Letter to the Editor: New Park Board vice president lauds Frankenhoff, says it’s time for ‘fresh blood to take reins’

I wanted to reach out and share an opinion regarding the change in leadership on the Quincy Park District board.

The change in roles on the Park Board is in no way a reflection on the quality of service that previous Park Board President John Frankenhoff has provided.  John has and will continue to (I’m confident) serve the citizens of Quincy with honor and distinction.  The fact that the Park District is in a surplus with its pension portfolio, as other municipalities struggle, is a direct testimony to his dedication to fiscal responsibility to the citizens of Quincy.  

The reality is that as our community’s core matures, there must be fresh blood prepared to take the reins. That time has come.

If our city is going to propel forward and become a destination for industry, commerce and tourism, we’re going to have to do something different. The “same ol’ potatoes” school of thinking isn’t going to cut it if we’re going to attract professionals, academics and regular hardworking folk to Quincy.

We’re going to have to think outside the box, learn from other cities what works and what doesn’t, then put our special spin on it, making it The Quincy Way.  We’re going to be fiscally responsible while being responsive to the changing needs of the community.

I’m excited to begin this journey with you. So let’s get to work!

Mark C. Philpot
Vice President
Quincy Park District
Board of Commissioners