauga Park Board has recently made expedited changes to the Park System’s bylaws that concern me.
The new wording seems to change the original and long-time mission of the parks from Conserve, Protect and Preserve to one more focused on entertainment and recreation.
Red flags were also raised when the scheduled meetings to give the public a limited (after the fact) opportunity to weigh in on the changes were removed from the website and the regularly scheduled Park Board meeting was changed at the last minute.
The speed and lack of transparency of the changes made me fear that the board may have been chosen for their willingness to push these changes through. The meeting, unfortunately, reinforced this impression because it was very clear that although the board members seemed to be nice enough people, and some seemed very interested in learning as much as they can, they knew very little about the history, purpose or operations of our park system.
It was brought up at the meeting that many highly qualified people were turned down for these positions and the current members were chosen instead.
Numerous small groups of attendees commented after the meeting on their fear that the reason Judge Grendell had hand-picked this board was to do his bidding. This suspicion is very unfortunate, as it undermines the public’s confidence in the board.
This fear was reinforced today (Aug. 12) at the meeting that the Park Board had with the County Budget Commission. Questions and comments from the members of the public that attended were clearly unwelcome, but Judge Grendell had a seat at the table and spoke for the board.
If the Judge is making decisions for the Park Board, it would seem to me that he should be at the table at the regularly scheduled Park Board meetings and be answerable to the public.
Otherwise, he should let the board make its own decisions lest it appear that some Geauga County citizens are more equal than others .
Kathy Flora
Thompson
Not Mutually Exclusive
With regard to the Park Board changing the bylaws to include “Recreation” along with “Conservation” and “Protection,” I do not believe that these are mutually exclusive as do some of the protestors.
While not every single park should cater to the needs or desires of all of the enumerated activities, none of them should be banned from all parks.
Geauga County is blessed with enough parks that no one activity should be banned completely. The off-road crowd seems to be pitted against the horse crowd. They both should have a place in our parks.
The “birders” want undeveloped or underdeveloped pristine woods and wetlands in which to observe birds in quiet solitude. Families want places to picnic and frolic. Snowmobilers want open pastures and trails in which to ride. ATVers and dirt bikers want challenging dirt trails to ride on. The horsemen (people) want quiet clay riding trails through the woods and not want to see another un-mounted soul for miles.
The possibility of a public, taxpayer-supported firearms range seems to outrage some.
I think all of these activities are worthy of our support. The Park Board is pragmatic in that the parks already have existing gas wells on some of them. Barring drilling could infringe upon being able to service these money producing wells. Banning future wells is biting off the hand that feeds you.
People, you have got to learn how to get along.
David Bunsey Sr.
Chester
What is Grendell Planning?
Who? and What Motive? underlies the absurdity of a park board requesting a levy suspension coupled with other destructive decisions of the board since Judge Tim Grendell appointed Mary Ruth Shumway, Lou Mucci, and Brian Johnston — three seemingly well-intentioned people with questionable qualifications and too little experience to be making such drastic changes (i.e., levy suspension, putting recreational activities such as snowmobiling, ATV, trap shooting, firearms range and more on a par with conservation in the parks without public input) that alter the solid history and purposeful mission of the great Geauga County Parks to PROTECT, PRESERVE, CONSERVE.
What is Judge Grendell thinking by selecting inexperienced people to serve as commissioners to our Park District? Public record indicates over 40 candidates applied for these spots, 15-20 of whom specifically had previous park experience. These candidates, many with experience in conservation, land preservation and/or environmental protection and park management were overlooked and the candidates chosen appear to be pawns in a much bigger political game.
Recent blunders by the board that play into a deterioration of public opinion of park management suggest this could be true.
I question Grendell’s motive. He’s known to be an exacting planner, not known to overlook something as significant as a lack of qualifications. I believe there is deliberation in their appointment and I ask us to all pay attention to the motives behind Judge Grendell’s choices.
What is the judge planning and what will be the cost to our parks and our future land use?
People, pay attention before we lose our beautiful parks forever.
Debbi Mayo
Munson
Stop Political Powerplay
As a volunteer for the Geauga Park District, my question for Mr. Grendell is how can you guarantee the park’s programs and other services will not be reduced?
Many of the programs and exhibits are possible due to the tireless efforts of a devoted volunteer base. While there are myriad reasons why we volunteer, three key purposes might be to have fun and a rewarding experience while giving back to the community.
I will only speak for myself, though I know there are others who share my thoughts. The prevailing situation with regard to Geauga Park District, the changes occurring (some of which highly suggest degradation of park land and policy) and financial controversy have taken the wind right out of my sails.
Many of us are senior citizens, but again, speaking for myself, the fun is gone and the rewards diminished. Until this disgrace to our park district is resolved favorably, I shall seek another outlet to serve my community and enjoy my free time, devoid of political drama.
Once again, speaking for little old me, please no more P.P. in the Geauga Park District. (Political Powerplay)
Joan Francis
Munson
Misleading the Public
Someone should quickly hand Geauga County Probate Judge Tim Grendell a Bible, ask him to raise his right hand and solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help him God.
