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Residents and volunteers urge commissioners to keep Kaliseum director amid financial debate
Summary
Several community members and volunteers told the board that Director John Starr brings money and activity to the Kaliseum and urged the county to retain him; speakers said losing Starr would harm youth programs and the facility's momentum.
Multiple members of the public spoke in person and by Zoom at the June 24 meeting to urge the Board to retain Kaliseum Director John Starr.
Volunteer Matt Hawkins, who said he speaks for KAHA, reminded commissioners that "the Kaliseum has never been profitable" but argued Starr's personal relationships and efforts have brought sponsors and programming. Valerie Hansen said Starr "brings action and money into the Kaliseum" and noted staff and administrator turnover; Annie Wallace told the board that if they wanted to keep the Kaliseum they needed to keep Starr.
Public commenters stressed Starr's role in securing a new scoreboard and in expanding non-hockey uses such as fitness classes, volleyball and pickleball. Several citizens said the facility's community value should be weighed against fiscal concerns and warned that community reaction would follow a perceived failure to support staff seen as essential.
