Isles’ board chair seeks donation from N.E. Town

by Lindsay Kelly

LITTLE CURRENT-A bid by Islanders board president Jim Stringer to secure funding from the town for the flailing junior A team brought surprised indignation from community sports groups last Thursday night.

But members of the board insist securing town funding is not part of their overall sponsorship plan and that the board president acted on his own in soliciting funding.

Mr. Stringer, who temporarily ceded his role as Administration and Finance Committee chair to make a presentation to the group, submitted a letter to the members of council on January 6, two days before the meeting.

In the letter, Mr. Stringer makes a request for a $5,000 donation from the town for the team’s upcoming year in an effort to offset the growing costs associated with operating the team.

“This is a significant amount, but relatively small compared to the direct and indirect benefits generated by the team,” he writes. “As well, it is comparable to the amount which the town gave to figure skating by way of interest forgiveness last year.”

Despite its fundraising and sponsorship efforts, the team will end the year “in a significant deficit position,” Mr. Stringer noted, and although the team will return in 2009-2010, its future beyond next season cannot be guaranteed.

The board president cited a tight budget and volunteer burnout as the primary reasons behind the team’s current status and suggested that additional funds could be invested in producing a better team.

“The solution to both of these issues is significant new sponsorships, which will allow us to develop a more competitive team,” Mr. Stringer writes. “This, in turn, will increase revenues from admissions and season tickets, generate additional sponsorships from small businesses and bring out additional volunteers, all of which means that the team will not merely survive but will thrive and be a more important part of the community.”

“The reality is that without fundraising, the team would not be able to operate here, and if they’re gone, they won’t be coming back,” he said, adding that the team operates on a “shoestring budget.”

“Whatever you’re able to do is greatly appreciated,” he added.

But following the meeting, board vice-president Ron Steeves indicated that the decision to solicit the town for funds “wasn’t condoned” by the board. He declined to comment further pending a meeting of the board, but noted that members were scheduled to meet on Tuesday evening and he would have more information at that time.

Following Mr. Stringer’s presentation on Thursday night, the floor was opened up for debate; however, no discussion ensued, nor was there an effort by any councillor to table a motion to accept the request.

As the meeting was adjourned, former councillor Tony Ferro suggested Mr. Stringer was underhanded in his treatment of the issue. “If you’re going to discuss this again, I would ask that you let us know so that we can be there,” he said.

He argued that two days’ notice is not sufficient time for community sports groups to plan to be at the meeting in order to hear council’s consideration of the request, suggesting that by introducing it at the last minute, “you’re trying to slide it in there. It’s kind of sneaky.”

Mr. Stringer indicated he would speak with concerned residents following the meeting.