Where was Trustee Sandra Anderson this summer when the Ohio University administration went way outside of the local voting district to get a state senator from Springfield, Ohio, to introduce legislation that quickly became attached to the state budget without discussion or debate? This was a sneaky end-run, dodging local input that changed a long-standing existing law (since 1989) in the Ohio Revised Code that was fought for by local citizens regarding the future of the Athens Asylum and an issue on the front pages of local papers frequently during her term on the board.
Ms. Anderson and all other members of the OU Board of Trustees sat silently as their immediate past chairperson rebuked the director of the Athens County Historical Society when he politely asked to be added to the agenda of a Board meeting to discuss the future of the tuberculosis ward last year before that excellent structure was demolished at a cost of almost half a million dollars and in violation of state law.
She and others sat there quietly, although nervously, because it was a violation of the democratic process. It was a shameful moment and she did not speak up and move that the Board hear from the local community on a matter in which the University was about to violate state law in pursuit of their own goals.
Members of the Board of Trustees at public universities were appointed not to support the interests of the university administrations, but to look out for the best interests of the taxpayers of the state of Ohio. The revolving door of OU administrators and trustees is changing the demographics and the landscape of the city of Athens. It is reckless and dishonorable of them to make decisions regarding the community without being open to community involvement.
The Board of Trustees gave President McDavis an outstanding raise and a staggering bonus for his leadership over the past year while he and his administration stonewalled community input.
Let us all catch our breath while we contemplate the fact that Ms. Anderson chatted with some students at a recent Bobcat football game and a couple others over lunch. Surely their concerns are now being weighed-in at the administrative level of Ohio University. Words are all fluff. Watch the actions.
Tim Traxler resides in Millfield.
