| Author | Message | ||
     Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5746 Registered: 1-2004  |
Well we now know it to be true. At least some of those sitting up there in the front of the room ignoring the voters on Monday nights (and I actually believe all) read MOL. Unlike Mark, Eric and even sometimes Alan; we know Calabrese (who has claimed in the past not to read his on email); Matthews, and Jennings also read MOL, but these three can't be bothered to respond. That said, I encourage anyone and everyone who have something to say to not only have your voice heard at them meetings, but to post your thoughts here. From what I've seen of the meeting so far I'd like to know most of all: Why were the sculpture vultures were allowed to once again speak, speak, speak, but everyone else was limited to the 'three minute rule?' Some comments: Comment One: Leslie you did great! The emotion you spoke with shows how much Calabrese's comments hurt you. I was amazed in the callous way he attempted to dismiss you with his bogus explanation and excuses. I have the video from the meeting the comments were made. At Monday's BOT Meeting Mr Calabrese said he made the offhanded comments to himself as his was walking off the (I think he used the word) dyad? I went back to the old meeting to double check as this wasn't the way I remember it happening. And it wasn't. No, Calabrese was sitting right there as he turned to son sitting to his left and made the comment. Didn't look to me like he was going anywhere. So, once again, this past Monday night the VP has shown us (much to my dismay) he really doesn't care about taking responsibility for what he says. Comment Two: I think Jennings has a lot of nerve. What happened to 'open government?' and listening to the voters? I get it! The only voters she wants to listen to are those who agree with her! How is it any different for the Sculpture Vultures to give contact information to the public for people interested in hearing their side of the sculpture mess then someone wanting to give those frustrated by what's going on avenue to be hopefully be heard? If the Sculpture Vultures can give out contact information and it not be considered 'free advertising,' then those with a different point of view should be allowed to do the same. Comment Three: Since Jennings is so big on making the 'new demographics' of our town an issues, I'd like to know what businesses were invited to this meeting. Were they an accurate representation of the business owners? I'd like to know how long these businesses have been in town. Does she have any relationship with these businesses? Comment Four: More directed at the Sculpture Vultures - Why is it back in Feb someone suggested you create a website to keep people who wanted to know up to date about the sculpture Cheryl had all kind of excuses. Ironically, while your own organization 'The Tony Smith Sculpture Foundation' couldn't be bothered to create a website, someone else did. | ||
| Cali6buff Citizen Username: Cali6buff Post Number: 52 Registered: 4-2006 |
First - if you must pontificate on why the people on the agenda get to speak longer then commenters in the crowd, you're just trying to cause a controversy where there is none - stay on topics that matter. Second - I'm sick of people being asked "How long have you lived in SO?". It doesn't matter. Everyone's answer should be, "Long enough to pay taxes." End of story. Third - SO, SOPAC, Tony Smith Folks and all other town related originations really don't understand how important an updated website is. This is how we get information, not from monthly publications. Good, informative websites would help to quell the wild speculation, misinformation, and conspiracies found here. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5749 Registered: 1-2004 |
Calibuff- I'm not trying to cause 'controversy.' (at least not this time)  The BOT and Sculpture Vultures do a good enough job of that on their own. But, don't you agree the BOT doesn't care to hear from those living here who disagree with them?. Some of those who have opposing views have asked to be put on the 'agenda' to speak. But because they do not fit the 'agenda' of the BOT members, they are not given the time. How can we change this? Do you honestly think the BOT would put Howard, Joel, and Michael on the agenda and give them time equal to what they give the 'Sculpture Vultures?' Nope. It won't happen. The BOT won't even acknowledge the residents who sign a petition asking to be heard. A number several times greater then the couple hundred (who are all pretty much connected to each other no less) who support the Sculpture Vultures tactics. I think if those with an opposing view, were allowed to make the same type of presentation the Sculpture vultures do; but from their point of view, many of us would at least feel we're being heard. To me this is a topic that matters -big time. It matters to me a select few are allowed to speak as much and as long as they want, to spend tax payers money on a sculpture we really don't need while those having a different view are silenced. And this is only on one topic. I agree with you about the 'How long have you been in town' statement. It seems at times those new to town aren't taken are seriously. Which is wrong. I was trying to be, hmmm, what's the word I'm looking for? I guess I was beating around the bush with the way I asked my question. Not sure if