SPAR revolt?

[stephendare]

What is going on with all this gossip about a changeover in leadership at SPAR?

This is about the fifth time that I have been told that there are 'major changes' about to take place at SPAR, with whispered conversations about 'younger blood' and a couple of the SPAR council members getting ready to change things there?

I personally think Louise DeSpain seems to be a fairly effective leader.

Is there something going on that the rest of us don't know about?

[downtownparks]

I sit on the board, and I haven't heard those rumors. In fact, the board created an executive director position because we all recognized Louise's talents and didn't want to lose her leadership due to term limits. So please, do tell. In my humble opinion, without more substantiated information this is just rumor mongering.

[jbm32206]

I've not heard anything along those lines....there's new board members that were elected..and like Dan said, the board created and voted on a position just for Ms. DeSpain to remain in place. There's issues withing every organization, but I've not heard anything along the lines in which you mentioned.

[jbm32206]

I'm not saying it's not true.....I've just not heard anything....but there's been some unrest over issues...so who knows, nothing would surprise me. I agree, that if you're hearing this from various sources, then there's quite often something to it.

[gatorback]

I've lived and worked in Springfield off and on since 1993.  The first place I lived was at Laura St. and 2nd before the great turnaround.  I know a lot about the best neighborhood and best neighborhood association as I’ve have been apart of it for the past 15 years albeit on the sideline.  What I’ve been hearing as of late is just despicable.  Springfield has great leadership right now and the proof is in the pudding.  Who hasn't seen the turnaround in Springfield since the early 90's.  Yes we are facing horrible economic times but the current key players have and have had the best interest of the neighborhood ever since I can remember.  Given the current economic situation it would not be in the best interest to make any changes. I've always saluted Louise as well as numerous other small investers for their hard work in Spingfield. 

[gatorback]

I remember going to the SPAR potlucks back in the day and realizing that there’s was such close community there.  SPAR can do no wrong in my book since they’ve always wanted so much more the area.  I’m sorry that they are currently being challenged.

[jbm32206]

To my knowledge, there's no real challenge or unrest happening within SPAR...there's been a few low keyed issues that some members have not agreed with...but certainly nothing that would constitute a threat to the stability or ongoing efforts. No matter what the organization or group, there's always going to be some tension over issues, but as a whole, SPAR remains as strong as ever.

[jbm32206]

I was there for the election and I know what you're talking about....there were some problems and discontent revolving around them. As for Louise, the board just created a position for her, so she can stay at the helm...so to speak. I can understand now....what rumors you had heard and what they were about.

[jbm32206]

Isn't that the truth...we do have our spunk.... I appreciate your concerns and that you contacted the SPAR office to get to the bottom of it.

[jbm32206]

Yeah, most organizations tend to have some sort of unrest....it's pretty much the nature of the beast.

[gatorback]

try starting a glbt church LOL. General Patraeus couldn't even imagine the torture involved in that. I first went to St. Likes MCC in Springfield which bought the church in riverside and moved over to McDuff. After the fall out with MCC we started Christ Church of Peace. I remember meeting a lot of SPAR members at the old Church in Springfield. Isn't there a SPAR house tour soon

[jbm32206]

The last one was in December....haven't heard of a date for the next one...which is usually in April.

[thelakelander]

SPAR should embrace their forum.  It can be a powerful asset for them if managed right.  What's SPAR's strategic plan to encourage commercial development along 8th & Main Streets?  Those areas are Springfield's final frontier.

[downtownparks]

The forum is a phenomenal tool that has been sort of coopted by a few people who have a axes to grind.

I was unable to attend the meeting tonight due to on going family issues, but had I been in attendance, I would have abstained. I see the value, but I also see the potential for damage.

I am glad it will still be around, but I wish the tone would swing back to being a bit more positive.

[jbm32206]

Aside from the debate over a particular thread about a contractor and the home owner, the tone has been positive. In fact, for the most part, the forum is extremely quiet. As a member of SPAR, I find it shameful how some other members, including board members, are concerned about the 'tone' and are willing to see it shut down instead of allowing members to openly discuss important issues.

And movedsouth is right...I totally agree with what you said!