Mexico, what were you thinking?

To the Editor:

First, I never write letters to the editor, but I consider Greg Arsenault a good friend of mine and I will not stay quiet on this issue. I have know Greg since I moved to this area 20 years ago.

Greg is one of the most dedicated persons I know. He has dedicated his life as the Mexico recreation director and has done a lot to get activities to the recreation park and the recreation building and has supported them all.

I know Greg has had some part or say in these activities that go on in the recreation department; road rally, music festivals and lawnmower races at the recreation park, at NWA wrestling and roller skating in the recreation building, and not to even mention the maintenance and upkeep of these proporties. I am sure there are many more than I have not even mentioned.

I have volunteered (never paid) countless hours with Greg at most of these events (I don't even live in Mexico), to help Greg and to do my part in making improvements for the community to enjoy. I know firsthand the work it takes to pull off these events and the countless hours it takes. I worked mostly with Greg on Friday nights with the roller skating.

I don't know who is going to take the place of Greg here, but I really hope the person has a lot of patience and dedication as Greg has. If you think it is just two hours of playing music and handing out skates, you are in for a real treat. Greg never leaves until all the kids are picked up or have a ride, and I have seen this talk till almost 10 p.m. in the past. This is just one example of the dedication Greg gave in his job, and didn't get paid for. I could list hundreds more, easily.

You would think in a time when Mexico is growing more than the surrounding towns that it would be thankful and be as dedicated to its employees as they were to them for the past several years, instead of cutting their hours back so they lose their benefits that they so desperately need.

Mexico, you should be ashamed of what you have done. I just hope that all the things Greg has done for the community doesn't come to an end for the future of the kids and families in Mexico and the surrounding areas.

Mark Robinson