April 6, 2006 Issue
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April 6, 2006 Issue
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Classified Chestnut Hill Local Webmaster Don't Miss an Issue, Tell us what you see or ©2005 Chestnut Hill Local Winner of Three |
Elaine M. Aiello Priorities: I would work to have a board that functions cohesively for the betterment of Chestnut Hill, and just as importantly for every man, woman and child who live here. Since there has been so much recent writing and discussion about bylaws, I propose to conduct informal seminars to educate new board members and anyone in the community who might be interested in the better understanding of the bylaws. I also propose the creation of a committee, “the trouble shooting committee,” that would receive letters of concerns from Chestnut Hill citizens and that committee would present them to the board. When reasonable, the committee would do all it can to resolve those concerns. The involvement of the community is vital for our future!
Scott Alloway Statement: I am a Chestnut Hill Local staff member seeking a seat on the board of directors of the Chestnut Hill Community Association. My decision to run was made last fall during the newspaper crisis created by many on the current board and their utter disregard for civility, rule of law and common courtesy. It was reaffirmed by their failures in fund drives, community activities and operational planning. It was finalized by their inability to understand what they have done when they cast themselves as the “reformers.” Don’t vote for me if you are content with the way the association has been operating for the past few years. I will not make you happy even if I speak softly, as I generally do. I will not tolerate duplicity, conflict of interest or threats (both veiled and overt), and unenlightened self-interest in the hopes of pecuniary gain. Nor will I allow fables and myths about terrorism, parasites and moles to be circulated as canonical truth or character assassination to be used under the guise of civility. I will stand up for individual and community rights, for an open board and for the best interests of this community. If we have to hide behind closed doors there is something terribly wrong. The current directors have had three years to make things work. Rebranding
themselves will not make anything different. I support the Second Opinion
Caucus in its effort to create a new environment.
Richard H. Becker Organizations: LaSalle Alumni (board of directors and president), LaSalle University Board of Trustees (former member), Philadelphia Association of School Retirees (member and legislative contact person), Chestnut Hill Community Association (former board member, co-chair of bylaws and education committee), Adult Board of Teenagers Inc. (current vice president); Chestnut Hill Senior Center, Chestnut Hill Historical Society, Chestnut Hill Free Library (current member); Morris Arboretum; Action Alliance. Statement: I am the best candidate for the position of at-large director because of my many years of experience, working with volunteer organizations in various schools and communities in my position of Philadelphia School District administrator. As an administrator, my responsibilities included working with community organizations – analyzing and helping to solve school/community issues. As a resident of Chestnut Hill for 51 years, I have observed changes initiated by visionaries of the past. We now need visionaries with a positive attitude and a love of this wonderful community “on the hill,” ready to move all of us into the future by building on the positive accomplishments of the past. Priorities: To attract as many volunteers, in the spirit of cooperation and appreciation of their efforts. We need to combine energies of many volunteers to increase the level of service, as provided by the association, and to explore ideas that will continue to improve the quality of life in our community. To encourage members of the community association to express their thoughts in the media, on any issue important to the community. However, we do agree to hold ourselves to a high standard of civility and respect and not to use the media as a vehicle for personal attack, to disparage other board or community members who hold opinions of disagreement. Such a use of media is not a constructive or effective way to solve problems — and can create a negative atmosphere that may discourage other community members from joining and becoming involved in the community association. To seek out and encourage future visionaries dedicated to moving the
community and business into the future. We cannot afford to stand still!
If we do, rather than moving forward the community will move backward.
