Guest Editorial by Pat McPherson:"Why does it take Ojai so long to build a skate park?"
"All I know is what I read in the newspaper," said Will Rogers. If I believed this too, then the recent article in the July issue of the Ojai Ventura View* would concern me.
The delays to get the skate park built bring up some serious questions that need to be addressed. Some people say other cities have built a skate park in less than a year from inception to ribbon cutting. So why does it take Ojai so long? Is it because we don’t have the resources or expertise to manage such a project, or is it a delay tactic as is suggested by the View? This is a simple project compared to what is in store for us to raise money and remodel the Bowl, and raises serious questions whether the City is capable of undertaking such a project.
Reading Monte Widders “Ground Lease….” opinion of October 7, 2007 that was made public at last years August 19, 2008 City Council meeting, it appeared there were no major issues about the lease or the role of the School District. The famous attorney Bill Gilbreth’s letter to the Ojai Valley News last August seemed to substantiate that opinion.
I realize more can be accomplished by talking than going to court, but the city has done this for the Skate Park with the Ojai Unified School District on numerous occasions. The City should keep in mind that the citizens of Ojai and hundreds of donors to the Skate Park have lost patience. In political terms, if the School District were to spend money they don’t have to fight this community supported project, Skate Ojai and its supporters across all political lines would certainly have the political clout to get a new school board.
I suggest the City should go forward with the Skate Park at full speed while at the SAME time having one last talk with the School District. We should not slow down or stop unless a court says so. Then we will know who is holding up this important community supported project.
Come to Tuesday’s City Council meeting to support the Skate Park---again!
*(For the July View Skate Park article see link below, pages 8 and 9, might take a few seconds to download)
http://ojaiandventuraview.com/OVVtaArt/ViewVol2Issue16JulyOnline.pdf
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Comments (3)
I'm having trouble with the above link. If it doesn't work when you click above, cut and paste this into your browser and go to page 9.
http://ojaiandventuraview.com/OVVtaArt/ViewVol2Issue16JulyOnline.pdf
Comment #1 Posted by: Suza | July 27, 2009 05:40 PM
It's actually page 8 and 9.
Comment #2 Posted by: PS | July 27, 2009 05:46 PM
How about potential lawsuits against the city if anybody gets hurt?? That could sure hold up a rational mind.
Comment #3 Posted by: emerald | July 27, 2009 06:46 PM