I've been thinking about a conversation on 'community' and what that means. An inclusive definition, whereby, at least those who are elected to represent the neighborhood have some kind of general understanding and some kind of buy-in. Some organizations do that sort of thing as a retreat, etc.
To begin with, a neighborhood is a very weak political entity by it's nature, so it can't have a very rigid structure. And because it is weak, it can be manipulated easily by a few. So at best the few should have the best intentions in mind, or at least be benign.
I would hope that members of the board would be so inclined.
I think the real challenge is to increase participation in the association. So creating an image that is not civil and respectful dissuades those more timid, busy, solitary, quiet, etc. At the very least, i told this to a neighbor the other day, just come and listen. No one has to be on a committee, on the board, etc.
Also, as members of the board, a passing awareness of the laws, codes and ordinances would be of some interest. i understand they are voluminous, but the ones that apply directly to our neighborhood and park aren't that bad. all of them are posted on the city website. as members of the board, you will be called upon to discriminate your actions as a neighbor first, then in a legal fashion.
-mark
btw: i rented Fight Club last weekend. good movie. will read the book too. but why would one really want to refer to oneself as a schizoid psychopathic murderer? if I would choose anyone with severe mental issues, i would choose someone like E.A. Poe. much more on the creative side. or more subversively, maybe Thomas Pynchon, but that's confusing real people with imaginary ones isn't it....
and in high school, i was never a hall monitor. i was on the football field of a championship team getting the crap knocked out of me practically everyday. but dont despair, i got back up ea time, sometimes literally blacked out and delivered a few too.
