Why won't park replace bench?

I’ve seen this one too many times — state employees believing their job positions grant them the right to operate any way they see fit regardless of what the general public wants. Take for example a story of a public bench. Yes, something as simple and non threatening as a bench. Recently, I approached Randall Butt, Farragut Park manager, concerning the subject of a bench at  the Eagle boat launch. There had been a bench there for as long as I can remember but it was removed about a year ago.  In April, I first e-mailed Mr. Butt and asked him if he would be replacing the old bench. He said no and cited congestion issues.  I have a problem with his argument against replacing the old bench to its original site or at least close by.

Over and over it has been pointed out that the congestion issues are severely limited to two months out of a year and within those months, weekends only. Yet despite this fact, all visitors will be denied a place to sit down and enjoy this spectacular view. I have further argued that It is especially nice for people waiting while boats are loaded and unloaded. I say it actually helps by directing them away from standing or sitting near the boat lanes. Recently I heard a story from a Bayview resident who recalled seeing children being told to sit on the bench while their parents prepared their boat to launch.

The Bayview Chamber of Commerce, along with the Bayview Community Council have both written letters to Mr. Butt, asking Mr. Butt to reconsider his position of replacing the bench. Both organizations even offered to raise money to ensure that the old bench is replaced. Still Mr. Butt’s holds firm.

As a state employee, Mr. Butt’s job is to serve the public. The public has spoken and wants the bench replaced at the Farragut Boat Launch. Could Mr. Butt have possibly made an incorrect decision? Could Mr. Butt feel compromised if he were now to change his position? It is my belief, that the bench is indicative of a larger problem and that would be one of control issues.

SHERYL PUCKETT

Bayview