The majority of ballots are counted, I am calling Erin Laskey-Wilson the ‘winner’ for the NCRD Board of Directors, position 2 and Damn! We both ran good, clean races. Erin will bring an intelligent, committed, and youthful energy to her position, which the board needs. I am proud of my campaign, I am proud to have been engaged and I’m grateful for those in my community who saw me, saw my commitment for the NCRD being for All. If you voted for me. Thank you!
Impressively, from our 3 Villages alone we had 11 candidates throw in their hats! They include Teah Laviolette; Erin Laskey-Wilson; Mary Leverette; Michael Howes; Mary Faith Bell; Landon Myers; Melissa Bayouth-Real; Betsy McMahon; Mary Gallaghar and Mark Johnson. We all chose to ENGAGE on this court of civic service. Regardless of who we individually voted for or endorsed, I am inspired by the commitment, courage and willingness of each and every one of us.
Last night the NCRD held a Town Hall for the new pool. Except, it was more of a presentation of why we need the pool and the value of the swim program. Have they forgotten it was THIS Community who passed a multi-million dollar bond two years ago to build the new pool? We know the value of the pool, we know the value of the swim program for our children. I believe this was a missed opportunity.
When the meeting became heated over decisions made without input from neighbors who are directly affected, Jack showed up as Jack shows up. I believe in an attempt to counter Jack’s dismissive responses, I was pleased and encouraged both Erin and Michael asked questions for working with and looking with those impacted for possible options. Mary suggested another meeting specific to these concerns be created, again not dismissing concerns and showing a willingness to hear. This is all our Community wants!
It is time Jack’s bullying, nature and disrespect of both community concerns and our voices being heard, be stopped. This board needs a Chair/President who creates surety for the context that Community Voices MATTER.
As a VERY concerned community member, committed to the NCRD being the best it can be AND supported by ALL in our 3 villages and beyond, I am making a request. At the upcoming June board meeting on Thursday June 8th at 6pm, I request Jack announce he will not accept a nomination to be Chair (President) of the NCRD Board of Directors. In July, regardless of Jack accepting/declining this request, I request Erin or Michael to nominate Frankie Knight or Mary Gallagher for the Chair position and a new Chair be elected. Jack is on the Pool Oversight committee. Jack has a banking background. Jack would do well as the Treasurer. Jack would do less harm.
The 5 year Operations Tax Levy is coming up in November, we just passed the NBHD bond creating competition for those tax dollars…if Jack remains as Chair I assure you, votes which may be necessary for its passage, may be lost.