Edward Berg Statement: After 12 years of living in Chestnut Hill and enjoying this special, wonderful part of Philadelphia, I am eager to give back by serving my community. I am especially encouraged to be joining with other individuals as the Action Alliance because we are committed chiefly to open, civil and productive dialogue and government. I believe I can make a real difference by using my professional skills, which are rooted in building consensus and setting clear standards of governance, to transform the Community Association into a body with less rancor and more productivity. A re-energized Community Association that serves the needs of its members can make Chestnut Hill an even better place to live, work, shop and play. Priorities: My first priority would be to join with other members of the Community Association to transform that body into a forum where all views will be treated with civility, where the bylaws will be clear to allow for efficient governance, and where the independence of the Chestnut Hill Local would be unquestioned. This will allow for all ideas on improving the community to be given a fair hearing. Second, I would focus on improvements to what is already a wonderful main avenue, attracting the right mix of retail (shops and restaurants) and filling vacant stores throughout the whole of the Avenue, improving traffic flow to reduce the cut-through traffic that plagues our neighborhoods, and improving the retail image to make Chestnut Hill the destination that it should be. Third, I would seek to improve on the already impressive array of community
events the Association sponsors, while at the same time committing to
the continued physical improvement of the parks and community centers
and other facilities in our area that host many of the events.
Kerry D. Bird Organizations: Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota and the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina (member of both), Miss Philadelphia Pageant (board member), Miss America Organization (certified local judge), National Indian Education Association (past president), National Native American AIDS Prevention Center (board member). Statement: As a member of the Action Alliance, I would bring a new perspective to the CHCA. I have a variety of board experience in nonprofit and philanthropic organizations and see this as a good opportunity to use my skills to help restore the integrity of the CHCA. I value the quality of life that I have found here and would like to see the community maintain its sense of charm while developing stronger resources for day-to-day living. I am committed to supporting and developing activities that provide family entertainment and community service to Chestnut Hill. The CHCA has been successful in supporting activities such as Pastorius Park concerts, Meals on Wheels, Teenagers Inc., senior services and street festivals. We need to continue these very worthwhile events and identify other worthy services needed within our community. Priorities: Restore integrity to the CHCA board. We need strong leadership, which not only listens to its membership, but governs in a manner that reflects the high ideals we set for ourselves in regards to respecting one another. As a member of the CHCA board, I will listen to the diverse opinions of the board and community and promote a leadership style which values respect and integrity in conducting association business. Improve retail and restaurant resources for local residents. I like to shop and eat in the community where I live, and feel we have lost some of the resources valuable to the day-to-day quality of life for Chestnut Hill residents. The CHCA should work harder to attract good businesses to the Hill ,which will likewise attract good residents. We should become better business companions with property owners, and work with them to attract good tenants for vacant properties. Additionally, businesses such as Commerce Bank must be held accountable for their actions. When business issues arise, they should be addressed and resolved in a timely manner. Maintaining the aesthetic beauty of the shopping district. The charm
of Chestnut Hill is unbeatable. The CHCA should continue to work on improving
the public common spaces that are the first things people see when visiting
the Hill. Road surfaces and signage leading into Chestnut Hill set the
stage for visitors’ impressions of our community, and their experience
here will keep them coming back. Additionally, our residents need to be
able to maneuver safely within our community. As much as possible, we
should make our community pedestrian-friendly with safe lighting, good
sidewalks and roadways, and beautiful green spaces.
