Update: Selectman Shields has not softened his position as he states in his response to this commentary. Please click “Read more” to view his comment. We appreciate the response and clarification.

Commentary by Frank Schroth

We were somewhat surprised and heartened to read the following quote from Selectman Shields in a recent article from The Boston Globe regarding the Ulin Rink:

“You’re getting a $5 million facility for just a dollar per year,’’ said Shields, adding that Joyce’s plan was much more beneficial to the town than the alternative move the Patrick administration could impose. “Most of the times this kind of plan has been brought up in the past, the plans have not been beneficial for the town. But Senator Joyce’s plan is different.’’

(Read the full story here.)

The DCR is shedding its responsibility for skating rinks. They are cost prohibitive for the DCR to manage and running a skating rink simply is not within their core competency. The issue is that Milton officials and some residents felt they were not provided adequate notice and consequently did not have sufficient time to assess the possibility of having a group within town make a bid to manage the rink. Senator Joyce has sponsored legislation regarding the rinks that recently passed the senate. You can learn more about that and his reasoning here.

There was a bit of a kerfuffle at a recent Selectmen’s meeting between the senator and Selectman Shields, which is not worth rehashing here. Suffice to say it flamed up from a misunderstanding and as is often the case between two strong-minded individuals, it has taken a little time to cool down. But hopefully it has, because everyone is essentially saying that they have the same goals in mind regarding the future of the rink: maintain full access to Milton teams, leagues, and the public at a cost to those organizations and the public that is no higher than it has been with the DCR.

Joyce is arguing for private management of the rinks because the access and cost will be maintained by professionals. They will improve the quality of the facility and in fact, access may be increased because the rink will be open year round. The DCR currently closes the rink and allocates staff to other activities during spring and summer months.

Shields aligned himself with a local group that strongly objected to the privatized management of the rink. Their key objection being access and cost. There was also concern expressed about handing over a public asset to private hands. In fact, there was a point / counter-point published in the Milton Times between Senator Joyce and Selectman Shields. In that piece Shields challenged figures Joyce put forward in terms of revenue back to the town. One of Joyce’s arguments for privatization is that the rink management company would pay a fee back to the town which is a percentage of its revenue.

Revenue is good; but not the core issue. If the public is guaranteed continued access at levels enjoyed today, if fees are not increased, and the town has the opportunity to see some possible revenue, then where is the problem? The town cannot afford to manage a rink and is likely no better qualified to do that than the DCR. One has to believe contract language that protects the town’s interests and that of its residents can be put in place and enforced. The challenge will be in finding a reputable firm that will make the committment to such a contract and provide a well-run facility. The self-appointed hockey committee should be involved in that process and the decision. Once done, skate on.