Letter: Rename Dean Watts Park to honor Officer Jason Ellis

To the editor,

I am requesting that Nelson Fiscal Court move to rename one of our local parks. Historically, buildings, rooms and parks are named after someone who has passed away, sacrificed their life in the line of duty, and/or gave his/her all during their life in the community.

Officer Jason Ellis meets these criteria. He dedicated his life to serve our community as a police officer. He spent countless hours serving on the fields within the park on Spencer Mattingly Lane.

Today, I ask that the park be renamed the Jason Ellis Park. This way we can give back to someone and his family that has given so much to our community.

I do not request this out of disrespect for Nelson County Judge Executive Dean Watts. Although Judge Watts has served politically as our county judge executive, he is alive and well and doesn’t meet the historical criteria.

Officer Ellis did not serve for political reasons or gain. He gave his life for us, and he has impacted countless number of children on the fields of the park.

Due to the conflict of interest, I understand this is something that Judge Watts is unable to comment on or vote on. At this time I ask the remaining member of Nelson Fiscal Court to vote today, or soon hereafter (within the next 30-45 days) for this change.

Thank you for your time.

Josh Geron
New Haven