Shoshana Bricklin Statement: I am an independent, creative thinker and problem-solver who pushes the envelope and thinks outside the box! But I am also passionately committed to the power of collective decision making. Chestnut Hill is so rich in human resources. I think that we need to reach out to all our neighbors so that everyone can make their unique and valuable contribution to our community. As someone who loves meeting new people, I am particularly qualified to identify potential volunteers who have yet to become involved. About nine years ago I served as an Institutional Representative to the CHCA when my synagogue was sharing space at the Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church. I participated in an important program called “Breaking Bread,” a project of the Community Association’s Social Concerns committee, to help neighbors of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds get to know each other. I have a strong sense of justice and sensitivity for the least empowered in our society. But I like to “think globally and act locally.” So when Chestnut Hill still had the GAP, I organized informational pickets in front of that store to highlight its use of sweatshop labor and to request that it agree to independent monitoring of working conditions in the factories where its clothing was produced. (It was gratifying to be joined on the line by many Hillers!) Priorities: Bringing Philly Car Share to Chestnut Hill. This will enable those of us who need a car on an occasional basis to have access to one without owning one. This project helps preserve the environment and keeps Chestnut Hill more pedestrian-friendly. Keeping the Chestnut Hill Local independent. The Local is Chestnut Hill’s treasure and it should not be sold to private interests. It needs to be owned by the Community Association or some other public entity. Commitment to a fair and open decision making process. It is time for
the bickering to stop and for respectful discourse to begin. Only then
can we work effectively together. Curnel L. Bridges James S. bruno
Edward Budnick Organizations: Loyal Order of Moose, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Second Opinion Caucus Statement: I have been a resident of Chestnut Hill for 16 years and a critic of the CHCA for 15. My letters to the Local have perhaps amused, but haven’t been effective in changing the course of the CHCA. Why would I choose to ask for your support in becoming a Board member after years of criticism? After weeks of thought and discussion, it appears to be time. The CHCA has squandered its financial and people resources. While there has been favoritism, nepotism and conflicts of interests in the past, there has also been some level of democracy. The tactics of the present administration have been more blatant in their disregard for conflicting points of view. The revolving door at the Local editor’s office hasn’t provided much in the way of investigative reporting, leaving the Board, the membership and the residents of Chestnut Hill in the dark. The CHCA is at a new low. The good thing is it can be rebuilt. The Second Opinion Caucus provides an opportunity to restore democracy and transparency to the CHCA and I am proud to be a member of this group. I have 25 years of experience in development, zoning and construction of commercial, retail and residential real estate as the lead person for various large corporations … yet I have no conflict of interest with any project, agent or developer in this area. I understand the parliamentary process and respect organization Bylaws as I am currently serving my sixth consecutive elected term as President of a condo board...yet I have no need to be in a position of power. I am the “best candidate” as I am in this for the good of the residents of Chestnut Hill and for no other reason or agenda. Priorities: Restore the integrity, authority and editorial freedom of the Local. The Local is an award winning paper, yet those in the administration have relegated it to the stature and purpose of a corporate newsletter. The administration has sacrificed investigative reporting to avoid offending those with money and power and are easily offended by personal criticism. I believe the Editor has more experience in the right of free expression than any editorial committee and would endorse an immediate rewrite of the Bylaws to restore editorial freedom. Restore the commitment to Democracy. The present administration has manipulated the rules to fit their agenda and ignored the rules when there was no time to manipulate. Executive session has been used repeatedly to exclude the observers and the agenda has been tailored to avoid public input. There must be a renewed commitment in words followed by actions to promote public opinion and notice. Agendas must be published in advance. Actions by the Board and its committees must be fully documented and this documentation must be readily available to all interested parties. Restore the financial stability and liquidity of the organization. The
CHCA, the FUND and the Local have separate but entwined budgets. Repeatedly
one organization has bailed out the other. Operations and programs are
now funded through internal or external loans with little restraint or
accountability. The records are in disorder and the programs suffer at
a third of former levels. It is shortsighted to blame dismal fundraising
results as programs were once funded primarily through interest income.
CHCA money is tied up in unused, cash draining, Real Estate. We must explore
options to convert that negative into cash positive investments. Only
then will donations flow in as they once did ... and the programs can
be fully funded.
