Last night's decision to abrogate process and public participation in the selection of a Superintendent does not bode well for the future of the Park Board.
I have studied the history and politics of the Park Board. (The Wirth book is next to my computer). I am a neighborhood President and River Advocate who serves on three citizen advisory committees that are directly related to Park Board issues. I care about these issues because I see the ecological, economic, and social impact of the current and future Park system.
Historically the most significant task of the Park Board Commissioners is the selection of Park Superintendent. The Park Board decisions are encapsulated in the board's relationship to the Superintendent. The board does not hire staff, direct staff, or direct programs. It primarily makes decisions from staff recommendations that come from a staff directed by the Superintendent.
The 5/4 majority that made this decision is not concerned with consensus or public process or participation.
This is the kind of process that led to the taxpayers paying more than they should have for the mortgage on the new headquarters. This is the kind of leadership willing to ruin the best recreational area on the River without public input.
Currently the Park Board has had serious problems with public support and the process of public participation, and its relationship with the Mayor and city hall.
Process........It's not just that this is very ugly and disrespectful politics. This has long-term ramifications for the quality of our Parks and our city.
Back room deals hurt our Park system because the talent, energy, knowledge, and wisdom from the customers and four of their representatives is ignored.
There is a good chance this will get uglier and uglier.
What kind of mandate is this? The commissioners who objected to this process and selection are the ones who consistently have been the voices for a stronger network of public participation and involvement.
This is an important decision. Why is it being done so badly?
Thanks, Scott Vreeland Seward
Disclaimer and bias: I am political and I have been a candidate for Park Board. Speaking out on this may adversely affect some of the projects I am working on but I think it is really important that citizens speak out about this.
