FREAK                                                                      THREATS

 

Top Thrill Dragster's Smoking Cable

During a visit to Cedar Point on May 12, 2008, I couldn't resist recording Top Thrill Dragster's cable which launches trains 0-120 m.p.h. in 3.5 seconds.  My position for recording was on the walkway where park attendees are able to witness their loved ones rocketing by before heading vertically skywards  42 stories up.

From the city of Mason council meeting, February 8, 2010

RE:  Proposed Tax Increase

My name is Jeffrey P. Stoneking. I provided my Ohio property address in an electronic submission via your website; however, due to security measures stemming from my  authoring a book entitled Theme Park Safety Failure$, I would prefer to give my Michigan residency. Thank you for the opportunity to present circumstances which I believe would defend council and the passing of the proposed tax. First off, the agreement to not raise taxes with Kings Island was with their former parent company, Paramount Parks, not Cedar Fair. For the past 13 years, minimum, Kings Island plays host to non-profit organizations by having volunteers of 501-c3 groups staff their facility. A Kings Island sales manager, Linda Jensen, once stated that the "Fund Raiser" program, as it is called, "Saves the park alot of money."  Volunteers staff the resale outlets in the park, where incorrect change is often provided during cash sales transactions. Hourly payroll employees are dismissed from their  work shift so the busloads of volunteers can fill their position. Unskilled volunteers are not adequately trained, and have been placed on ride platforms, posing a safety threat to riders. When park visitors require directions or assistance, self included, the common  response is, "I'm just a volunteer." One even announced he was "working for Jesus", referencing his church's involvement. There is no responsibility when volunteering.  Be advised, also, that there are no laws, whatsoever, governing the operation of theme parks. There are only structural inspections by the Department of Agriculture, who admits they know nothing  about rollercoaster technology. In essence, Kings Island is utilizing these 501-c3's to cut operating costs, and avoid paying taxes by "donating" to the non-profit groups. The city of Mason is missing out,  all together, on being the recipient of these tax-exempt funds. Kings Island and their parent company, Cedar Fair, also engage in Foreign Labor Contracts. It should be questioned as to the amount of tax credit they receive for doing so. During my years with Kings Island as an accountant, and later a concessionaire, Bard Reed, a merchandise administrator, often stated, "Season Pass holders don't spend any money." Instead, they congregate in a water park constructed beneath high-voltage, overhead power lines, and line-up for an injuring battering ram known as Son Of Beast,  which is the cause of many civil lawsuits for the past decade. It is a well-known fact that court operating costs are paid for with public dollars. It should also be questioned as to whether certain criminal activities requiring the dispatch of the Mason City Police to Kings Island are caused by Season Pass holders.  A particular riot incident once made National News Headlines. With today's technology, it would be Global Wildfire, much like the sleazy measure Kings Island officials are  taking in an effort to oppose this tax. Even their so-called "Tail-Gate Party" tonight, which in actuality is a glorified title for a 'protest', complete with refreshments served in the restaurant facility above the front gate,  is an expense that will result in less tax payments to the city of Mason. What these emotional protestors do not realize is how taxation actually works. People, not businesses, pay taxes. With the large amounts of expenses incurred by Kings Island,  residents of the city of Mason, through income and property taxes, are forced to make up the difference. That being said, if these protestors cannot afford the proposed 3% admission tax, which on a $50 cover charge would amount to less than $1.50, then, clearly, they should not  seek entertainment beyond the confines of their homes. When my organization was planning an event with Kings Island in 1997, Linda Jensen was quick to inform me, in writing, that a $16 admission charge for an attendance figure  of less than 5,000 would cover the park's operating costs and profit for our six-hour usage. At the time, the non-discounted front gate admission was $30.95. Again, our group was only required to pay $16 per person. Do the math. What I have presented for you is documented, undisputed truths about this facility and their operation. My encouragement is for the city of Mason to pass this tax to provide the necessary measures to ensure a safer environment than what Kings Island officials permit to exist  upon their property. Thank you.

 

 

Adventure Express, October 2, 2009

This platform worker would not put down his steaming styrofoam cup while checking restraints, nor would his fellow co-worker at the console.

Photo by S. Hurley

 

Shivering Timbers Mr. Mark Doman Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth Commercial Enforcement Division P.O. Box 30018 Lansing, MI 48909 July 13, 2009 Dear Mr. Doman;   On Friday, July 3rd, 2009, I visited Michigan's Adventure.  Around 5:15pm I was riding the second-to-last seat aboard Shivering Timbers.  On the base of the second drop the lap bar shoved hard against the lower portion of my left rib cage.  At the same time, a woman behind me, on the right side of the train, was heard saying to her very young son, "You hit your head!  Are you alright?"   The rest of the ride circuit was spent protecting my ribs from any additional areas with a grip across the lap bar.   When our train stopped on the final brake, I turned and saw the mother holding her son.  He was extremely pale and silent.   As the train approached the station and during disembarking, I insisted that the mother tell the ride attendant, Cody, about her son's misfortune.  I initially commented to him about my rib, also stating that the ride was extremely painful and rough, then introduced the woman and her son.  While she was telling him about it, Cody brushed her aside, motioning for her along with her son, myself, and my ride partner off the platform, then closed the gate behind us without a word.   Under no circumstance should an incident of this nature be disregarded by anyone, particularly one who is responsible for rider safety.    I am well aware that there remains no laws at the state or federal levels governing the operation of amusement rides at either travelling or fixed sites.  Given the lackadaisical response to injuries by the said staff member of Michigan's Adventure, I would not be surprised to learn that this particular incident is not the first, nor will it be the last.  My regret is not investing in the on-ride photograph shoving myself gripping my rib, and the mother protecting her son as best as possible.   If the state of Michigan's ride inspection  is merely to oversee structural integrity, then I suggest you and members of your staff ride Shivering Timbers to discover first hand how turbulent, brutal, and painful the ride experience truly is.    My additional encouragement is that your department seek additional inspection on Shivering Timbers during this operating season.    Should you require any additional comments, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.   Respectfully, Jeffrey P. Stoneking P.O. Box 81741 Rochester, MI  48308 937-291-9972 ***NOTE:  As of September 21, 2009, no response has been received by either Mr. Doman or Michigan's Adventure's General Manager,  Camille Jourden-Mark. Both Mr. Doman and Ms. Jourden-Mark were phoned on September 21, 2009.  Mr. Doman phoned, indicating he never received the correspondence.  It has been re-sent.

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