This month’s board member spotlight is on Margaret Davis. Margaret grew up in Montana and has lived in Chicago, Beijing, and Seattle, among other places. A lifelong bookbinder, editor, and writer, she is a recovering journalist who publishes books under the Ma Nao Books imprint (manaobooks.com), loves to travel and tango, and just can’t stop being a neighborhood activist. She lives with her husband and their six-year-old son within eyeshot of the McPeet’s sign.
Margaret, how long have you lived in Beaumont-Wilshire and what’s your favorite part of living in the neighborhood?
I’ve lived in the neighborhood since 1998, when I bought a small house about nine blocks from where my mom grew up. What I love about living in Beaumont-Wilshire constantly changes. At first I loved its proximity to downtown and the unique bungalow architecture set on leafy lots. Lately, though, my favorite part of living here is the dedication and energy that residents bring to keeping and making this neighborhood a great place to live.
What’s your favorite neighborhood store?
Hands down, Beaumont Hardware. A huge neighborhood supporter and resource, Beaumont Hardware has everything you need and unbeatable staff expertise. I’ve even found tools there for my bookbinding work. Years ago, I went to Beaumont Hardware four times in one awful day as I grappled with a plumbing problem. I was a mess, but the hardware folks never failed to be friendly and helpful.
What are the issues you want to help address as a board member?
This is my second stint on the neighborhood association board, having served six years when I first moved to the neighborhood. I became involved again because city leadership has a hard time accepting input from independent channels. With the neighborhood association as the anointed city-resident liaison, I hope the board can help bring about changes to stem the wave of demolitions citywide and ensure that any new development here benefits and improves the neighborhood. So far, most of what we’ve seen is exploitive development that takes advantage of the neighborhood but offers little or nothing in return except negative impacts.
Thank you so much, Margaret, for your service!