Carol Cope Priorities: My three top priorities all have to do, one way or another, with communication. It appears to me that the board has lost transparency in its operations. There are real practical difficulties in keeping track of so many details, but still, it is the first obligation of the board to tell the community it purports to represent what is going on, and what it’s up to, no matter how difficult it may be. For example: I don’t see detailed listings of physical division committee agenda items in the newspaper in time for ample notice to interested parties. This is a serious shortcoming, since timely notification is part of the zoning process. I would work to encourage complete openness in the conduct of all CHCA business and hope to encourage our newspaper staff and board members to work together to get the news — all of the news — out there. There has been anger and division on the board this year, and it saddens me. Personal attacks distract from the matter at hand, and blaming someone for a problem is not the same thing as solving it. As a board member I would work to keep all of my discussion civil, open and honest, and will ask the same of others. This is not a Miss Manners pledge but a practical one. If we shout at each other, we cannot hear each other speak. After all these years, there are still many in our community who see the CHCA as irrelevant to their lives, disappointing or, at worst, a downright negative presence. I want to know their thoughts. I would encourage surveys, forums, other ways of gathering opinions about the association. We need to know or we can’t truly serve. One simple way to open the door for such discussion is the Action Alliance suggestion that a period of time be saved at the beginning of each board meeting for people from the community to air their opinions, concerns, suggestions. Such scheduling breaks the rules of board meetings, but follows the rules of democracy. I am pleased to be running with the Action Alliance.
Brian F. DeCesare Residence: Chestnut Hill
Joanne (Santa Maria) Dhody Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: I am running again for the CHCA board because
I believe Chestnut Hill is a very beautiful community and I want to continue
doing my part to preserve its unique heritage The wide diversity of people
who live here makes Chestnut Hill a very special place that requires a
free flow of accurate information for it to thrive. The Chestnut Hill
Local is the primary vehicle for communicating necessary facts and activities
involving our neighborhood. It has also been and must remain a place where
we can freely and responsibly express our views and opinions on subjects
that concern the quality of our lives. I am also very concerned about
conflicts of interests among members of the board of directors. We all
want to help each other and the community, but it’s imperative as
board members we don’t abuse our positions for personal gain.
Douglas M. Doman, Incumbent Residence: Wyndmoor Statement: I can best serve the community by being a bridge between the past and the future. There are venerable members of the community who provide an invaluable source of information about what has worked, and what has failed to work in the community. These members do not hesitate to keep me informed of their experiences. For this I am appreciative. At the same time, I am a member of Maurice McCarthy’s “Freshman/woman Class,” who was elected to the board in 2000. As the president of the Community Association, Maurice proved we could have an inclusive, tolerant and respectful board. The community rewarded us with annual fund drives of $105,000 and $97,000, by far the largest in the Community Association’s history. With the help of then-Editor Katie Worrall, we eliminated the Local’s $55,000 debt. We managed to stop the Community Association from siphoning off the Local’s hard-earned funds. This permitted the Local to use these funds for its development. We must re-establish fiscal responsibility in the three entities of the Community Association. Priorities: There are three entities in the Chestnut Hill Community Association. All three entities need to thrive to have a healthy and expanding community association. The Chestnut Hill Community Association: We must return to a tolerant, open and respectful board of directors. We had such a board from 2000 to 2004. The result of this last year of bickering is that the community fund has received a dismal amount of contributions for the non-profit organizations. A positive, well-directed board can return us to years of successful fund drives. The Chestnut Hill Community Fund: The fund needs a capital campaign to continue building its permanent endowment. There are young, energetic and enthusiastic board members who are ready to begin this campaign. One of the many victories of the last two years has been that 100 percent of the funds gathered in the Annual Fund Drive has gone to non-profit organizations. The Chestnut Hill Local: The Local is the strongest entity of the association. The staff has received raises it greatly deserves, the staff has additional space to work, and it has new computer software. The new editor needs to lead the community by supporting the many positive projects throughout Chestnut Hill. The association itself cannot stand on its own financially. It is the weak link that chronically pulls the other two entities down. It needs to create services that are needed and wanted by the community. By creating its own income sources, it will benefit the community and guarantee its independence and future. The community has a clear choice in this election. The Action Alliance,
of which I am a member, is composed of working moms and dads who have
the energy and enthusiasm to bring the community association into the
21st century.