you are aware of Jennings tendency to bring up the town's 'new demographics,' and making a big deal about how everything should represent this. So, I wanted to know if her meeting, even if it was supposed to be 'casual,' was a representation of the town's 'new' demographics? Was there a mixture of new and old businesses? Plus I'd like her to answer the same questions she's asked of potential contractors. (I'm hesitant to ask those 'elephant in the room' questions) And you are so right about the website. Ironically there are several websites related to Tony Smith. None about this sculpture or believe it or not, ***their*** foundation!These two sites get the information out there thetonysmithfoundation.org and thetonysmithsculptureproject.org , but not the informatin Wendy, Cheryl and the rest of their group want out there!  | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave  Post Number: 10234 Registered: 4-1997  |
They were given more time to speak because they are offering a compromise in terms of where the sculpture is to be located. A lot of the problems with the Tau is the way the BoT mishandled financing and open public dialogue and that's not the fault of Wendy, Cheryl or others on the TS committee. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5753 Registered: 1-2004 |
Dave I respectfully disagree with your 11:24am post. They were, and still are, misleading the public... | ||
| Cali6buff Citizen Username: Cali6buff Post Number: 53 Registered: 4-2006 |
How long is the State of the Union Address, and how long is the rebuttal? And Dave has a point, they came to offer compromise. New location, less money, save gazebo. You fixate on a "3 minute rule". I think you're off the mark on this one. And truth be told, I don't want to here the aforementioned peoples complain for 38 minutes about every single pothole on Ridgewood Ave. If you can't make your point in 3 minutes, you have not thought it out well enough. | ||
| SoOrLady Citizen Username: Soorlady Post Number: 3451 Registered: 9-2003 |
Cali6 - within that compromise was some very unnecessary, virulent language aimed at the No Taxes for Tau people. By contrast, saying that they heard the "voices" of 1000+ taxpayers, went to the Tony Smith Estate and are now presenting a revised plan, would have won the hearts of many - and perhaps even some checks. It's a shame that they chose to take the low road. | ||
| Sheena Collum Citizen Username: Sheena_collum Post Number: 760 Registered: 4-2005  |
People who are on the 'agenda' have added leeway to speak until their presentation is completed. I made a presentation to the BOT back in Feb. and I know I was there for a good half hour because there was a lot to update the BOT on. I understand the need for the presentation they gave and I learned more information that I did not know about how they originally came up with sites and which other ones were considered. Like others, I wasn't too thrilled about the choice of language and the subtle jabs that were taken at those who signed the petition. But on the flip side, I do understand their frustration and for those of you who work in volunteer capacities, you probably know what I'm referring to as well. The sad part about this entire situation is the way it really did split a community in a very negative way and that in my mind really does not have a monetary value. I don't think anyone ever predicted it would become so malicious and it did just that. Alright - those are my thoughts. | ||
| Cali6buff Citizen Username: Cali6buff Post Number: 54 Registered: 4-2006 |
SoOrLady - I agree with you completely. The message was good, the delivery was awful. | ||
| susan1014 Supporter Username: Susan1014 Post Number: 1723 Registered: 3-2002 |
SoOrLady -- amen. My possible check is one that has almost certainly been lost after a couple rounds of being called "some <pause> people". I'd said before that I would give to the project if they distanced themselves from the way the process was handled. Now I'll revise that to say that they can have my check when they distance themselves from the botched process, pay their share, and apologize for denigrating the 1000+ people who happen to disagree with them on some points. I'm sorry that they don't understand why I feel a need to disagree with their project running forward with monies hidden in a "sidewalk" budget and debated (or not debated) under the false impression that the sculpture would be "free" to the taxpayers. Bad process and deceptive financing do not make for good public art. (and Sheena, the jabs were NOT subtle!) If they fix the process without insulting those of us who feel this way, some of us would help pay for the sculpture. However, their aggreived, petulant presentation at the BOT meeting has undone much of my sympathy for volunteers whose project went astray in the mess that is South Orange politics. I would have loved to see them present in a way that brought us together, rather than continuing to drive a wedge between us. | ||
| Pdg Citizen Username: Pdg Post Number: 1086 Registered: 5-2004  |
Sheena, I fail to see the malicious-ness they, and now you, referred to. Please explain. The only nastiness I've seen is the treatment those who dared to question our BOT about this project received at public meetings, and now the utter disdain and contempt from the surly women who spoke at Monday's meeting. That "makes (my) hair stand on end", to quote Ms. Arnedt! |
