Park Board

MIDDLETOWN — Gary Barge has submitted his resignation as a member of the Middletown Park Board, citing the board "is nothing more than a pass-thru board."

Barge submitted his resignation via email to Council Clerk Betsy Parr before 4 p.m. Monday, April 6.

Barge told The Journal that "it's a big game" and expressed frustration at how the advisory committee is working with council and how things are not working well.

"We don't need to be there," he said. "It's a waste of the city's gas and electric to meet."

"I volunteered my butt off working in the parks but the park board doesn't get recognized for what they do," Barge said.

In his resignation notice, Barge said "all the recommendations and motions I have brought to the forefront to better our parks have been overtaken by other community organizations."

He said that organizations such as Keep Middletown Beautiful and Middletown Pride in Action have overtaken the park board's role in the community.

Barge said he felt with the additional knowledge that he's gained as a park board member on how the city functions... it would be the morally correct thing for me to do (by resigning his seat). I feel that my time and efforts to move this city forward would be better in an elected position."

He said he's "still pondering" about running for the 1st Ward council seat that is currently held by Vice Mayor Jim Armbruster, who is also council's liaison to the park board.

"It's too early yet and I haven't made a decision, but I more than likely will (run for the council seat).

Parr said council will consider Barge's resignation at its April 21 meeting.