Having experienced unprofessional treatment, disparagement, and disrespectful actions such as indecent gestures while testifying before the West Linn Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, it's evident the current members no longer serve the interests of our community. They are out of sync with the city’s goal to eliminate the use of glyphosates, a harmful chemical, from our beautiful parks. Their decisions consistently contradict the city manager’s advocacy for data-driven policies obtained through polling and sampling, critical tools for community inclusive decision-making, equality and transparency.

A recent petition to restore capital improvements of a 2018 GO Bond with over 228 signers was ignored and dismissed, although the original opposing petitioners numbered only 75.  Furthermore, the Board ignored the request to read opposing testimony into the Public Record. The board’s past behavior towards petitioners has been historically dismissive and derisive, showing a blatant lack of respect, including incidents of a board member drinking during sessions and using inappropriate gestures. Such conduct not only disrespects individuals but also devalues the voices of West Linn residents striving for proactive and safe environmental policies. Finally, several of the older board members have voted repeatedly to defy the orders of the City Council to move forward on GO Bond projects, approved and budgeted by the council, including a Tensile Structure over Tanner Creek Park Pickleball Courts. Projects approved, including a Premier Fitness Court, and court renovations at Skyline Ridge Park were planned and completed without neighborhood involvement, and eventually had to be removed, because public pressure demanded it, resulting in wasted taxpayer funds of over $110K.  Additionally, $155K was wasted on the biggest boondoggle in West Linn history, a Fitness Court that is very seldom used, and is rusting away. These delays have earned PRAB and the Parks department the moniker “Delay Delay, and they’ll go away“, for their Maverick tendencies and inability to expeditiously follow council directives, and legal precedent in expenditure of taxpayer funds.

Furthermore, the Board's average tenure exceeding the two-year initial assignment, without adaptation to the city's progressive, inclusive, equitable policies, and Green initiatives, hampers environmental advancements. A fresh, innovative board aligned with the community and a new city manager’s vision is crucial. It will enable us to structure a future for West Linn where parks are tax efficient, safe, welcoming, and in harmony with public health advocacy, and MAHA national policies and directives.

Removing members with extended tenures and replacing them with forward-thinking peers reflects our commitment to sustainable practices and respect for civic engagement before Park's projects are planned and approved. This shift will ensure our parks remain healthy and integral parts of community life.

Support this movement for change towards a responsive and responsible Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in West Linn. Sign this petition to urge the relevant authorities to vacate PRAB members with over two years of tenure, making room for members who prioritize genuine community needs and respect public voices. Please endorse this call for change, and let's create a greener, safer West Linn together by signing this petition.