Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association

In May, I became more actively involved in NSNA after being an interested but not always productive member for years. I've lived in this neighborhood for 18 and 1/2 years. I was activated by my concerns about the MetroGroup/CVS proposal, by enthusiastic and active neighbors, and by concerns about what I perceived to be some problems dynamically on the NSNA Board and my concerns about how those possible problems might be affecting the Board's representation of me (and you). I've been very excited to see some great community activism throughout this process and to see neighbors volunteering time and energy and debating issues with each other. As a result of my increased involvement, I was nominated and elected to the NSNA Board by other Board members on June 11, when I elected to attend a Board meeting to take a look at the dynamics up close. I am thrilled to have an opportunity to serve my community. I've read our by-laws and am clear about my responsibility to the membership. I left on vacation June 14 and returned today to find a notice on my porch of a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors on July 3 at 7:00 p.m. at the Westminster Presbytarian Church, 126 11th Ave. N.E. The Special Meeting was scheduled in response to a motion passed by the general membership on June 19 directing the Board to request the resignation of Steve Lange as President. I am so pleased that the NSNA has a website to provide a forum for communication and discussion, but am saddened and disappointed to see postings that are not constructive. Let's keep our focus where it belongs, which is on moving forward in the process for NSNA and the Neighborhood Design Review Committee to participate in dialogues with Metro/Group CVS to negotiate compromises that may result in a more acceptable project than was initially proposed. In addition, we need to keep our focus on repairing the problems in our NSNA and Board. In order for that to occur, we need to keep our perspective and rationality. Communities like ours are made up of a diverse population with different beliefs, attitudes, and ideas about what's best for North Shore. Whenever a controversial issue like the proposed drugstore comes up (or traffic calming solutions, or whether to save Sunken Gardens and how), there will be heated debate and a division in the neighborhood. We won't always agree; but surely we can debate and disagree without resorting to personal attacks and vitriolic postings. In order for the NSNA Board to improve its representation of the membership, we need the membership to participate. Board authority is derived from THE MEMBERSHIP, and the Board knows membership wishes when members attend meetings and VOTE. When the power and responsibility in any organization remains invested in a small group of people who repeatedly volunteer or rise to the occasion, the process can become narrow, exclusionary, less open than it should be. Individual personalities affect the dynamics, sometimes problematically, and must be addressed. That does not necessarily mean that anyone has malevolent intentions. The way to alter this is for you to increase your involvement!! Call every member of the board and tell them your interests. Attend Board meetings--you have the right to do so! Attend more membership meetings. Volunteer for a committee. If there is a particular neighborhood dilemma or project that is of interest to you, call your board members or discuss it at a membership meeting. I intend to do my part--I'll be at the Board Meeting on July 3 representing YOU because on June 19, 31 of you showed up and voted for this meeting. I will welcome any calls (825-0751) or e-mails from NSNA members who are interested in constructive dialogue and solutions. Dropping out of the process maintains the status quo! Posting non-constructive communications does not foster change, it fosters hostility. Susan Rebillot, NSNA Member and Board Member

Glad you are back

This is what we need - someone who actually represents the opinions of people. I bequest you to not request, nor to accept the residentation of Steve Lange. As president, he has every right to his opinion and to express that opinion. To request his resignation lessens the ability of anyone in the office of president. Thank you for your support.

By At last

Thank you Susan and welcome to B

Susan I was really happy to read your post . Like many , I would like the Neighborhood talk to be more constructive .
Thank you for joining the NSNA board you will represent many of us

being constructive

With all due respect, your vote NOT to remove Mr. Lange from office at the special board meeting was flat out wrong. Your reason- ''to allow a cooling off period'' or some such
reason, completely missed the point.
Things are so tense BECAUSE of the waiting around and drawn out
maneuvering. You may have been on vacation, but most of us were right here trying to deal with this craziness. If you felt unable to make a good judgement because you had been gone, you should have abstained.