Grendell would have us believe that the past Park Director and past Park Board Commissioners were wasteful and reckless in collecting tax revenues that piled up year after year. If that were true, would our Geauga Parks be considered one of the premier park districts in the state and in the country?
Geauga Park District consistently wins awards from Ohio Parks and Recreation Association and from the National Association for Interpretation in recognition of their educational programs and for outstanding individual naturalists.
Geauga Park District is considered to be one of the most important agents in conservation and preservation in Ohio. This reputation and legacy have been built over decades through sound fiscal management, integrity of purpose and dedication of staff and volunteers.
The work of Geauga Park District has rightfully earned the respect, admiration and support of residents and other Park users because the fruits of past years of devotion have given us a jewel of a Park system. Geauga voters have said by voting in favor of Park levies that “we approve your performance, keep up the good work!”
Now Grendell wants to suspend collection of levy revenues because the Parks are not allowed to hoard money and he claims they have a nearly $8 million surplus. If that were true, it would point to unbelievably poor planning by past Parks representatives.
Rather, I wonder if Tim Grendell and his Park Board appointees have deliberately abandoned the projects planned by their predecessors with levy revenues. Of course dollars will pile up if Grendell and his Board are not carrying through with planned activities.
Our Parks are in such good condition that such neglect may not be immediately apparent. But if Grendell is allowed to have his way, then the results of years of good planning and implementation will unravel quickly.
My faith is with the past Parks Director and past Park Board members, highly qualified individuals with the degrees, credentials and experience needed for creating, maintaining and enhancing Geauga Park System.
Grendell and his Board should allow current Park staff and volunteers to resume and continue the good work that Geauga voters have empowered them to do.
Grendell is misleading the public about the excess revenues and politically grandstanding about tax relief. My husband and I do not want tax relief that amounts to a cup of coffee and a sandwich per year. We want the Geauga Parks that we know and love. That’s the truth.
Kathleen Webb
Munson
Parks Don’t Need to Be All Things to All People
Preserving land and protecting the habitat of threatened species is a magnificent investment in the future and the duty of the Public County Parks in Ohio.
It is imperative that we have protected places where the public can appreciate the peace and beauty of nature. Public County Parks are often the only places where people have the opportunity to contemplate their personal role as a part of a natural system.
It is well documented that children thrive when they have the opportunity to get out in the woods. Public Parks provide that opportunity.
Improved quality of life, better health for residents and cleaner air and water are all benefits of the land preserved by the Geauga County Parks. The Wetlands preserved by the park help to absorb rain water and allow it to percolate deep into the aquifer.
In addition to keeping our wells supplied, this helps to prevent erosion and flooding, which are incredibly costly.
Our protected lands also act as the lungs and kidneys of an ecosystem, filtering out pollutants and providing oxygen.
Geauga County is the home of the headwaters of three rivers that flow to Lake Erie. Protected areas in Geauga Parks and preserves sustain a healthier Lake Erie, which has an enormous impact on the economic health and vitality of the entire region.
So, our parks are doing plenty!
There are a few loud and aggressive persons in the county that have the ear of a certain Judge who shares their views. These folks just don’t seem to understand the importance of natural areas and their part in keeping our property values high.
The County Parks do not need to be all things to all people. People don’t go to church looking for a beer bash and should realize that you don’t go to the County Park looking for shooting ranges, football games or ATV trails.
There are plenty of places for those things — but they do not belong in a County Park District.
Kathryn Hanratty
Chardon
The Emperor of Geauga Parks
The Ohio General Assembly passed enabling legislation early in the 20th century that set procedures for starting and operations of park districts in our state of Ohio.
The local probate judge was given authority to appoint three park commissioners, who then appoint a park director and it goes on from there.
It never was the intention of the General Assembly that the probate judge should be “EMPEROR OF THE PARKS.” However, it seems Probate Judge Grendell may have other ideas.
Appointments of commissioners is staggered, with the intention of always having one or two commissioners with experience on the board. Likely, the General Assembly also desired appoin-tees be folks with a sincere interest in protecting special natural areas and a past involvement with park districts, conservation organizations or the like.
Judge Grendell’s actions indicate he has other ideas. Great highly-experienced past appointees have been fired or not reappointed, even though they would have loved to continue to serve with no salary.
We now have three inexperience individuals as commissioners with almost no apparent interest or experience in parks or land protection. Some of their initial actions indicate that they may intend to change the purpose of the parks and/or starve the parks of funds needed to preserve land in Geauga County.
Bylaws were changed at their July meeting to allow snowmobiling, oil/gas drilling, gun ranges and other activities inappropriate and in conflict with existing park uses. They may say “the lawyers told us to do it,” but that just does not wash with many of us concerned citizens.
Maybe we need a new way of picking park commissioners so as to give the residents more of a direct say in who runs our parks, how they are used, and to prevent any particular judge from being “EMPEROR OF THE PARKS.”
What do you think … direct elections? There really has to be a better way.
John G. Augustine
Parkman
Suspicious Activity, Manipulation
I’ve been so naive. I thought that when land was set aside as a park it couldn’t be developed or exploited for personal or corporate gain.
