Sandusky honors local founding father of handicap accessibility

SANDUSKY — A recent posthumous ceremony honored one of the area's founding fathers for handicap accessibility.Several local officials, dignitaries and family members showed up in tribute to Dr. Anthony Linz. They dedicated a portion of the relatively new Lions Park pathway in his name.A plaque at the waterfront green space off West Monroe Street lists his name, birth year, 1948, and death year, 2015. It also includes a short statement.It reads: "A true local champion for the rights of persons with disabilities who spent many summer days fishing along the shore at Lions Park with good friends and family. May there always be access for people with disabilities in the Sandusky community."Linz served on the city's first ADA board, created, in 2001, "to ensure compliance with the mandates set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act through self-evaluation of the city's services, policies and procedures."Since its inception, board members routinely meet to make sure nobody discriminates against people on the basis of their abilities and/or disabilities.Linz served on the board for 15 years, right up until his death. In 2017, his wife, Kathy, received an appointment on this board, which has since merged with the city's fair housing board. She continues serving in this capacity."We appreciate the dedication and commitment given by all of the volunteer members of our various boards and commissions and, most especially, value the many years in which Dr. Linz provided guidance, direction and his personal perspectives to help make our community a place where all persons are provided equal opportunities and access to city services and facilities," according to a city statement.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.A recent posthumous ceremony honored Anthony Linz, one of the area's founding fathers for handicap accessibility, at Lions Park in Sandusky. Accepting a proclamation at the park, beside a plaque in his memory, were his wife, Kathy, and son, Tony.