Posted by Jeff Rowe (68.36.80.236) on November 13, 2002 at 08:46:52:
Great turnout by the members, and great job to the board. By far our highest profile, and most difficult meeting to date.
Most difficult, because with such an important city official attending our meeting, everyone wants their opportunity to air their thoughts or concerns. With our time allotment, and such a large group, we could not, of course, accomodate everyone's desire to speak.
Overall, we, as a group, did an excellent job of presenting a positive image of WBLPNC, and a proactive stance of partnership to accomplish positive results for our mutual interests. We do not always have to agree with the mayor's office, we do not always like some of the decisions he either supports or proposes, but we will definitely accomplish more as an organization with his office as an ally, or at the very least attentive to our comments. Honey, not vinegar, will carry us much further.
I am sure we will review meeting protocol and plain common decorum prior to future meetings, and I hope that each of us remembers to restrain ourselves individually to the benefit of the whole. If someone has a personal grievance with the mayor or his staff, the time to air that grievance is not at a meeting where that comment will reflect on the entire group. The proper time is for you to make the effort to contact the mayor on your own time, with your own agenda. Thank you for keeping this in mind for the future.
We look forward to the feedback from the board (meeting minutes and next steps), and the confirmation of the follow up meeting date with the mayor.
Jeff Rowe