http://www.southportlander.com/index.php/article/ferry_village_prez_complains_of_communication_lapse/ en-us lfullert@maine.rr.com Copyright 2008 2008-08-14 T;12:33:00-05:00 davidjacobs@mindspring.com Rather than be seen as intimidating or as an adversary, neighborhood associations and other local organizations should be a viewed as a resource for City staff and leaders. After all, the popular mantra is “It takes a village,” which certainly applies in this scenario. Together, we all should play a vital role in the health of our community. It simply takes better communications and more clearly defined goals. So rather than fear or dismiss condo-association leaders, or the dog owners group, or environmental groups, or neighborhood associations, etc., City staff and leaders need to learn how to include us and call on us when issues arise. We are involved because we love South Portland and want to help it reach its full potential to meet the needs of residents and businesses. Perhaps a workshop with the city leaders and staff, where every organized group in the city is invited to attend and brainstorm, could be scheduled as the first step in creating this unified front towards promoting a healthier community in which to live, work, and play? Sincerely, David Jacobs Rather than be seen as intimidating or as an adversary, neighborhood associations and other local organizations should be a viewed as a resource for City staff and leaders. After all, the popular mantra is “It takes a village,” which certainly applies in this scenario. Together, we all should play a vital role in the health of our community. It simply takes better communications and more clearly defined goals.
So rather than fear or dismiss condo-association leaders, or the dog owners group, or environmental groups, or neighborhood associations, etc., City staff and leaders need to learn how to include us and call on us when issues arise. We are involved because we love South Portland and want to help it reach its full potential to meet the needs of residents and businesses.
Perhaps a workshop with the city leaders and staff, where every organized group in the city is invited to attend and brainstorm, could be scheduled as the first step in creating this unified front towards promoting a healthier community in which to live, work, and play?
Sincerely,
David Jacobs

]]> 2009-01-06T;02:48:00-05:00 the best change organized groups are “intimidating” to some city employees. organized groups are “intimidating” to some city employees.

]]> 2009-01-06T;02:48:00-05:00 common sense It only makes sense that organized groups have the ability that the city doesn’t to reach out to neighbors. Why are these groups seen as the enemy and not an ally? It only makes sense that organized groups have the ability that the city doesn’t to reach out to neighbors. Why are these groups seen as the enemy and not an ally?

]]> 2009-01-06T;02:48:00-05:00 the best change He should run for council again! He should run for council again!

]]> 2009-01-06T;02:48:00-05:00