Mr. Davis wanted to keep his office private and provide the records in response to advance requests. It's not clear whether today's board meeting will be open to the public. The center is a private agency, but community members can be granted speaking time by Chairman Cliff Cooper, a retired railroad employee from Cincinnati. One who intends to be present is the Rev. Charles Gaines, pastor of United Community Christian Church in Covington. He wants to know the extent of the financial crisis and what the community can do to help, he said.
Many residents have fond memories of that time and a sentimental attachment to the building.
But they don't necessarily agree on the center's future. Some say Mr. Davis doesn't have the right personality or skills to run it and must be replaced before change can occur. Others warn against making him a scapegoat for money problems and the inaction of previous boards. The new board should re-evaluate the center's mission and form a plan for carrying it out, perhaps by hiring someone skilled in obtaining grants, said Pam Mullins, a community member and former city commissioner. He should know something about the operation of the community center, but that doesn't mean he knows how to do everything.