Ed Feldman Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: Why I must run. (Study guide: They = certain members of the CHCA Executive Committee — a small group whose lives, social and business interests are linked for their mutual benefit and exclude the rest of us). You will know them by their conspicuous absence from the slate of the Second Opinion Caucus. Here’s what they did. They changed the bylaws to control the newspaper and now they have cut funding for its staff. They let a Realtor head the aesthetics committee. (Don’t you just love “Liquidation Sale” banners?) They don’t properly announce their meetings — because they don’t want the community to see what they do. They voted against an accurate stenographic record of their meetings (see above). They stifle public discussion at public meetings – new and old business is the last item on the agenda – when everyone wants to go home, at 10 on Thursday night (see above). Now they say they want discussion at the beginning of the meetings — (the delightfully genteel and obtuse Action Alliance Ad #2). I proposed this six months ago and was ignored. (They’re frightened — they should be.) They let an amateur run their treasury — their finances are a mess, and they want to acquire more real estate. They paid the physical division vice president (see Realtor above) to maintain the property they own (8431 Germantown Ave.). He ignored a Code Violation for three months, resulting in a $2,600 fine against the CHCA (us!). The property stands vacant for eight months, and counting, with his sign in front. They threaten people who speak out of turn at public meetings with the police – an insult to democracy and the police. They got Chestnut Hill Hospital to provide security guards to keep people from attending their Kangaroo Court, complete with script by Kafka. They have never read Kafka. Priorities: My Platform. An independent properly funded Local, abolish the illegally formed publisher’s committee that has authority over the editor, and sell the 8431 Germantown property. An accountant as treasurer. Open Town Meetings, back at the library or some other large public space. One a day and at a time when people can easily attend. Half page ads that include the entire agenda, published in the Local for two weeks prior. The people attending may discuss and vote. They can show their membership cards to prove they paid their poll tax. The community can decide the rest (see Town Meetings above). My Statement: Representative government in a neighborhood this size is nonsense. At best, it serves the vanity of its participants; at worst, it serves their financial interests (see Realtor above). If people want to be civic minded and get their picture in the Local, they can plant flowers and trees or clean up the streets instead of hiring it done. I think the best-behaved neighborhood in the USA (myself excepted) can be trusted with pure participatory democracy, don’t you? Now, more than ever before, this town needs an enema. Look for this slogan
on enormous banners up and down the Avenue as soon as I can get appointed
to the head of the aesthetics committee. Its present chairman remains
in an undisclosed location. Its past chairman is busy with 6 a.m. liquor
license applications and other shenanigans too numerous to mention here
(see Realtor above, and above that even).
Thomas T. Fleming Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: Why Best Candidate: Years of management experience; long-term resident of Chestnut Hill; former institutional board member while head of Chestnut Hill Academy; strong background in development; extensive board experience in forming team efforts at problem-solving. As a longtime Chestnut Hill resident, I am familiar with the complex community problems that plague our unique environment. Priorities: Reunite and invigorate the board of the Community Association. The lack of a cohesive board causes destructive infighting. Form a cohesive plan for business development. At the moment, there is a sense of business decline, i.e. Commerce Bank problem, un-rented stores and lack of business vitality Revamp community fundraising. This is a major source of support for needed
services. The recent downturn in raising money is indicative of the decline
of community support. This must be addressed at the board level.
