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The Westchase Community Association does an about-face and agrees to negotiate with William Thomas.
By LOGAN D. MABE
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 27, 2000
WESTCHASE -- William Thomas was facing match point when the Westchase Community Association decided this month not to renew his contract to run tennis programs that serve thousands of youngsters in the area.
But after protests from hundreds of parents, the association's board agreed Thursday night to take negotiations with Thomas to a fifth and deciding set.
The board voted unanimously to "enter a good-faith negotiation with William Thomas," provided that both sides drop any ideas of liability claims. Thomas had already signed a revised contract that gave the association a larger cut of fees, but it never went into effect because directors declined to ratify it.
"The board remained flexible in order to accommodate and adhere to residents' concerns," said board member Carolyn Holt. "The board is always looking for resident input and was extremely pleased with the turnout. We hope that we will continue to get resident feedback and recommendations on all issues."
The vote came after a spirited defense of Thomas and his long-standing tennis teaching program by parents, who called him an important part of the "Westchase family."
"He's got the support," said Linda Stentafani, who collected 499 signatures from parents. "We want to keep him and keep his program. And really, nothing else is acceptable to us."
In a meeting that was at times contentious, association president Bob Argus explained that the board had voted not to renew Thomas' contract, but could not elaborate on the reasons. He said the board's policy is not to discuss contract negotiations or personnel matters in public.
To do so would open the board to possible lawsuits if the information was damaging to Thomas, he said.
That policy did not sit well with the group of parents.
"You folks made a decision on whatever information, new information, that was given to you," said Carolyn Schwartz, a former member of the Swim and Tennis Committee, which considered Thomas' contract. "If there's a problem with William Thomas and you've been given information that's detrimental to him, why not sit down and give him a chance to refute it?"
"He's better than anyone I've ever seen bringing people in," said Sue McKechnie. "The kids adore him. We're passionate about it. We don't need lawyers. This is our home and William lives in our home."
Danette Siddle criticized the board's "no comment" stance, saying it cast suspicion on a man who has done a lot for the children of Westchase.
"To take (the program) away and say, "We can't talk about it,' is a tough pill to swallow," Siddle said. "It sounds like maybe a few feathers got ruffled."
The group of about 100 parents broke out in applause when the board decided to talk with Thomas again.
"Yes, I think William will be willing to sit down and talk," said Thomas' attorney, Michael Addison.
In the end, Holt said, the children of Westchase will be the likely winners in the compromise. Jason Wyatt, a Team Thomas student for six years, couldn't agree more.
"He's like a father to me," Wyatt said.
- To reach Logan D. Mabe, call 226-3464 or e-mail him at mabe@sptimes.com.