President’s Message
It’s hard to believe that my wife and I moved into our Fremont bungalow well over three years ago. Just how do you slow down the inevitable flipping of those calendar pages? Perhaps a better question is: how do you choose to fill those calendar pages? As of April 21st, a good portion of my time will be spent carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the BWNA President.
I believe the BWNA is a key forum for neighbor’s voices to be heard and views to be aired; and as a conduit to resolve differences and initiate action. Whether it’s requesting to be a guest at Board meetings, attending the General meetings or writing “Letters to the Editor” within the BWNA bi-monthly newsletter everyone has opportunity to build support for a particular issue or topic through constructive dialog and demonstrated personal passion. Although the Neighborhood Board has very limited authority to dictate change I believe it can (and should) have influence upon those in decision-making positions.
For many within our neighborhood and others throughout Portland, local input regarding new construction management and future developments is a hot topic. Land use groups, zoning (both commercial and residential) guidelines and city strategic planning are examples of organizations and processes that Portland neighborhoods can use to express our opinions and, hopefully, apply some influence. Many BWNA Board members both new and old have been working along these lines for some time, and we will continue to look for any avenue that affords the neighborhood’s views to be heard.
Communication is the glue that holds any organization together and I will strive to continue the excellent example set by the Al Ellis, the outgoing BWNA President. Between the newsletter distributions every other month and BWNA web site (www.bwna.us), the other effective means of getting timely up-dates broadly disseminated is through e-mailings. We will continue to expand the number of neighbors included on these lists within our limited IT capabilities.
Please bear with me, as Al and I wade through the numerous changes and references, multiple contacts and on-going discussions, rules and regulations etc.-associated with leadership and coordination of the BWNA. The recent elections have filled the open Board positions with experienced and dedicated individuals to augment the existing members and I look forward to working with this group to carry on the “neighborhood’s business” in a sound and effective manner.