James H. Foster Residence: Mt. Airy Statement: I have a lifelong association with Northwest Philadelphia. Since 1998 I have written opinion columns for the Germantown Courier and Mt. Airy Times, and since 2001 for the Chestnut Hill Local, more recently under “Off Center.” I focus particularly on Philadelphia and local issues of political, economic and social importance. My concerns for the future of Philadelphia are centered in that part of the city I know best and the one that I long ago concluded has a cultural, historical and residential quality found in few locations in the country. Guarding against self-serving interests that would narrow perspectives and alter those aspects that keep communities stable buut progressive is the challenge to any community organization. The scope of the CHCA as organized, with the independent newspaper, the Local, as the open and free conduit for information and debate, is that essential combination that has proven effective for nearly 50 years. Few urban communities can make and back up that claim. Not without controversy from time to time, but of course that is the proof that the system was working, as committed individuals were concerned and participated. Recent radical policy changes with the CHCA and the Local raised my interest beginning in October with the multiple resignations. I have concluded that sunshine was needed on operations and community meetings that were often restricted by design and the clear conflicts of interest in making policy. I have spent the last five months approaching these issues with the same journalistic approach I apply to research I have done for years, and I have concluded that reform from the top is necessary. The executives who most often vote lockstep need a broader and more democratic focus. Only election of new board members and restructuring the bylaws can remedy the systemic problems. Priorities: Once that is accomplished I would support the following changes: Stricter and more transparent reporting for all three financial centers with clear separation of working funds and consistent accounting. Prioritizing follow-up on all zoning, permit and license changes, including subscription to the Community Alerting Service and the publishing of applications, particularly variance requests, in the Local as soon as they are posted. Restructuring the CHCA to a regional as well as purpose-driven committee
structure. Dividing the community into districts with committed individuals
representing those districts keeps the lines of communication open and
prioritizes issues of greatest need before it is too late. James Gleason Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: I am a candidate because I walk Germantown Avenue every night. I’m in town (I travel frequently for work) and I am aware of the positives and negatives of the neighborhood’s main shopping street. I moved here for the neighborhood’s pedestrian friendliness, and want to preserve it. I am diligent about picking up trash and removing graffiti in the neighborhood, and therefore feel invested in its health and welfare. Priorities: Making sure Chestnut Hill stays a viable place to live and raise a family.
Wm. Stewart Graham, Incumbent Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: I am the best candidate because of: my experience, education and expertise. Priorities: Reduce the Chestnut Hill Community Association Board size. When last I was elected to the CHCA Board, it had 65 members, and I was influential in getting it reduced to 50 members. At 50 members, it’s still too big to be effective. It should be reduced to 24. Make the CHCA Board more democratic. When last I was elected to the CHCA Board, it had 29 board member positions not elected by the Community (CHCA membership), and I was influential in getting such positions reduced to 14. Fourteen such positions are 14 such positions too many: it should be zero. Reduce the size and role of the CHCA Executive Committee. It has 12 members,
including five at-large members, the immediate past president and the
six officers; it should consist only of the six officers. The Executive
Committee should only meet as needed, and then only make decisions for
the CHCA Board when it is impossible for the board to do so
Nancy Halloran Hutter Residence: Chestnut Hill (previously East Mt. Airy) Statement: I strongly believe in the power of organizations such as the CHCA to enhance and protect the values of our community while providing a forum for the numerous voices that need to be heard. I will strive to be an active but positive addition to the board in both representing these values and moving the organization forward. I care deeply about the Chestnut Hill community and its residents, and want to work toward maintaining Chestnut Hill as the vibrant and wholesome place to live and work that it has always been. I would bring a broad background and wealth of experience to the board and I now have the time to devote to these efforts. Priorities: To contribute to the board’s functioning
in a civil and cohesive manner. To establish procedures that will require
the board to adhere to its bylaws and to advocate revision of those bylaws
that conflict with its historical mandates. To ensure that the Chestnut
Hill Local remains a voice to and for the community that is editorially
independent of the board.
Kathleen (Kathy) Jones Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: I can offer some of the historical perspective of the development of the Local , having grown up with it. I am seriously concerned about the lack of true leadership we have witnessed in the past year and a half. We need to re-evaluate our priorities and we need to be open to community opinion, hearing all sides. The Local needs to be re-established as the award-winning newspaper status it had for so long. I believe I can offer the leadership skills necessary to reach out to the whole community and to help heal the wounds that have occurred in the past few months. Enough is enough – we need “new blood” that also has the historical perspective of the vision of the CHCA and the Chestnut Hill Local. Priorities: Re-establish and re-affirm editorial independence of the Chestnut Hill Local and ensure that the news is accurately reported and opinion pieces are relegated to the Op-Ed pages. Re-establish and re-affirm the use of Robert’s Rules of Order in the running of CHCA meetings. Help to heal the wounds of a divided community. To return to the original bylaws and ensure that changes in the future are conducted using proper parliamentary procedure.
