Mismanagement is the real problem

The county board is being asked to vote to dismantle the county forest preserve toboggan slides.

Based on personal observation of the Deer Grove toboggan slide operations, this request is a further indication of the lack of county management capabilities.

For many years the two toboggan slides in Deer Grove were modest operations providing teens, young adults and families winter recreation during afternoons and evenings. It was common on busy Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings to wait for 20 to 30 minutes for a ride down the slopes under the watchful eye of one or two shoot operators who assured safe but fast and thrilling rides.

For some reason, Forest Preserve management decided that it was necessary to add lavish warming facilities, an extensive fleet of toboggans rented for a $1 a day, and three or four workers to the operations even during weeknights when there were few slide patrons.

This manner of operation no doubt increased operating costs tenfold.

It was not surprising that after several years of operations in this economically unsustainable manner the Deer Grove toboggan slides were closed. They have remained closed for several years, and now the County Board is being asked to fund dismantling the slides since they are no longer in use and need repair.

I am letting the county board know that not only is dismantling the Deer Grove toboggan slides not warranted but continued ineffective management of the County and County Forest Preserve district is not to be tolerated.

Both messages need to be sent by Cook County voters to the elected county officials.

Curtis Siegel

Palatine