I am writing in response to the preposterous decision of the Butler County Fair board of directors to ignore the recommendations of the state Department of Agriculture and not require rabies vaccinations for all livestock that will participate in this year’s Big Butler Fair.

This is blatant disregard for the welfare of the public attending the fair, as well as other exhibitors and their animals.

My father, John Hines, was on the board of directors for many years. I’ve been involved with fair activities ever since I was young and I know most of the directors that presently sit on the fair board.

Six directors are related and/or work for the same company that presently does business on the fairgrounds. There are presently 12 directors on the board, which means that 50 percent of the board are in conflicts of interest concerning fair practices. This is totally unethical and needs to be investigated and corrected.

Furthermore, in the past, the secretarial position has been a paid position by a non-board member. Currently the position is held by an active board member.

I think we all will find that this is in complete violation of the bylaws set forth many years ago by the Butler Fair & Agricultural Association. The fairgrounds is owned by the Butler Fair & Agricultural Association. The board of directors are only stewards of the fairgrounds.

I urge all Butler County residents to stand up for the good of our beloved Big Butler Fair.