Mark Keintz, Incumbent Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: As treasurer of the CHCA this year, I have improved the communication of the financial status of the association to the board. My reports have focused on assessing the consequences of our decisions, and I think I have helped the board recognize our major financial problems. As a former chair of the precursor to the Publisher’s Committee, I am familiar with the operations and staff of the Local, which would be one of my top priorities this coming year. The recent turmoil in the editorship of the Local is just one of the many challenges this newspaper has to address in 2006. Finally, I have good relations with members of both of the major groups in current local events and can be helpful in reconciliation and establishing objectives for the next year. Priorities: Reconciliation and focus on issues rather than personalities. Reaffirmation of the mission of the Chestnut Hill Local and development of a plan for its long-term health. Improving our relationships with other Chestnut Hill community groups.
Thomas Kessler, Incumbent Residence: Chestnut Hill The fact that the board comprises individuals with differing viewpoints necessitates that it reach compromise on issues before taking action. What concerns me most about the dissension of the past year is that instead of reaching compromise, we have become paralyzed, with the result being relative inaction. This has greatly diminished the board’s effectiveness in advancing its agenda, namely promoting the growth and wellbeing of Chestnut Hill. As a result, we are unable to continue to support the organizations which in the past have depended on us. If we as a board fail to reach consensus, it will lead to the community questioning the legitimacy of the CHCA. I seek re-election because I am committed to working with all of the
board members, as well as the community at-large. As a board member, my
only desire is to take action, on behalf of the community, which will
benefit the community. It was an honor this past year to be asked to serve
on the search committee for the new editor of the Local. I am very proud
of the committee’s work and of our ability to work well together
under pressure. As a member of the Bylaws Committee I look forward to
reviewing the bylaws to address any perceived issues.
Doug Knauer Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: I may not be the “best” candidate for office. I have a business to help run and cannot devote 100 percent of my time to the CHCA. However, in the time that I do have you will see actions that demonstrate my affection for my adopted neighborhood and a desire to see that its uniqueness not disappear due to neglect. I have not yet formed positions on what “must” be done. I will need some time to educate myself. Allow me that time and I will do my best to make this pocket of beauty in Philadelphia a better place to live for all of us. Priorities: Help this board to determine its top three priorities so that it can re-establish trust with the community so that we represent the majority of them on what’s important to Chestnut Hill. Work with whomever I need to in order to infuse some vitality back into our retail district. If we lose the critical mass of shops that makes Chestnut Hill a destination, we lose the vibrancy that makes this area more than just a nice suburb in the city. Get our various community events back on track and raise the money to
properly support them.
Marie Lachat Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: I hope people would vote for me because of the following experiences: 30 years of active community association volunteerism in several neighbor hoods; 18 years elementary education, parochial and Philadelphia public schools; participation in Holiday House Tour, Pastorius Park concerts, Police and Firefighters Picnic; certified nonprofit manager; candidate for Certified Professional Fundraiser (CFRE) Priorities: Community/CHCA to-do list: Formal board training to include board responsibilities, rules of conduct and ethics of obeying bylaws; treat all CHCA/Local employees with respect; seek to change CHCA status to a 501 C3 to allow it to raise operating funds (Several nonprofit tax attorneys with an overview of the organization, as well as IRS documents I have indicate that this can be done. Certain board members insist that it cannot be done, but would rather have the CHCA sell insurance); inclusion of financial best practices with the advice of a nonprofit experienced CPA/auditor (including selling 8427 Germantown Ave., if advised); all information on website so that CHCA business is open and available to friends and community members _ financial, annual report, minutes, agenda, mission statements on the purpose for CHCA existence; make a motion to remove purchase of Hiram Lodge; introduce a motion to end the serious conflict of interest whereby the CHCA board allows a major Chestnut Hill developer to hold the vice president’s position dealing with zoning and L&I permits and violations.
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