To the Citizens of Portage from the President of the Portage Park Board

As president of the Portage Park Board, I feel it is my duty to the citizens of Portage to explain what is taking place with the search to find a new superintendent to replace the retired Carl Fisher.

As far as political divides the mayor says exist, I feel she is totally wrong in that assumption. I have served on the Park Board for about 10 years now. I was originally appointed by then mayor Sam Maletta. I really didn't know what to expect when I said yes. I felt it an honor to be able to give back to the city that I've lived in for about 36 years now. I was and still am: very proud of the way this board has performed. All during this time, the board has never let politics plan a part in any decision made by this board. We have met, talked over and studied every issue we have been presented with in a very business like matter and have tried to make decisions according to what would benefit the park and the citizens of Portage.

Several years ago we hired an assistant superintendent and thought he would be groomed to be Mr. Fisher's replacement. This didn't happen. Shortly after we (the board) were told of Mr. Fishers' decision to retire I asked our then mayor elect if she was aware of Mr. Fisher's decision and she said she was. I asked her if she had any thoughts on the matter and she told me we would talk later.

At her Inaugural Ball I reminded her that Mr. Fisher was leaving in March and I was available most any time if she wanted to talk about her plans to replace Mr. Fisher. She told me then that she had other positions to fill and would get back with me. That never happened until after Mr. Fisher retired. That is when I found out she had issues with our assistant superintendent and didn't want him for the job.

As Park Board President and speaking on the board's behalf, which is made up of two Democrats, two Republicans and a nonpartisan elected school board member, we feel it is our responsibility to the citizens of Portage to get the best applicant we can to be our next superintendent.

The Park Board drafted and passed a list of qualifications and requirements being sought in the next park superintendent. They are as follows: - BA in parks and recreation or related field - MA in parks and recreation field or related field - National certification in parks and recreation or qualified to sit for the exam with supporting documentation - Membership in state and national parks and recreation associations - Minimum of five years experience in a management position for a parks and recreation department or in a parks and recreation work-related management position The additional requirements requested by the Park Board are: written responses to a list of predetermined questions, which have been developed, along with the submitting of the following information from the mayor's office concerning the qualified candidate; a resume; references (including names and letters) and any other supporting documentation of qualifications.

Such a list has never existed in the past that I know of, but we feel there should be one in place as a guideline for now and the future. The Portage Parks has a lot on the table in trying to keep up with the increasing size of our city and we want to have the right person in place to guide us as we move forward.

To date, that we know of, the mayor has placed one ad for the superintendent's position only on the Indiana State Parks and Recreation website and not on the regional or national websites; but, the qualifications listed in the ad by the mayor's office on the website do not match up with the qualifications as stated in the motion that was passed by the Park Board and as stated above. As the Park Board President, I feel the mayor needs to be held accountable for advertising the correct information regarding qualifications; otherwise, when will waste time in presenting candidates to the board who do not meet the specified qualifications, because she is advertising for someone with fewer qualifications than what we have required.

In the meantime, board members are meeting with park staff to keep the day to day operations moving forward in preparation for a smooth transition when a new park superintendent is hired who fulfills the qualifications and requirements the park board is seeking.

I am proud of the board in that we are serving the community to the best of our ability and have NEVER made a decision based on politics, but made decisions with the best interests of you, the citizens, in mind.

Respectfully,

Dennis Replin