SPAR revolt?

[thelakelander]

fsu813, the next Metro Jacksonville meeting is tonight at Hola mexican restaurant on Main Street.  We'll be there from 6pm to about 9pm.

[cindi]

What a shock another SPAR-defending newbie pops out of the woodwork...

I think what's going on is that COJ (and others) took notice of the uproar SPAR's actions have been creating online, and now their natural response is to deal with this the same way they deal with everything, ranging from their historical preservation mandate to their rigged internal elections.

They are here to try and stack the deck.

I think we've actually exceeded the moon river pizza thread with 0-post count newbies who all seem to know a little "too much" about this topic they've clearly registered just to post in. I think the mods should start doing IP checks on all these newbies who've mysteriously come out of the woodwork just to defend SPAR.

using the rule of you should have posted a certain number of post on things you don't care about before you can post about SPAR (would the same rule apply if they had come out bashing SPAR and had never posted before) maybe there should be a rule that says you have to had actually lived in springfield for a certain number of years before you can bash it.

[sheclown]

I agree, I wouldn't even mind seeing FSU813 throw in his hat.  The point is...let there be ELECTIONS! 

Say what you will about Dan, he cares about this neighborhood.  Doug and Doris, they are stellar.  Ennis and Adrienne would class the place up.  Alex would make sure the research is done.  And I believe Lisa, in her way, is fair (albeit needs some education on substance abuse issues).  I would join and vote for any and all of them.

But things cannot remain as they are.  The vision for Springfield needs to take in consideration all of the people who live here, all of the businesses who operate here.  Anything less, simply will not work. 

[JaxByDefault]

Give Lisa Simon, Ennis Davis, Adrienne or Joe Lerner, Oak S'an, maybe even Dan Blanchard and particularly Doug VanderLaan a crack at things.

Sincere thanks for the mention, but we're not interested. The Lerner-Hyder household is currently enjoying an extended Springfield sabbatical. This neighborhood is exhausting. 

[fsu813]

Tonight?

Hoped it wasn't.

Do you meet weekly or monthly?

[thelakelander]

weekly.

[Johnny]

Is the revolt the reason the SPAR forum has not been accessible for the past couple of days?

[JaxUnicorn]

Is the revolt the reason the SPAR forum has not been accessible for the past couple of days?

It does seem a bit odd just as things were heating up the SPAR forum board was brought down....

[untarded]

Is the revolt the reason the SPAR forum has not been accessible for the past couple of days?

It does seem a bit odd just as things were heating up the SPAR forum board was brought down....

I've heard in the past that senior board members were never fans of the forum and wanted it closed long ago.  Unfortunately it shows some backwards thinking and a lack of vision on their part.  I believe one of the SPAR forum's biggest value was that it provided realistic insight into the neighborhoods advantages and challenges for potential newcomers.  Myself and a few others never would have moved to Springfield without the information we gathered from honest and engaged residents on that forum.  I'd rather have new residents know exactly what they're getting into when moving to Springfield.  Because of the open discussion most newcomers realize they need to do a lot more than move in and just mow their lawns. 

Just recently a soon to be Jax resident found the forum and decided to move Springfield.  He put a contract on a house sight unseen. It's a historic house that will need significant reno.

I was very critical of the way the recent firestorm was presented by some posters on both SPAR's and MJ's forum, however, the issue presented was legitimate and deserves a response regardless of the medium it was presented.  The firestorm could have been spelled if some response was provided even if it was to meet and discuss offline (which I think would be the most appropriate solution).  A follow up could then have been posted online. 

Closing down the forum only legitimizes some of the complaints about SPAR, whether they are accurate or not.  Didn't Iran recently close down Internet service providers and cell phone communication throughout the entire country when legitimate questions were raised to their leadership?  Has it helped to legitimize government opposition in the eyes of the rest of the world?

[ChriswUfGator]

I really have an issue with your comparison of SPAR to Iran. Don't you think that's just a bit over-the-top? Honestly?

I mean, Iran's elections are far less rigged and BS'ey than SPAR's...

[untarded]

I really have an issue with your comparison of SPAR to Iran. Don't you think that's just a bit over-the-top? Honestly?

