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Y to deal with discontent internally on Sept. 16 5 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, August 21, 2009 Continued from page 1 ter and we will not comment any further at this time as we are dealing with it internally," Robinson told The Beaver. Discontent over Ferrone's dismissal has continued to grow. Supporters have sent several letters to The Beaver expressing shock over Ferrone's dismissal. Several online petitions have been started, the most notable of which is found at epetitions.net. The petition was started on Aug. 14 and as of press deadline yesterday, it bore 196 signatures. Among those signatures are some wellknown and prominent local residents such as Joan Gibb, Catherine Mulvale, Mary Ellen Frederick and Ilona Kopriva, as well as many of those who had penned letters to the editor and some YMCA of Oakville staff members. Kopriva told The Beaver she was shocked to learn of the turn of events as Dan is an allround nice guy who always has time for everyone, is someone with whom she'd worked on various fundraisers and who had gone through a selection process of several months. "I just don't feel he was treated fairly," said Kopriva, noting the way it was handled was not befitting Ferrone's stature in the community. "I'm a huge fan," said Mulvale, who also signed the petition. "I can't think of any reason why Dan would not be the "right fit." In my opinion, he is the perfect fit. His passion for the people of Oakville, professionalism in business dealings, entrepreneurial spirit, personable demeanour and sincere attitude are constants. He embodies what the YMCA professes to stand for. Perhaps Dan's abilities were just too overwhelming for the board. What the YMCA lost by dismissing its new leader, will be an immense loss for this community," said Mulvale. Many of his supporters share that sentiment. Ferrone was terminated not quite two months into a three-month probation. His dismissal was based on a unanimous decision by the Y's board of directors. At the time of the dismissal, Knibutat told The Beaver Ferrone was deemed not to be the right fit for the position at the Y "It was the unanimous conclusion of the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Oakville that Dan was not the right fit for the YMCA of Oakville and that as an organization we are moving forward with the selection of a new CEO," he stated. News of Ferrone's termination, and the reason given for it, has created a stir in the community. Some staff members at the Y have contacted The Beaver exploring means of expressing discontent. Ferrone is an all-time Argonaut Hall of Fame member and Oakville businessman. When he took over June 1 from Ireland, who was to act as a mentor prior to officially retiring at the end of this year, Ferrone was said to "begin a new era for the YMCA of Oakville." Ferrone, a life-long Oakville resident, grew up only two blocks from the Rebecca Street Y. Over the years, he has loaned his name and person to many fundraising efforts in town, including the Y's Great Dream Home Lottery. The YMCA has delivered child care, health, wellness and recreation services in Oakville for 53 years. The facility was, in recent years, rebuilt and renamed the Peter Gilgin Oakville Family Y. In 1997, Ferrone was selected by the Globe and Mail as one of the top 25 most powerful and influential people in Canadian sport. He is well known, well liked and respected around town. At the time of his appointment, a Y press release stated, "Over the years, Ferrone has leveraged his professional relationships and strong ties within the community to live and breathe philanthropy, raising millions of dollars for Oakville charities, including the YMCA of Oakville." Now those ties within the community are being brought to bear on the Y's board in regard to its decision -- or at least how it was delivered. o t-of-T wn Ser vice & Ou rt rpo Ai OAKVILLE'S #1 TAXI SERVICE YEAR AFTER YEAR OAKVILLE UNITED TAXI AN EXPERIENCED TEAM YOU CAN DEPEND ON · · · · · · · · · · · Airport Flat Rates Out-of-Town Service Regular In-Town Service 10% Discount On Parcel Service GPS Computerized Dispatch Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles Corporate Accounts Welcome Airport Customer Wake-Up Service 10% Senior Discount - In Town More Than 70 Taxis In Our Fleet Gift Certificates Available Carpet Customers Carpeting QUALIFIES FOR WANTED $1,350 HR Tax Rebate FREE ESTIMATES GUELPH LINE WALKERS LINE 403/QEW Buy Now 3348 Harvester Rd. Burlington 905.632.9338 EXPECT MORE 24 HOUR 7 DAYS A WEEK PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS CELEBRITY FLOORING Mon - Fri 9-6 Saturday 10-5 3348 HARVESTER RD. W 905.338.0044 If you are interested in joining our team, please call 905-338-1762