SK Parks Board chair resigning

Ron Flerx, chair of the South Kitsap Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners, resigned his chairmanship Saturday due to what he described as “personal reasons and circumstances beyond my control.”

Flerx asked to remain on the board.

“I deeply regret due to personal reasons and circumstances beyond my control I must step down as chairman of the South Kitsap Parks Board of Commissioners,” Flerx wrote in an e-mail addressed to his fellow commissioners on Saturday. “I would like to continue as a South Kitsap Parks Board member.”

Flerx went on to express his regard for his fellow commissioners.

“It’s been a great pleasure working with each of you as your chairman,” Flerx wrote. “You have been very supportive and I appreciate each of you for what you have done to support me and issues facing the park. I wish each of you the very best.

“I am stepping down immediately as chairman but will continue to support the board and our community park by volunteering to open and close gates, accomplishing maintenance and attending board functions.”

At least one fellow commissioner is not taking the board’s latest resignation lightly. Commissioner Warren Collver responded to Flerx’s announcement Sunday with his own e-mail.

“Mr. Flerx,” Collver wrote. “This is indeed a sad occasion for the South Kitsap Park and Recreation District and the Parks Board of Commissioners. I would have liked to had the opportunity to talk to you privately before you made this public.

“I am somewhat concerned by the short period of time (between the time) you were ‘appointed’ to this board (and your resignation). I will take...up at our next board meeting why I thing you should resign from the South Kitsap Parks and Recreation...Board of Commissioners.”

Meanwhile Larry Walker, vice chair of the board, will fill Flerx’s vacancy.

“I step into the vacancy right now,” Walker said, “as stated in the bylaws. Of course, one of the first orders of business we’ll have is the election of a permanent chair.”

Walker has served as chair in previous years. He said he expects the community will speculate about the stability of the board in light of several recent resignations.

“(The community) can’t help but think there’s some instability,” Walker said. “I think it’s wrong to think that now, because we’ve really do have a stable board.”

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