I mean, Iran's elections are far less rigged and BS'ey than SPAR's...

Lol.

Before anyone runs with that comparison understand that my intent was not to compare SPAR and Iran.  It was to point out how actions can affect the perception of legitimacy. 

I am neither a critic or defender of SPAR about the issues that have arisen recently.  I believe its a legitimate question that deserves a response.  I am only critical about them closing their forum.


disclosure:  I am a paying member of SPAR and, like others, am undecided about renewing.

[AlexS]

I've heard in the past that senior board members were never fans of the forum and wanted it closed long ago.  Unfortunately it shows some backwards thinking and a lack of vision on their part.  I believe one of the SPAR forum's biggest value was that it provided realistic insight into the neighborhoods advantages and challenges for potential newcomers.

Closing down the forum only legitimizes some of the complaints about SPAR, whether they are accurate or not. 

It is correct that opinions have been split among the SPAR board about the forum board for a long time. Ideas have been kicked around if posting by full name should be required, only SPAR members should be allowed to post or only certain portions of the forum should be kept. Much discussion was spent on this and it seems to get revisited.

Not quite sure about "senior board members" as all board members are equal and elected for a maximum of two three year terms. Perhaps you mean the Executive Board members.

Based on inquiry I have heard that the SPAR forum has not been permanently shut down, but is down due to technical issues. We will see ...

Of course if SPAR would announce such things through either a notice on the forum itself, the main web site, this forum or Facebook then not everyone would have to speculate about the reasons and think of conspiracy.

[sheclown]

Is the revolt the reason the SPAR forum has not been accessible for the past couple of days?

It does seem a bit odd just as things were heating up the SPAR forum board was brought down....

I've heard in the past that senior board members were never fans of the forum and wanted it closed long ago.  Unfortunately it shows some backwards thinking and a lack of vision on their part.  I believe one of the SPAR forum's biggest value was that it provided realistic insight into the neighborhoods advantages and challenges for potential newcomers.  Myself and a few others never would have moved to Springfield without the information we gathered from honest and engaged residents on that forum.  I'd rather have new residents know exactly what they're getting into when moving to Springfield.  Because of the open discussion most newcomers realize they need to do a lot more than move in and just mow their lawns. 

Just recently a soon to be Jax resident found the forum and decided to move Springfield.  He put a contract on a house sight unseen. It's a historic house that will need significant reno.

I was very critical of the way the recent firestorm was presented by some posters on both SPAR's and MJ's forum, however, the issue presented was legitimate and deserves a response regardless of the medium it was presented.  The firestorm could have been spelled if some response was provided even if it was to meet and discuss offline (which I think would be the most appropriate solution).  A follow up could then have been posted online. 

Closing down the forum only legitimizes some of the complaints about SPAR, whether they are accurate or not.  Didn't Iran recently close down Internet service providers and cell phone communication throughout the entire country when legitimate questions were raised to their leadership?  Has it helped to legitimize government opposition in the eyes of the rest of the world?

As a responsible party in this "outing", I agree with you.  It most certainly could have been handled better, quieter, with more dignity IF commication with SPAR or the executive board was at all possible.  Joe went in to talk to Louise about the Thrift Store and about the sober houses and that turned into Louise's claims that Joe physically threatened her (laughable to anyone who knows Joe) and a banning of Joe from SPAR's headquarters.  Additionally, Joe was advised by SPAR's legal council, the president, that he was to have no contact with SPAR staff members.

I gotta ask...what's a person to do?

[sheclown]

Claude's letter:

August 29, 2009

Address

It was just reported to me that you verbally assaulted Lousie DeSpain at the SPAR office this morning, putting her in real fear of physical assault.  This was witnessed by several persons.

This is to advise you that you are prohibited from entering the SPAR building or having any contact with SPAR staff.  If you make any attempt to enter the SPAR building, the Sheriff's office will be contacted immediately to have you ejected as a trespasser.  We will also seek a restraining order against you.

GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY.

Very truly yours,
Claude Moulton, president

And by the way, Joe is a dues paying member of SPAR.

[samiam]

Wow!!! I leave town for 3 months and all h-lls breaks loose