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HUBBARD -- A Hubbard resident concerned about state Rep. Michael Loychik's suggestion for changing the name of Mosquito Lake State Park to Donald J. Trump State Park is making her own naming suggestion.
Antonette Scharsu started her own petition last weekend to change the name to Harriet Taylor Upton State Park.
She said she has no problem with the lake remaining Mosquito Lake. But she does have a concern for it being named for Trump, whom she said caused a lot of divisiveness and bullying during his presidency.
Scharsu, who chairs the diversity committee at Portage County Jobs and Family Services, said Taylor Upton was a Warren resident who worked for women's rights and helping others for positive changes.
"I grew up going to Mosquito Lake and have no problem if it remains being named for the mosquitoes. I have heard that from several people. I have a concern with the suggestion it be named for Donald Trump. If there are plans to change, it should be for someone who made positive change," Scharsu said.
Scharsu said after hearing the initiative Friday of Loychik, R-Bazetta, she immediately was ready to suggest someone else who made a local difference and set up her own online petition at change.org. She has already received more than 50 signatures supporting her idea with many agreeing it should not be Trump but someone else -- or just leave the name as is.
She said the former president created a lot of controversy and division. Also, she does not want the state park situation to become a political one.
"Harriet Taylor Upton is a local person who was a suffragette who worked to help get many things for women,'' she said.
"As a lifelong resident of Trumbull County, a civil rights warrior, and leader of diversity, equality and inclusivity, I cannot stand by as this ludicrous proposal is made by one of our state leaders, and I propose if the name of the park be changed at all, it be changed to Harriet Taylor Upton State Park,'' she said on the online petition.
Scharsu said Taylor Upton's agenda and accomplishments are "meritorious, and deserving of such an honorary remembrance.''
Loychik, who took office in January, on Friday issued a statement about introducing legislation meant to honor the commitment and dedication of the 45th president, noting Trump received support from Valley constituents.
"I will soon be introducing this bill to recognize the triumphs Trump brought over the last four years to this great nation and the Buckeye state,'' Loychik said.