South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-04-30
ELBEL ENDS RUMORS
OF RESIGNING FROM
GITY'S PARK BOARD
Veteran Member Admits Diff
ferences of Opinion, But
Says He Will Stick.

Admitting there had been some
differences OF opinion between him
self and other members OF the Board
OF Park Commissioners, Richard
ElOel three times president and old
est member. Saturday halted ru-
mOrs that ne was on the eve OF ten
dering his resignation 70 Mayor See
biTt as a member OF that body.
Refusing 10 comment for publica-
ton over the extent OF the differ
euces existing. Mr.. El5el declared
his willingness TO cooperate with
the other members in the function
ing of the park board. Statements
coming from unofficial sources that
he was taking only an apathetic in
terest in park affairs because Of his
non appearance at important board
meetings were characterized as ma
licious and false.
no differences that have ari9en
Will prompt me TO leave the park
board" was the statement made by
Mr. Elbel Saturday. adding that only
serious MISUNDERSTANDING not at
present looked for would bring
about this emergency.
Asked why he had not Joined with
the other members at their meeting
a week ago Friday night when I'm
portant matters relative TO supervis-
ion and purchase Of equipment OF
the new Engman-City NatatOrium
we're scheduled 10 come up for at
tention, the senior member declared
n ~
important engagement. Mr. Elbel
has missed more than a majority OF
the meetings since the boards re-
organization Feb. I.
1t is known that Mr.. Elbel COM
posed the minority when Arthur p.
Perley's resignation as superintend 70
ent Of the city's parks and secretary
Of the board. was asked for in early
February. At that time George NJ.
Platuer relieved w. w. Ridenour as
president OF the board. Frank diff
ferences of opinion over the advis-
ability of the change in secretaries,
and the appointment OF two men TO
fiji Perley's dual capacity became
evident at that time. Some talk was
current Immediately following Per
ley's removal that Mr.. Elbel had
written oct his resignation and con-
templated handing il TO Mayor See
Dirt for his acceptance. but that he
had been prevailed upon to recon
slider the matter.
Mr.. EIbel did not deny that there
was some foundation for the rumors
recently current forecasting his
IL 4 = 10 4.
the differences of opinion between
himself and the three other mem
bers Of the board had been entirely
settled. He did say. however. that
there was no reason why their trou-
bles could not be adjusted and peace
again reign in the official circle.
The park board, by state law. is a
non-political body, upon which Sc
lections are made equally from both
major political parties. Pres't Plat
ner and w. w. Ridenour are the re-
publican members; Otis 5. Romine
and Elbel democrats. Members re-
ceive no salary for their services TO
the city. Appointments 10 the board
are made by the mayor. one each
year. the terms of the members OF
four years each expiring on the same
rotations Each year the board
elects a president. choosing the
member whose term is due TO expire
the year following
Elbel was appointed a member OF
the park board Is years ago, at the
time OF the boards origin. Next 10
Col. D. y. Foster. OF Fort Wayne. he
is the Oldest park board Irember IN
Indiana. He has three times beer
president Of the board and is known
to have always had the interests OF
the city park system at heart.