Dear Editor,
First of all, the 1st Amendment of the Constitution gives each one of us the right to; free speech, the press, the right for people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. I am a firm believer in our Constitution and the right to what I believe to be true. This includes all information or documents that are obtained or researched for information on facts of the matter or to what is being said.
With this being said, I have no personal issues with Casie Grau of the Bucyrus Tourism & Visitors Bureau. I know that she, as the Director of the Bucyrus Chamber of Commerce, just took over this year and is overseeing this bureau.
The facts that were present during the Finance Committee at Bucyrus City Council Committee Meeting on the Bucyrus Tourism & Visitors was in my view shocking. Mr. Kevin Myers who is the chair of this committee only allowed Ms. Grau to give her presentation on the facts that she had. Which was not much at all. However, NO ONE was allowed to ask any questions on this matter or to the facts. Mr. Myers basically railroaded this matter without Public Participation. Did Mr. Myers violated Council Policy and Procedures with the agenda that was written. Or was this part of his personal agenda not to allow the public to ask questions on this matter. I feel that the public was left in the dark on this.
I think the public should know certain facts and information that were given and not given out. This bureau has over $ 105,000.00 in their account currently. There was even a problem with the total amount of money that was on the information given to the council members. NO Minutes of any meetings that have taken place over many years. NO Budget on how they are spending these tax dollars. How is this money spent? Who is spent with? Who is on the board of this bureau? Why are they in such a hurry wanting to have the council pass a new Ordinance on getting more tax money? Why did this board meet the morning of this presentation to give the Bratwurst Festival Inc. a check for $1,500.00 ?
I believe that this presentation was not well thought out and there are still more answers that need to be addressed. Transparency is the key factor in making sure that tax money given to this bureau is spent in the best interest of our community. Another key fact – Why is only the Bratwurst Festival Inc. being given tax dollars? Why not other groups and organizations that also hold events within our community that bring in people from around the state? As Mr. Myers stated during a committee meeting “It should be fair to everyone”.
I hope that the Bucyrus Tourism & Visitor Bureau will be forthcoming with all facts and information. Reporting on board meetings minutes and what is being said and passed on these tax dollars. That these meetings will be open to the public, so that, if someone wants to attend. That a member(s) of City Council is appointed to this board because of tax dollars being given.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg White
1125 Hillcrest Drive
Bucyrus, Ohio 44820