Newton to Hurtado: End the Sideshow by Resigning

Do you really want the sideshow to end? You have it within your control.

You are the President of the Board of Commissioners. That role has a certain amount of authority. You get to lead the elected Commissioners to set policy and the long-term goals of the park district. You also are empowered to deal with public concerns and help solve their problems. As the leader of the Board, you also get to represent the park district with other elected officials. Pretty sweet gig. I know, because I've been there.

What the President of the park district isn't empowered to do is interfere with the day to day operations. You should not be recommending people to be hired, you should not be recommending vendors to do work with the district, you should not be recommending how staff can be redeployed to further your personal whims.

The park district is in MUCH worse shape today than when you began your term as President. Staff fear for their jobs, well-established financial procedures are not being followed, qualified personnel have been relieved of their duties, the public is not being respected. You've had your chance to improve the district as you've seen fit. How's that working out for you? 

People want answers about the direction of the park district. Commissioners want to know where you'd like to lead the district. What do we get? Silence. When people request a response from you, when they genuinely want to help to improve the situation we're in, what do they get? Silence. When the tough times arrive and the people deserve an explanation of what's going on, don't clam up claiming that a lawsuit is pending. And for God's sake, stop playing the race card. 

Why is it now we have absolute cooperation about the new Executive Director? Why are we now hearing about a push for ethics? Why now are we hearing about conducting an investigation to uncover any wrong doing? Could it be because the walls are beginning to close in on you? 

You have the ability to change the tone at the park district. You want the sideshow to end? Do the right thing. Resign.

Larry Newton,

Plainfield Park District Commissioner