Here is the EDITOR OF THE EASTON PAPER VIEW

HERE IS THE EDITOR OF THE EASTON NEWSPAPER AFTER SEEING THE OBSURED WAY THE TOWN'S OFFICIALS ARE TREATING US VICTIMS OPINION



Change the park's name

Editorial Board
July 15, 2004

With five individuals stepping forward to tell Easton officials that the late Stephen "Skipper" Toth molested them or acted inappropriately with them, it's time for those officials to reconsider changing the name of Toth Park.
The park name was changed from Easton Park to Toth Park after Toth died about 20 years ago, to honor a man that everyone thought deserved recognition. That was understandable - Toth had volunteered for years with the Boy Scouts, Little League, and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
The skepticism that greeted Florida resident Michael Powel when he met with town officials earlier this year with tales of Toth molesting him also was understandable. Though Powel had complained to Easton police about the alleged molestation in 2000, nothing came of it and no one else heard about it.When one person comes forward with an allegation that sounds totally unbelievable, and the person being accused is not alive to defend himself, then people naturally are going to maintain some doubt.But Powel is no longer the only voice. When he came before the Parks and Recreation Commission in April, renewing his allegations that Toth molested him and asking that the commission change the park's name again, a retired Easton police lieutenant was by his side. Les Eckert backed up Powel's allegation, stating that Toth tried to tie him up one afternoon, but he was able to get away.Then a Vermont man, hearing about Powel's story, came to town to tell the Board of Selectman that Toth used to drive him home from Boy Scout meetings and, while they were alone in the car, he would force the boy's face into his crotch.Still town officials hesitated to take action. But this week, Powel's attorney, Helen McGonigle, presented the Parks and Recreation Commission with statements from two more people, one of which is a detailed, written allegation about Toth enticing two boys to his home and then trying to molest them.At this point, too many people have made claims against Toth to discount them. Even if town officials decide to leave the name Toth Park, it will be forever tainted. No longer can his legacy be that he was a hard-working volunteer who devoted his time to the children of Easton. Now people who did not know Toth and what he did for Easton will connect his name with someone who sexually molested children. All the good things he did for Easton will not outweigh the multiple allegations against him.Easton officials wanted more information when they first heard from Powel and chose to wait before making a decision about renaming Toth Park. Now they have heard from four more people, and it's time for them to act.
©Easton Courier 2008