New Board under the City Council?
Is the idea of a new board for community development under the Whitehall City Council a good one?
The Horizons Steering Committee thinks so. Here are our reasons:
1. Once a vision is developed and adopted, it makes more sense for the ongoing, permanent and easy-to-find city council to be the keepers of that vision.
2. The Horizons steering committee is not a permanent entity, but we hope that the forward momentum generated by the Horizons efforts will be a permanent part of the community, and this board could provide leadership and direction.
3. People know where to find the city office, and there is a person there who answers the phone.
4. Grassroots change efforts have to go through the city anyway. This board might actually streamline the process.
5. If we carefully plan the seats on the board, we could gather an incredible amount of wisdom and resources in one room on a regular basis, and help groups so their projects could run more smoothly.
6. There is a planning board in Whitehall, but it doesn’t cover things like developing swimming pools, skate parks, walking trails, farmers’ markets and walk-a-thons. This board would provide a organization where people with ideas and energy could go for information, help, and contacts to like-minded individuals.
7. If there is no one to see that the vision is adhered to, why bother with a vision statement at all?
We want your comments: good, bad, or indifferent!!! Post a comment! It’s your community!!
September 27th, 2007 at 9:40 am
I believe this is a good ideas just based on the fact that it will help disperse the amount of work people have to do. We can’t expect the same group of people to do all of the work all of the time. It is much easier to help if the time requirements are reasonable. Having a larger group of dependable people will take some of the pressure off the “doers” and help reduce burnout. A new entity will bring with it new contacts and perspectives. This alone is an asset, not to mention the additional labor force.
October 1st, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Sounds like a great idea that has the potential to benefit the community. Looking forward to seeing the ideas generated from this proactive group.