I thought that the mission of a park, such as preservation, couldn’t be changed. And I certainly never dreamed that should the use of parks ever be questioned, that the people who enjoy and pay for the parks wouldn’t have a say.
Surely no one person could act in such a way as to endanger the parks I love so much, could they? Oh yes, they could.
I remember thinking that the sudden non-renewal of former park Executive Director Tom Curtin’s contract was suspicious. Now I see that was just the first step in Judge Tim Grendell’s plan to take over our park system for reasons yet to be revealed.
Grendell will say that he isn’t involved and has no say in the parks, but he was the one that passed over applicants who had experience in park management and preservation, and installed a board with questionable qualifications.
Also extremely fishy was the last minute switch of the Aug. 11 board meeting to a time that is inconvenient to working county residents, an obvious ploy to reduce public attendance and comment.
Then there was the lightening swift change in park bylaws to include logging(!!) oil and gas drilling(!!), and trapping(!!). These activities are not compatible with a park system whose mission has been, and should remain, to PRESERVE, CONSERVE, AND PROTECT.
I may have been naive, but I can recognize suspicious activity and manipulation. The motives of this park board and of Tim Grendell should be questioned, and the recently changed bylaws be rescinded.
Susan Festa
Russell Township
Mystery Unraveling Grendell and Park Board
The Geauga Parks’ peaceful, serene and tranquil beauty has been enjoyed by all for many years.
Recent surveys gave the Geauga Parks System a 90 percent approval rating. Geauga voters always pass Park levies.
So, the obvious question here is: Why would Judge Grendell want to challenge or disappoint practically the entire county? What possible reason could be good enough to justify rewriting the bylaws of the Park, despite the nearly unanimous approval of the past Board’s maintenance of an excellent park system.
Quite a mystery. Changing the mission from Preserve, Conserve and Protect to permit things like excavation, forestry practices (logging), construction, snowmobiling and the use of ATVs and firearms seems to be insane.
So, again, I ask: Why?
The recently appointed Board has not given a logical response to this question. Their claim that these changes are only there to protect themselves from township zoning regulations and possible lawsuits is surely an attempt to misdirect people’s desire for the truth. The Park System is a separate entity from township zoning regulations.
Perhaps the clue comes from the part of the new bylaws allowing logging, construction and excavation. There is a test well owned by an oil and gas drilling company on an Amish farm in Middle-field on Newcomb Road. Could there be a connection?
If drilling, perhaps fracking, is to begin on this property, the oil and gas company would need to put pipelines for transport through our Geauga Parks. There is an enormous amount of power and money available through these oil and gas companies. I believe this is the one and only logical reason that anyone would totally abandon common sense and challenge the people of Geauga County by threatening the notion of Preserving, Conserving and Protecting our beloved Parks.
I only pray that their conscience can lead them to do what is right by the people and to resist the destruction that may surely follow if it is power or money driving our county’s officials.
Rick Webb
Munson
Grendell Puppets?
For about 50 years Geauga County has had one of the nation’s great county park systems. Judge Grendell and his appointed puppets in the Geauga Park Board are ruining the work of thousands of people over many decades and going against the will of the voters of Geauga County who have repeatedly supported the park’s levies.
The park board passed new bylaws this summer that totally undermine the park’s mission to conserve and protect the natural resources of the county. Activities allowed include timbering, oil and gas drilling, and other activities that commercialize the park system and facilitate great damage to the natural heritage of the county.
I was at the Aug. 11 park board meeting (a Monday morning meeting) that about 80 angry Geauga residents attended. The attendees were very knowledgeable and well-prepared, and their speakers asked that these new bylaws be reversed.
The board took no action. In fact, at an early-morning meeting the following day, we found that the board cannot act unless directed to do so by Judge Grendell, who hand picked them after firing the previous board.
Now Judge Grendell wants them to give back levy money, money residents voted for, money used to run the park and to purchase land when it comes available.
The people of Geauga County love their parks, use them extensively, and they won’t stand for Judge Grendell’s tarnishing of this great jewel.
Robert M. Coughlin, Ph.D.
Hambden
Geauga Has Enough Land
When did the Virginia Rail (a bird) and the coyotes (varmints) start paying taxes to acquire and maintain our Geauga County Parks?
Geauga County’s hardworking men and women pay more than $6,000,000 per year in taxes for the county’s parks. Geauga County has more than 9,000 acres of county parkland.
By comparison, Lake County, which is two and a half times more populated than Geauga County, has 4,000 acres of county parks, including two golf courses and Lake Farmpark.
It’sn’t there enough parkland in Geauga County to allow all of the residents the opportunity to use the parks for recreational purposes, while still preserving and conserving thousands of acres in the county?
Why does a negligible group of environmentalist-elitists think that they can dictate their special interest limits on how the county’s taxpayers use their own publicly-funded parks?
Some of these environmentalist-elitists even complain that the sound of children playing in the parks will disturb them or the birds from Virginia. Yet, they do not mind the hoots of the owls or the howls of the coyotes. Seriously?
There is plenty of parkland in Geauga County to accommodate recreation all while still preserving and conserving.
Thomas Jones
Auburn
