State may probe Perrysburg group

Two complaints filed with Ohio Attorney General after hip hop festival

Anita Serda and supporters stand outside of the Perrysburg Community Center alleging that the leaders of the center improperly ran a hip hop concert last weekend.

After trouble during last weekend’s festival, the former founder of the Perrysburg Heights Community Association today called for elected officials to investigate the current Perrysburg Heights Community Association board.

“The group here calls for our elected officials and leadership to investigative the questionable actions of Jason Craig [treasurer of Perrysburg Heights Community Association],” said Anita Serda, former president and founder of the board. She spoke today in front of a group of about 30 children and adults from the community who were holding signs protesting the association.

“Save PHCA,” and “Where is the money Jason,” were written on them.

Two complaints were filed to Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine this week regarding the American-Mexican and Hip Hop Festival held Friday and Saturday. One was from Ms. Serda, and the other from her brother David Sanchez. A spokesman for the state agency confirmed the complaints were filed but does not comment on what it is investigating.

Both complaints questioned how the hip hop festival was advertised, and that no refunds for tickets were given even though headlining acts did not come. They also said the board doesn’t hold public meetings anymore, and that they restrict certain families from the Perrysburg Community Center in Perrysburg Heights.

“I want Jason Craig and the entire board removed for their actions,” Mr. Sanchez said. “I demand a new board in their place.”

Jesse Spier, president of PHCA, released a statement saying even though the financial goals weren’t met from the festival, they met their financial obligations. He also said there were no security issues. Mr. Craig said today that had no comment outside of Mr. Spier’s statement.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Coolio, and Naughty By Nature were a few of the headlining acts that did not come to Saturday’s concert.

Contact Matt Thompson at: mthompson@theblade.com, 419-356-8786, or on Twitter at @mthompson25.