Another resignation was submitted to the Oxford Downtown Development Authority last week.
Sue McGinnis, who was appointed to the DDA in October 2003, quit the board Aug. 24.
‘I don’t mind putting my time and energy to a cause that may be difficult,? she explained. ‘I do, however, mind putting my time and energy to a cause that’s pointless.?
McGinnis resignation comes on the heels of DDA Director Amanda Cassidy’s resignation. Her last day was Monday.
Poor relations between the DDA and village government is the main reason McGinnis decided to step down.
‘I just feel that the direction that the council and village management is taking is contrary to the direction of the DDA and in conflict with the goals and objectives of the DDA,? she said.
As an example, she cited the dispute back in May between the DDA and council over changes village officials made to the authority’s 2006-07 budget.
Upset they weren’t given enough time to discuss or approve the changes at their board level, the DDA’s chairman, vice chair and treasurer simultaneously resigned over the dispute.
‘The council chose to just change our budget without going through the proper democratic process,? McGinnis said. ‘I have some serious issues with that.?
‘We should have been given the chance to bring (the budget) back to the DDA board and speak to the business owners,? she explained. ‘I don’t mind compromising on the budget. This isn’t totalitarianism. This is a democracy.?
McGinnis was also troubled by some council members? attitudes towards the DDA. ‘They don’t want the DDA and they’ve made it very clear,? she said.
McGinnis is worried the DDA could lose its independence to council’s control. She fears this could happen if village manager Joe Young’s new role as the interim DDA director becomes a permanent gig.
‘I hope they don’t make it a puppet,? she said.
The DDA is advertising for a new director both locally and nationally.
Despite her misgivings, McGinnis believes ‘the DDA did a lot of good.?
‘I think we were at the point with Main Street (where) it was finally coming together,? she said.
She’s particularly proud of the facade improvment grants which allowed local businesses and buildings such as Beadifferent, the Meriam Building and Huntoon Funeral Home to improve their outside appearances with the DDA paying 50 percent of the cost.
‘The point of the TIF district (the mechanism by which the DDA is funded) is for the tax dollars generated to go back into the district to improve the district,? McGinnis said.
Although she’s left the DDA board, don’t expect McGinnis to disappear from the scene.
‘I think my time will be better served as a resident speaking out and attending village council meetings,? she said, noting a run for council could be in her future.
Anyone interested in applying for the open DDA seat should call the village at 628-2543 or DDA office at 628-3095.