It seems that the people who run the Salisbury Zoo - and some of their employees - think that taxpayers exist solely to fund their wasteful ways. As many of you already know, the Zoo hosted a tent (next door to the Barrie Tilghman Disco and Party facility) at this year's J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake.
Of course we'll probably never know HOW MUCH of the taxpayers' money was flushed by both the city of Salisbury and the Zoo on this little soirée. However, hanging around did yield some interesting insight.
Linda Weiner, who I believe is a zoo employee member of the Zoo Commission, was overheard making the following comment:
The Salisbury Zoo Commission can refuse future funding from the taxpayer. They can come up with a plan to self-fund the zoo. They can also negotiate with the city to purchase the land currently occupied by the zoo (at market rates, of course).
The zoo is a non-profit, therefore they would continue to receive the subsidy of taxpayers by not paying property taxes to the city, county and state. That should be subsidy enough.
Of course this is never going to happen. Perhaps it shouldn't. However, just because Ron Alessi is a member of the Zoo Commission doesn't meant that the Zoo should waste as much of the taxpayers' money as they do over at the Wicomico County Liquor Control Board.
Of course we'll probably never know HOW MUCH of the taxpayers' money was flushed by both the city of Salisbury and the Zoo on this little soirée. However, hanging around did yield some interesting insight.
Linda Weiner, who I believe is a zoo employee member of the Zoo Commission, was overheard making the following comment:
"I just don't understand why some people on the (Salisbury) city council feel that they have any say over what we do."Well Ms. Weiner, that's the price you pay for taking the taxpayers' money. If you don't want any oversight from the Salisbury government - Lord knows there isn't enough - then I have a remedy.
The Salisbury Zoo Commission can refuse future funding from the taxpayer. They can come up with a plan to self-fund the zoo. They can also negotiate with the city to purchase the land currently occupied by the zoo (at market rates, of course).
The zoo is a non-profit, therefore they would continue to receive the subsidy of taxpayers by not paying property taxes to the city, county and state. That should be subsidy enough.
Of course this is never going to happen. Perhaps it shouldn't. However, just because Ron Alessi is a member of the Zoo Commission doesn't meant that the Zoo should waste as much of the taxpayers' money as they do over at the Wicomico County Liquor Control Board.
16 comments:
BRAVO!
I'm surprised the LCB didn't have a tent at the clam back also. Afterall, they advertise on a Crisfield Radio Station. Real smart.
The arrogance of these people!
The Zoo gets our tax dollars. The people on the Zoo Commission are appointed by the council.
And they think they ought to be able to do whatever they want to do?
This is outrageous! Even more so than the liquor board, which thinks it's accountable to no one.
joe, a little female with two to many hot beers in her, to me doesnt justofy this, its like goin in to court with no case...
Arrogance,entitlement-but lack of accountability and responsibility-seems to be the mantra of many in government and/or civic positions in this town.
The tone of any organization is set at the top. What does that tell you about the prognosis for this area as long as certain people remain in positions of power and influence.
Nalagirl
Don't let Alessi's nonsense overshadow the waste of $2,000 of city funds by Barrie Tilghman for a tent at that weinie roast in Crisfield.
Every year I hear about how much fun this event is, and I intend to get tickets for the next time. Then I think about the $40 ticket,(which is almost a tank of gas), the actual gas to drive to and from Crisfield, and the day I'd have to take off work to go.....and somehow don't go. THEN I read about all these people, on MY payroll, partying and carrousing (sp?) during MY workday on MY dollar using MY vehicles...it just doesn't seem fair. I know, maybe they took a day off, too, and bought their own ticket, and used their own vehicle.
How likely is that?
When I first moved to the area in the mid '70's, the mall in SBY was sweet and clean, and the zoo was cute, seemingly well-managed and very presentable, albeit hard to find for someone who didn't know their way around.....
We recently had some guest in from New England, with children. We suggested the zoo, and Ben's Red Swings....swings were a huge hit, zoo, not so much. Very poor presentation, from the debris in the parking area and entrance to animals who'd seen better days,clearly. I hope they get it done right, or close it down and put some more playground there. For what we pay in taxes, both city and county, we should at least be able to proudly show off our facilities, not be embarassed by them.
As a member of the Salisbury Zoo and 30 year resident of Salisbury I take opposition to your remarks about the zoo. We have enjoyed the Salisbury Zoo since we moved here and find it a very nice and clean. The exhibits have grown as has the level of service and activities. The Zoo adds to the quality of life we enjoy here in Salisbury. What is wrong with you people?
Sometimes smaller is better, that is what made our zoo famous. Now an embarrassment
Not anti zoo I would cut my head off to say anything about it. A hugh problem is the entire story is never told and what is told is then twist like the City Council's excuse maker. The zoo needs to be accountable the same way the city and all the subdivisions should be, Not Rocket Science Here!!! Tell us in plain english what steps are being taken to make sure the deer healthy and fine. Tell me how things are set up and then I will decide if this is how my tax dollars are spent. Yes let the council ask questions and get answers not the previous bullshit that has been fed them. Opps my 5 mins are up
I don't believe I'd claim credit for being a member of the zoo, and would certainly not chastise someone for criticizing it in its present condition and with its current reputation. If you're so proud of it, you should maybe go there with someone for their first visit and listen to what they see.
Take off those blinders and get real.
If you are a member of the zoo and only a 30 year resident, take it from us lifelong residents. The zoo sucks as it is. It was once this great little mecca in the middle of all the hubbub, for as much hub bub as this town could have at the time. The zoo has gone downhill, the staff have been allowed or trained to do as little as possible while on duty. Carrie Samis would walk right past trash laying on the ground instead of picking it up and she was paid to be there. The attitude of late is, if you see it, pick it up yourself. I love the zoo and the entire park what I hate is what it has become. A haven for pervs and druggies.
Anon 11:45 does need to take those rose colored glasses off the next time they visit our zoo. I happen to be a 30 year resident here also and do remember the zoo was a very pleasant and clean place to spend some time, especially with the grand kids. It has taken a very bad turn down in recent years. About the best thing down there now is Ben's Red Swings. We have had a new zoo director for a few weeks now and I have not heard a word from him about what will be done to clean up the mess and bring the zoo back to life. Of course he has the handicap of worrking under the inefficient Zoo Commission, headed by Ron Alessi. I think it is time to reconstitute the makeup of the commission and get some real leadership in there!
A. Goetz
I am not an anti animal person, nor am I against renting tents at functions, however...if you cant pay your emergency personnel....
I am a livelong resident of Salisbury. My family was on of the original non native american settlers. The Zoo is lousy!!!! Take the property and make it something we all can enjoy. Maybe a public golf course that "everyone" can afford, a dog park, skate park,etc. It is not making Salisbury a destination city so therefore it is a waste of taxpayer money.
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