Sprucing up

Saturday morning, Parks Director Kenn Kaminski is leading Massillon City Council on a tour of our parks to show council that the deplorable condition of our parks is because of vandal activity, not because our parks money has been diverted to subsidize the white elephant of City government, The Legends of Massillon Golf Course.

There just isn't enough money for basic maintenance and upkeep all year long. It appears, however, there is just enough money for one week of proper care. Reports are flooding in from around the City that city workers are frantically trying to cut grass, trim, lay mulch, and clean our parks, best as they can before the weekend. Unfortunately, we don't believe this level of effort is anything more than an attempt to get council to buy into the Vandal Theory.

Of Course there is some vandal activity. That is why the Parks Board has insurance. Unfortunately, the City Administration can, and has, taken money for park claims and diverted it to the City's general fund, when it should be used for fixing the parks. Our .3% Parks Income Tax generates plenty of money to fix problems in our parks. Unfortunately, money is going for golf course debt and a restaurant.

Kaminski is trying to put his best foot forward for his tour. We think he's trying too hard. The rubber stamps on council were never going to question Kaminski's Vandal Theory anyways. If Kaminski tells them to see vandals, some council members will. No reason to spruce up.