Senator Lou Gentile doesn’t plan on calling for Ohio University’s Ridges Advisory Committee amendment to be struck from the state’s budget bill despite protests among Athens residents.
Gentile, (D-Steubenville) who represents Athens County, did not introduce the amendment to the bill, which the legislature is finalizing, and was instead done so by Sen. Chris Widener (R-10th).
The amendment dissolves language requiring OU’s president to convene the group and changes the number of local representatives.
Had Gentile been more involved in the process, he said he would feel more comfortable with the way it is currently written, which he said might — depending on how and by whom the language is interpreted — give OU more power to do what it wants with its more than 665-acre property at The Ridges.
"Here I am the sitting senator for that district, that city, that university and I wasn't at the table," Gentile said. "I found out from news reports."
Someone from Gentile's office has since been in contact with a legislative aide from the university, but the senator said he has not had direct contact with the aide or OU administrators.
Gentile has also communicated with some Athens residents who are most concerned about the changes in the Ridges Advisory Committee.
“I honestly believe if the university is sincere about wanting an advisory committee, they will work to create an advisory committee that is free to make open comments and will give an honest reflection of the communities’ concerns,” said Ron Luce, director of the Athens Historical Society & Museum.
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