Ramaley emphasized her comments are in no way critical of the board, noting it’s doing all it can with no money.

“The board has its hands full. We need to preserve tourism for the present,” she said, noting if something isn’t done — and done quickly — “there will be no future for the businesses.”

She said the park is needed because there is no other venue at the lake that can accommodate the larger crowds that big festivals attract.

Noting her business saw a decline of 20 percent in 2007 from 2006, Ramaley said she isn’t alone, saying other small businesses are facing the same problem.

Ramaley said there are 100 business members of Conneaut Lake Area Business Association and they are affected by the lack of tourists going to the lake.

She believes by having the free act lawn and various festivals there, the park can once again “be a destination point” for people from Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Erie.

She reasons that Pennsylva-nia has to be losing taxable income from area businesses. Thus, it’s incumbent upon the state to intervene and provide financial help to the trustees. In the long run, not only does the area benefit — but the state will see some return from its investment in taxes generated.

“We want the state to recognize we really need help,” she stressed, emphasizing the need for the involvement — as quickly as possible.

Jane Smith can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at jsmith@meadvilletribune.com.