Who is to blame?

Who is to blame for the debacle that is the Massillon Parks and Recreation Department? Who is to blame for the deplorable condition of our parks?

We are to blame.

We keep electing Massillon's Mayor for Life and his merry band of rubber stamps to city council.

Council members Paul Manson, David McCune, David Hersher and Council President Glenn Gamber would cut off their right arms if Frank Cicchinelli told them to. They always put the Mayor's agenda ahead of what is in the best interests of the taxpayers. Always and without exception.

Council Members Larry Slagle, Ron Mang, and Donnie Peters are reliable votes for the Mayor about 95% of the time. They are not quite the loyalists Manson, McCune, Hersher, and Gamber are, but they definitely subscribe to the philosophy of "go along and get along." Except for Ron Mang, they were all unopposed in the last elections for city council.

Glenn Gamber (D) Council President - Unopposed
David McCune (D) Ward 6 - Unopposed
Donnie Peters (R) Ward 5 - Unopposed
Paul Manson (D) Council At Large - Unopposed
Larry Slagle (D) Council At Large - Unopposed
David Hersher (D) Council At Large - Unopposed

We let this happen. We are responsible. We gave them a free ride, and we rewarded their bad behavior.