Bill O'Donnell, the former President of the Ontario Harness Horse Association, has commented on his departure from OHHA and the circumstances that lead to it
.
In an interview with Globe And Mail's Beverley Smith, O'Donnell referred to the setting as a "shit storm" and stated that his sleep after his resignation was "the best night's sleep I've had in a couple of nights."
According to the article, the resignation came as a result of a few contentious issues in a board meeting on Thursday. These include:
- Board members voting in favour, by one vote, of financially supporting Director Jim Whelan to fight being forced to sign an access agreement with Woodbine Entertainment
- Restricting directors from areas without contracts from voting in OHHA issues
- The request for a vote of non-confidence against O'Donnell, with some stating that he wasn't aggressive enough in negotations with WEG
Before the vote motion was passed, O'Donnell resigned. Darryl MacArthur confirmed with Trot Insider on Friday night that he will move to the position of OHHA President.
The article also contains comments from former Director Bob Young and WEG's David Willmot. To read the article, click here.
What a mess. As a new owner
What a mess. As a new owner (something the business needs desperately) i am disappointed at the behaviors. If a business ran this way it would be bankrupt. I realize there are lots of constituents and livelihoods here at stake but everyone better wake up. This kind of behavior will drive away owners and bettors. Just look at what happened in Quebec.
I am certainly reevaluating my participation in the sport. I worry about the old boy (girl) network in racing. Maybe it would be a good thing to have some new, fresh, and outside perspectives.
To the board (old and new) : Ok i am new here and probably dont understand but for the love and survival of the sport please get your collective heads into the game.
Regrettable and embarassing
Regrettable and embarassing are two words that immediately come to mind, followed quickly by anger and disgust. The people involved in this business do not need this kind of unilateral bullying and selfishness. Maybe it is time for the membership to stand up and let Mr. Whalen and co. know that we are in disagreement with their vision of the future. I don't believe that the directors that gave a non-confidence vote for Mr. O'donnell are speaking on behalf of their membership. I believe they are acting upon their own agendas and allegiance to Mr. Whalen. Maybe it is time for each individual member to voice their opinion. We cannot continue in this direction of self-destruction. I commend those directors who recognized that change is needed. Sincerely, Mike Keeling
I think its time that OHHA
I think its time that OHHA went away for good. If they are backing Jim Whelan with our money, when they can't even stand up for its members on important issues, they will never get another penny of my money. Maybe Mr. Whelan should go out and get a real job and support himself.
Boys and girls it is a sad
Boys and girls it is a sad day when one man and a band of followers can take down OHHA. When our industry is in trouble Mr whelan,who says he bleeds horseman puts himself above it. Any OHHA member who thinks what Mr Whelan is doing is right and supports it need to have their heads checked. If Mr Whelan wants to fight with WEG go ahead but don't take everyone down with you. I know who Mr Whelan is but not personally, however people i do know personally say he is a stand up guy. Jim if you do read this then be that and standup and do the right thing. Now more then ever we have to stand strong all together and save OHHA. Many people don't care for OHHA but i ask you where would we be without OHHA.If our industry is to grow and survive, people we must stand together. Mr Whelan i am sorry you fought a good fight and lost, but thanks for fighting. It is just time for you to step aside and let others do the fighting. Remember the old saying what does not kill makes you stronger, Jim time to be stronger and move on. Some people reading this blog are saying it is only Sinclair and he is a hot head. Well i have fought for OHHA for many years some battles we have won and some we have lost, but i always put the greater good first. IN closing anyone who has a problem with what i said can call me 705 458 8499 more then happy to talk. Lets try to save OHHA we need them.
OHHA just lost any
OHHA just lost any credibility that it had with the resignation of Bill O'Donnell and the eight directors. As for the rest, if you don't support Jim Whelan and his bunch that are trying to sabotage any thread of a relationship between OHHA and WEG, resignation appears to be your only option. I, for one, would support both of my directors resigning at this time. There's my vote--for what it's worth!
Bill, I am also behind you
Bill, I am also behind you and the directors that resigned. IMO the class has left that association. Have you thought of creating a new association? I'd join.
what about the
what about the finances??..you deleted my blob because I made a statement..not fair.
Why has so many people quite?? SHINANAGANS I SAY!!!
Thank you, Mr. O'Donnell,
Thank you, Mr. O'Donnell, for at least trying to make some sense of what we have left of the Ontario Harness Horsemen's Association. You did not deserve the treatment that you received from our Board of Directors and Executive. We, as members, do not deserve the treatment, lack of effective leadership and accountablility that we have experienced from Mr. Whalen, Mr. Walzak and their cronies over the past years. We have had to have patience to get through the turmoil that these people have caused our industry. Where is the patience that they should have had in allowing you to make peace with WEG and mend the many broken fences that have been in the way of signing a contract? Why can't they see that Mr. Whalen will always be a thorn in the side of OHHA's dealings with WEG?
Your resignation and that of the eight directors could be the kiss of death for what is left of the OHHA Board of Directors and the Ontario membership. There are many disgruntled members who have had enough of Mr. Whalen's shenanigans. It is time for a very big change!
TYPICAL!!
TYPICAL!!
Bill I am behind you all the
Bill I am behind you all the way, and sugest that all the OHHA Board Members that are still there, should all go and get a job, in other avenues, as they are not welcome in the Standardbred buisiness, as far as i am concerned. Keith Simpson!!
Mr Whelan should hang his
Mr Whelan should hang his head in shame right now. This is Bill O'Donnell!
The Magic Man was our only hope... Now all hope is lost...
In reply to Mr Whelan should hang his by PeterS
It would seem that OHHA is
It would seem that OHHA is back behind Jim Whelan so firmly that they will overlook his obvious lack of conviction. He won't sign an access agreement on principle. Yet, he has his horses racing because he had his son sign an access agreement. This is the same man who called for everyone to boycott the box ( twice) and yet he will not boycott the box. This is a travesty. One man with two horses has torn OHHA apart with the help of his friends on the board.
Time to man up. If Jim Whelan is so set on suing WEG and not signing an access agreement then it's time to man up and stop racing his horses. That's what is called having your cake and eating it too. Finally for the OHHA membership; your generosity is amazing. You're funding a personal lawsuit against WEG put forth by a man who would tear OHHA down to suit a personal agenda. All of this at a time when hundreds of thousands are losing jobs in this country. Simply mind blowing in its absurdity.