Letter to the Editor: What’s up with our local leaders?

What is the problem with our school board? And our city leaders in general? I’m talking about the recent complaint from a Newton resident about the lack of accommodations for the elderly and disabled at our football stadium. Anyone who has attended a game at H.A. Lynn Stadium knows how steep those steps are and anyone with mobility issues knows it is extremely difficult, if not impossible to walk up and down the steps without railings. How on earth has this issue not been addressed, given that the ADA was passed more than 30 years ago?

Is this just another example of the closed mindset of Newton leaders? The mindset that shows this town is not interested in actual improvements to the quality of life for all residents? Sure, splash pads and disc golf courses, and pickleball courts, and well-maintained parks and trails are nice, but how can city leaders claim that Newton is such a welcoming community and a “Hallmark city” when the basic necessities for the elderly and disabled are ignored?

I would suggest to school board member Ray Whipple that he and the other board members find the money to install these railings before the Civil Rights Commission gets involved and does their own investigation and forces the issue and fines the city for non-compliance to the ADA. It’s like the old saying, “Pay me now, or pay me later”.

I feel for Mr. Hollander as I also have some issues going up and down steps without the support of handrails. We would love to show our support for our local sports teams in person by attending games, but we are basically being shut out by the backwards, living in the past thinking of our city leaders.

This is just another example of it taking generations for any meaningful change to occur in Newton. Let’s hope this problem is solved before this generation passes.

John Moore

Newton