I write to express concern about the perceived exclusionary actions taking place within our civic association in recent months.

During a very contentious general membership meeting on February 6, 2006, a motion was made by our Treasurer that no votes may be taken by any committees, due to many people's concern over the Planning Committee Chairperson’s decision to exclude certain members from voting on that Committee. That motion was hotly discussed and the President moved the motion to a vote of the membership. The membership voted to approve the motion.

In the March 2006 newsletter, President Bob Donovan stated he was revoking that vote of the membership. I believe he went beyond the scope of his office and if this is left unchallenged, it sets a very bad precedent for our association. The president should respect the vote of the membership - he cannot overrule its members. He can plead his case to the membership, asking them to reconsider their vote, but he does not have the right to remove or negate their voting power (after all, isn't that what this concern was all about?). The Association is the membership, not its officers, and only the membership can decide how things should proceed.

At the March 2006 general meeting, attempts to discuss the president's action were quelled. Joe Chaisson made a motion “for a vote of confidence” in our president. A "vote of confidence" is used to determine whether an official can remain in office, not whether his decisions are valid or appropriate. I believe many members weren’t sure what this meant and were confused as to what they were voting for. We still have not resolved the fact that the president revoked a vote taken by the general membership.

I continue to remain active in Planning Committee and Beautification Committee meetings, but I choose not to vote until this matter has been Addressed and resolved, out of respect for the members of this Association who by popular vote put forth that committees cannot vote until the By-Laws are re-written. At present, I feel that any vote taken at a committee meeting is invalid.

Much productive discussion about revising the By–Laws has ensued and the By-law meetings are ongoing and open to all. Check the website, newsletter or contact Ed Geary for more information. Reach out to your neighbors and friends who live in this area, encourage them to become members and get involved in the association. It’s time for the membership to reflect the demographics of this great neighborhood.

Marlea Mesh