Comments on: Blogs are Bringing SexyBack to City Elections

By: Clairemont

Clairemont — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:20:44 +0000

Just want to point out that it is quite generous of Fred to post his thoughts and his number. First class, I’d say.

By: Another Rick

Another Rick — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:03:31 +0000

I will do that. Thanks!

By: Fred Boykin

Fred Boykin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:47:57 +0000

Please call me. I’d like to meet someplace and hear what you have to say. I’m trying to track down and meet with as many folks as I can that were involved in either the first plan or the update (1989 I think).

My cell is 404-668-4274.

By: Another Rick

Another Rick — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:43:23 +0000

Fred:
I was very involved in the Town Center planning process and have been a little disappointed by the lack of response to your earlier challenge requesting evaluative comments. I have thought a lot about that but have been remiss about publicly stating my opinions and being involved other then through this blog.
So, what do suggest as a mechanism for further conversation about this?

By: Decatur Metro

Decatur Metro — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:31:32 +0000

That’s a great idea macarolina. The trick would be getting buy-in (though a busy commish certainly wouldn’t mind the free publicity showing that they were busy serving the community) and figuring out how to incorporate it into the site.

I’ll certainly keep it in mind going forward.

By: macarolina

macarolina — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:15:17 +0000

Thank you for the update, Fred. This type of communication from electeds is great- I may not necessarily go to individual’s blogs, but an occasional update here will definitely catch (my) attention. Knowing where commissioners are going to be ahead of time is great too– is there somewhere this info is already posted in a consolidated manner? (not regularly scheduled board meetings, but community group opps, etc) If not, DM, something fun for this site that those submitting items could self-post/list?

By: Karass

Karass — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:14:17 +0000

Here’s to hoping that the very close School Board elections, closest in the last 8-10 years, were a wake-up call to all five incumbents. The School Board has been insulated, talking to itself and its supporters and the CSD Central Office, not realizing how many different issues have arisen in their system–at the system level, with Central Office staff, in particular schools, with programs, and with muzzled school leadership teams, among just a few. If School Board members haven’t heard the message that there are many varied, deep, and widespread concerns, they never will. The votes for challengers weren’t about disrespecting the incumbents or the ancient history of 2004, it was vote FOR fresh voices with a proven record of school and community involvement that were in touch with CURRENT issues among CSD stakeholders. If the Board is wise, it will keep its campaign promises to get in touch with all the voters, including the half (ok, 49.417%) who voted against at least one of the incumbents, and empower and encourage the school leadership teams. Up until now, the SLTs have been over-controlled from the Central Office and ignored by the Board instead of being encouraged and empowered. Hopefully, the Board now sees the wisdom of encouraging the SLTs to use their authority and responsibilities as defined by the Charter so that a meaningful mechanism exists for community, parent, and teacher input and involvement. Without that, the only way for concerns to be truly heard was the vote. The Board would also be wise to use town hall meetings, Decatur EdTV, surveys (paper as well as electronic so no one is left out because of access), and maybe even blogs to do two things: 1) Engage and listen to parents, teachers, principals, and the community and 2) Show that they trust their constituents. Marc Wisniewski used to talk about having town hall meetings–it’s time to revive that idea but make it even better with the ability of Decatur EdTV and other media to reach more stakeholders beyond attendees and to disseminate the discussion and resultant action steps.

By: nugget

nugget — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:11:41 +0000

This election means that people are interested in what is happening in their city.

Turnout was pretty high for a municipal election. All the city commission races were contested and there was a vigorous debate over who was best qualified to serve in those seats.

Two of the school board seats were contested, the citywide seat and the northside seat. Unlike the commission races the candidates who contested the “ins” brought what they considered to be real issues to the discussion. For that they really must be commended.

As for change, don’t expect any. Except, of course, changes imposed by the State Legislature in the way the city and school board are allowed to collect and spend money. State revenues are WAY down and there have been on going discussions amongst the legislative leadership to change the property tax system in general with an eye towards scrapping it on the basis inequality. Money is extremely tight for the state and the city. Participate in the budget hearings and let your representatives hear your voices.