I'll try to answer a few of the questions and comments
regarding my first post.
First regarding David's comment about fees...I'd like to
know why David thinks the "The (largely) suburban
"association
dues" model seems wrong"? Is it because it's suburban and
we're discriminating geographically? Or is it just because
it smacks of elitism - they're the kind of people who can
afford that? If people said the largely urban NRP model
just seems wrong there would be an outlay of rebuffs on this
list. I would like a more detailed explanation from David
if he is willing to help us understanding his thinking
better.
>From my vantage point, people in the NRP program do pay
dues. They are called taxes. In the model for this though,
there is no direct tie of responsibility from taxes to NRP.
It's even further out because the funding is through TIF or
extra taxes that have been captured. This makes it seem
like it really isn't funded by the people and that they have
no direct dollar stake in the matter. I can't for the life
of me understand why taxes through a neighborhood
association in the form of dues that bring people together
to make decisions about their neighborhood is wrong? But I
am willing to listen to others' rationale.
Regarding participation as D. Klein asks. I guess it has
been my experience that the associations haven't really been
representative. I have been to a great variety of
neighborhood meetings throughout the city. I've always
noticed a lack of participation by families, especially with
young children, and the elderly. I think the winter weather
and late night meetings are a big factor for the elderly.
Those with young children have two possible
problems...either there are no childcare services available
(although I'm not sure this is the responsibility of the
neighborhood organization) or the meetings aren't run
efficiently or just go to late. For instance at one meeting
I came with my two children. There were about 30 people in
the room and to get feedback they started on the other side
of the room. I was the only one with small children. I had
to interrupt and ask if I could start, so I could go home
with my kids if the meeting got too late. They did oblige,
but my point is that by viture of not thinking about
accessibility we are discriminating against a whole host of
people. Also, my neighborhood was a significant percentage
minority, and there were very few minorities participating
at the neighborhood meetings. I'm not sure why this
happens.
I think democracy is about more than just those who show up.
It is about creating vested interested so all can
participate if we want to either through control of our
dollars or volunteering. Lots to think about here. I'll be
interested to see responses.
Russ
St. Michael
Former Standishite
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