Fitness center out of shape

I am writing as a concerned citizen regarding the Oquirrh Park Fitness Center. Your taxes and mine fund this facility. As a service area, we voted in November of 1992 to issue bonds to pay for the expansion of the facility. My own taxes went up almost $26 this year, and it frustrates me because of the scandal going on at the facility. Did my taxes go up because there is not enough money to fund the rest of the construction due to the two- to three- delay in beginning of construction? Where was the bond money held? The state audit report on this facility should cause each one of us great concern.

The executive director and the board of trustees have shown a lack of accountability and performance in their abilities to run the day-to-day operations of this facility. The board of trustees has authorized the high salary of the director and vacation pay; there is no record of his leave. The director's many questionable activities (who knows how long this has going on) with taxpayers' money do not warrant his salary or his position.I have to compliment the individuals who run the swim teams and the swim lessons. They bring credibility to the center. Please become informed on the issues concerning Oquirrh Park Fitness Center. We as citizens should demand and expect honesty and accountability in our elected officials (the board of trustees). If we do not, then our community leadership will attract those who use fraud and deceit to get what they want and our community will even-tually be corrupted completely. Please attend the budget meeting for the service area on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. at 5624 S. 4800 West to voice your opinion. More importantly, vote in November. We have a wonderful facility that will benefit our community greatly as the construction is completed. A change is needed in the director and the board of trustees to maintain the vitality of Oquirrh Park Fitness Center.

Elizabeth Jones

Kearns