No offense to Russ, but really????

Suzy, you nailed that one. Prasser made $72,500 and brought all kinds of previous experience to the job (like her or not and regardless of what she allegedly did to be part of this investigation).

I have many thoughts here, but will not post them. I WILL say that my first thought turns to the people at SCA who are doing the real work and keeping SCA running throughout a tough situation. My son is involved in theater at SCA and Christine is doing a fabulous job there.

I received an update from the Solon human resources department: Schneider will make a base salary of $78,000 plus longevity pay.

did i miss this earlier in the month, or did this just happen? hard to tell from this article. so we go from someone who had a master's degree in arts performance and mega experience in fundraising to running sca basically under the rec dept... there's your answer.

the staff at sca IS top notch! they have been weathering quite a storm.

Hi queen: This was voted on by council on Nov. 19. I usually try to post council-related stuff right after the meeting, but with the holidays and being on vacation the story got pushed back.

thanks, chris. wow!

Very interesting indeed. The plot thickens.

Unbelievable! What a change in leadership. From a seasoned arts administrator with a Masters Degree in Piano to someone who has no experience managing an Arts organization. Why would our Mayor see this as a good thing and compensate Russ Schneider above and beyond what Karen Prasser earned?

Why is everyone so afraid of this mayor including many on the inside? Is it because she used to be a probation officer? Honest question. Does anyone know?

Are people afraid of her? Do you mean city employees?

Will Russ continue heading maintenance as well?

I believe he has been the assistant recreation director for quite a few years and handles more than maintenance

I wasn't there, so I'm only guessing:

The city had to do something to keep the center running, and Russ must have been up to the task. Because there was not enough time to do a full search for a director with arts and fundraising experience, the council made him acting director.

Let's cut Russ a break here. He's taking on additional responsibilities, so he should be compensated for these.

In my opinion it's just not about a long-time city employee like Russ. He's just another chapter to this saga. It's the entire situation and course of events starting with Karen's resignation that is so bizarre.

Dan....like we've said numerous times and Harry said above....it's nothing personal with reference to Russ. I like him. Russ is a good guy and has always been willing to do whatever is needed. Honestly, I don't remember ever hearing anything negative about him. I don't dislike our Mayor, our City Council, etc....I just dislike the way things are being handled.
We love SCA....and the staff headed by Christine, who is pulling their share and then some. My son is very involved over there, so we've been there quite a bit before and since Karen's resignation. Heck, my son's first class at SCA was when he was less than 2 years old and he's now 10. My eldest son took voice lessons there years ago when he was still in school. SCA has been such a wonderful place our youngest and other children. Karen was a big reason for that. I hope it carries on to be the same comfortable, nurturing place it has been.

HI, I have a Master of Music degree in performance; 15 years experience in Arts Administration working directly with The Cleveland Orchestra, Blossom Music Center and Kent State University; produced hundreds of masterclasses, lectures, rehearsals, studio classes and private lessons along with 100 critically acclaimed professional concerts and over 200 student recitals her in Ohio; maintained annual budgets of $350,000, overseeing multiple foundation accounts, delivering fourteen consecutive balanced budgets, raised 8-10% annual budget through public/private grants, donor cultivation, endowments and corporate giving.

I also live right here in Aurora, OH

Any chance I should send a resume or letter to someone in Solon City Council?

Jerry
themusicmail2002@yahoo.com