Logical way to vote on issues in Springfield

[Miss Fixit]

The only way for the general population to "vote" on issues in Springfield is by electing government officials who support your views.

SPAR is not a homeowner's association that, through deed restrictions, every resident of Springfield is required to join.

SPAR is not the only voice for Springfield, nor should it be.

SPAR is a neighborhood organization that anyone can join.  Join SPAR, get active, change the organization.

I'm not suggesting that I agree with everything SPAR does or the way it operates - I certainly do not.  I'm just pointing out that, unless you're a member of SPAR, voting is irrelevant.

Miss Fixit.  Many have tried to "fix" SPAR from the inside.  The ranks just close up -- rarely does the board get heard, much less the general membership.  Which is exactly why the membership has shrunk.  What's the point in joining, if you have no voice?

Let's hope for a new day in the neighborhood.  A peaceful one.  And new leadership which operates as the organization ought to, with open mouths, hearts and minds, and lead the neighborhood to a better place than the battlefield we currently have.

I think that, under new leadership, if you join you will be heard.

And as to your second paragraph, Amen.

[samiam]

I just wanted to see if we could come up with a way to alleviate all the bickering, bashing and disagreement's in a fair and logical manner. We need to give all persons that have a vested interest in springfield a voice. There is absolutely no malice in my reason for posting this. I am not trying to be cheeky and there is no other reason but to have open positive dialogue on the subject. nothing more nothing less.

[fsu813]

- For most people it's not a battlefield at all.  It is what you make of it.

- But, some things are worth fighting for. Conflict is inevitable. Managing conflict is the trick.

- Because someone is heard, doesn't mean they are agreed with. Not everyone gets want they want, as with any organization.

[sheclown]

The only way for the general population to "vote" on issues in Springfield is by electing government officials who support your views.

SPAR is not a homeowner's association that, through deed restrictions, every resident of Springfield is required to join.

SPAR is not the only voice for Springfield, nor should it be.

SPAR is a neighborhood organization that anyone can join.  Join SPAR, get active, change the organization.

I'm not suggesting that I agree with everything SPAR does or the way it operates - I certainly do not.  I'm just pointing out that, unless you're a member of SPAR, voting is irrelevant.

Miss Fixit.  Many have tried to "fix" SPAR from the inside.  The ranks just close up -- rarely does the board get heard, much less the general membership.  Which is exactly why the membership has shrunk.  What's the point in joining, if you have no voice?

Let's hope for a new day in the neighborhood.  A peaceful one.  And new leadership which operates as the organization ought to, with open mouths, hearts and minds, and lead the neighborhood to a better place than the battlefield we currently have.

I think that, under new leadership, if you join you will be heard.

And as to your second paragraph, Amen.

Cool.  Let's start with the current  board members.  Who are they?  When were they elected or appointed?  When do their terms expire? 

[CS Foltz]

sheclown............all that you said and one more thing..........does SPAR have an agenda? Are they aware of the "alley" issues and one final thought...........what about clean up on Main Street? Ms Amanda took time to bring to my attention, via a PM, about block captains and their roles. Supposedly she was to bring to bring the Main Street trash issue up before the SPAR Board and I did not notice anything in the SPAR Speaks......would you know anything about the matter?

[Springfielder]

CS, yes, spar knows and is working on the alley issues.

[Springfielder]

I just wanted to see if we could come up with a way to alleviate all the bickering, bashing and disagreement's in a fair and logical manner. We need to give all persons that have a vested interest in springfield a voice. There is absolutely no malice in my reason for posting this. I am not trying to be cheeky and there is no other reason but to have open positive dialogue on the subject. nothing more nothing less.

I agree that all who have a vested interest should have a say, from homeowners to renters, and all levels of the economic scales. The bickering will cease, when people stop pushing their agendas and views, and ignoring those of others. It's not a bed of roses, there's plenty of thorns, but that doesn't have to make for an unwanted or less valuable part of the garden.

[fsu813]

does SPAR have an agenda?
sure.

Are they aware of the "alley" issues
yes: http://myspringfield.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=64&sid=6316bec004a01ec5b474bd8767ab2572 & http://myspringfield.org/bb/viewtopic.php?p=2258#p2258

Ms Amanda took time to bring to my attention, via a PM, about block captains and their roles.
the next meeting is Monday @7pm. hope to see you there.

she was to bring to bring the Main Street trash issue up before the SPAR Board and I did not notice anything in the SPAR Speaks
the next Board meeting is in April. They are public. hope to see you there.


......would you know anything about the matter?
asking someone that is actually involved in the organization would be the best way to find out about what the org is doing.
i can provide contact info if you like.

[CS Foltz]

Springfielder............much thanks for the info and thanks to you also fsu813! SPAR's website did not mention anything about either subject, or if they did I missed that! Hoping the SPAR Board is much more open and informative with the new executive director heading things up.............lots they could be involved in and they really need to be taking the point for sure!

[Gonzo]

Sam, I admire the effort here, but it is a bit awkward.

  The problem, currently, is no voting representation -- it has been SPAR's undoing.  SPAR can't seem to understand that the city will not allow the organization to represent the neighborhood when the neighborhood has no say in the organization.  And this is just common sense.

Issues in this neighborhood would not be where they are today had the organization not tossed out its bylaws and rid itself of legitimate elections. 

When this was brought a couple of years ago, the proper response would have been ... "so sorry, we will work toward improving this".

Voting, inclusive, transparent neighborhood organizations are all that is truly needed. 

I have to agree.

[Miss Fixit]

Springfielder............much thanks for the info and thanks to you also fsu813! SPAR's website did not mention anything about either subject, or if they did I missed that! Hoping the SPAR Board is much more open and informative with the new executive director heading things up.............lots they could be involved in and they really need to be taking the point for sure!

I just checked the SPAR Council weekly update, which is posted on the SPAR website, and it does include some information on the Alley Task Force and related issues.

Open and informative (and empowered) SPAR Board is a must!

[AlexS]

On the SPAR website it still lists Louise as ED. Was there a formal appointment of Brenda as ED and just the web site was not updated ?
http://sparcouncil.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=6

[sheclown]

I think that, under new leadership, if you join you will be heard.

On the SPAR website it still lists Louise as ED. Was there a formal appointment of Brenda as ED and just the web site was not updated ?
http://sparcouncil.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=6

MissFixIt:  any answer to Alex's question?  I'm sure there are many potential members out there who are ready to join if they can be assured of a change in policies and practices with SPAR.  An answer to Alex's question, would be a good start.

[Miss Fixit]

I think that, under new leadership, if you join you will be heard.

On the SPAR website it still lists Louise as ED. Was there a formal appointment of Brenda as ED and just the web site was not updated ?
http://sparcouncil.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=6

MissFixIt:  any answer to Alex's question?  I'm sure there are many potential members out there who are ready to join if they can be assured of a change in policies and practices with SPAR.  An answer to Alex's question, would be a good start.

Yes, Brenda is the new executive director.  Louise told me earlier this week that she was moving on Sunday.

[uptowngirl]

Who is Brenda?