An Open Letter Regarding the Monessen Recreation Board

It is unfortunate that Ed Lea, Brandy Smith, and Marlon Wheeler felt the need to resign today. This caught us all by surprise. I haven’t heard anything from any of them regarding the Rec. Board, since the days following the Saturday Special meeting, earlier this month.

I take offense to Ed’s accusations of me being racist in his resignation letter. It’s unfortunate that he feels this way. Ever since my first encounter with Ed back in 2015, when he falsely accused me of pocketing money, we’ve had a contentious relationship. He’s continued to slander and threaten me, while he was on council, and after I took office. He’s right though; it’s about the youth, and the public at large, and about providing more opportunities for everyone.

That’s why I asked for copies of the clearances required by the state several times over the last year. I received them from all board members, except Mr. Lea, who has not submitted his state police clearances, to date. That’s also why, when potential improprieties were found, where two spreadsheets were sent by Mr. Lea — one to the City Treasurer’s Office and a different one to the Rec Board, I was concerned, because there is money unaccounted for.

There were also security concerns at the building. The city didn’t have interior keys to its own building; door handles were broken, and the cameras that were there did not go to the police as they should have.

In the time that the Recreation Board was brought back under Mr. Lea, there was no Children’s programming. The Rec Board is responsible for programming at all public parks, as well as the Civic Center. That did not happen. The programming that did happen was not done by the Rec Board, by the various leagues that rent the facilities. I am in support of open gym time, and having basketball games, but there is so much more that could have been done.

I know from talking to residents, that the community wanted to see more done there, too. I am confident that we will be able to bring more residents on board to help bring inclusive programming, not only to the Civic Center, but to all of the parks. The programming can go beyond sports, and can include people of all ages.

I’ve been volunteering in Monessen since Middle School. I care about this City and all of its residents — even the ones that don’t support me. I care about the future of this city. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t. We cannot have unity, without accountability, and when issues are happening they need to be addressed, and that’s what we did.

I’m sorry that Ed, Marlon, and Brandy take offense to that and feel that it is politically motivated. It’s not. I want members who can devote the time to the duties at hand. I want a fully functioning board that doesn’t threaten, harass, and make unprofessional comments to each other. I want a board with people who care about providing opportunities for all of our residents. We will continue on to make the Recreation Board work, and to improve programming.

MS