Letter to the Editor: Rec department reconsider, and restore Pete Zimmerman as youth football coach

April 16, 2010
by Rich Reisert

Dear Editor,

I was disappointed and saddened to hear about the Recreation Board’s decision to relieve Pete Zimmerman of his duties as volunteer head of the New Castle Youth Football Program.

I have known Pete since my children first became involved in youth sports some 15 years ago and know that his interest and focus has always been on providing a positive athletic experience for the young people of New Castle. He is a dedicated, committed and responsible member of the community. Although I cannot speak to the incident that gave rise to the change in the football program, Pete is certainly not the first person to have experienced extreme frustration about the Rec Department’s management of New Castle sports.

What is almost equally surprising is that Mr. Zimmerman’s volunteer duties are being taken up by a new hire in a paid position. The Rec Department justifies this by suggesting that there would be no increase in the “department’s personnel budget, as this person would assume the part-time position held last year by a paid field supervisor.” 

However, the fact remains that time expended by a paid employee on activities previously performed by a capable volunteer results in a net loss of benefit of that paid position to the residents of New Castle. It is shocking that in the current economic climate, the Rec Department would take such a cavalier approach to fiscal responsibility.

I urge the Recreation Board to reconsider its decision and restore Mr. Zimmerman to his position in the youth football program.

Sincerely,

Rich Reisert
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To find our previous coverage of the football controversy, click HERE.