A member of City's Park and Recreation Commission tendered her resignation last Friday, claiming she could get more done to build a skate park in Warren as a private citizen than as a member of the commission.
Kathy Johnson of the Lacy Foundation confirmed on Monday that she resigned from Parks and Rec, saying that she found it "impossible" to work with City Manager Jim Nelles on the construction of a skate park at Beaty Field.
"Jim Nelles has not been cooperative," Johnson said. "He does not have our kids' best interests at heart when it comes to this park. I can be far more effective if I don't have to work with him (as a member of the commission). I find him to be impossible to work with. If you can't work with me, you can't work with anyone. I'm a cupcake. It takes a lot to push my buttons."
The City's administration did not respond to a request for a reaction regarding Johnson's statement.
"I can be more effective not being on the commission," Johnson said. "My hands won't be tied. It's best to work in partnership with the commission and not be a member."
Johnson said the Lacy Foundation maintains 501c3 non-profit status and all monies donated toward construction of the skate park will remain under her direction, including a recent $125,000 donation made by an out-of-town benefactor with family ties to the area, along with a $50,000 donation from the Warren Foundation.
Approximately $210,000 has been raised to build the park. Johnson assured those people and organizations who made donations that the funds will go toward building the park at Beaty Field.
"Those who donated don't have to worry about the funds being misappropriated," Johnson said. "We promised the community a quality facility for our kids, and that's what we are going to deliver."
Johnson said she would not use the money as leverage to force the city into any action, such as giving up naming rights to the new park. "There is only one proper thing to with this money and that is build the park," she said.
Johnson said she was put off by city council's lack of participation during recent Parks and Rec meetings when presentations were given to provide information on skate park progress.
"It's a little frustrating to be on the commission and work as hard as we were working and not having our recommendations heeded by the city," Johnson said. "We need city council members to be present when information is presented. We've only had two council members during our last two presentations."