April 6, 2006 Issue
|
|
|
|
|
April 6, 2006 Issue
|
|
|
Classified Chestnut Hill Local Webmaster Don't Miss an Issue, Tell us what you see or ©2005 Chestnut Hill Local Winner of Three |
Howard Lesnick Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: Having benefited greatly from this community as a place to live and raise a family, I seek the opportunity to serve on the CHCA board as a way to express my gratitude to Chestnut Hill. I hope that my respect for the principles of democratic self-government, humane community development, and an independent, professionally-operated newspaper, combined with my commitment to and experience in mediating among differing outlooks and priorities in many different settings over the years, will enable me to play a constructive role on the board in what appears to be an unusually divisive period in its life. Priorities: My personal priorities will be to learn and to listen before I speak much; to resist the tendency to personalize disagreement; and at the same time to remember that a group of people like a community board has a responsibility to those not on the board – residents at large, but also those who came before, and built what we enjoy, and those who will come after us. In terms of the questions facing the community: I will try to act consistently with my belief that the board and its members must remain accountable to the entire community, fostering continuing commercial development while doing so in a manner that makes further development a constructive presence; that the Local should remain true to its tradition as an open forum celebrating differing voices and concerns on issues affecting the life of our community; and – to end on a very specific note – that something has to be done about the derelict bank site next to the train station.
Gina Maletta-Sannicandro Residence: Andorra (grew up in Chestnut Hill) Statement: I lived in Chestnut Hill for 27 years; grew up here, went to school here and worked here. The needs of the community are very important to me, which is why I am thrilled to service so many community members through our programs at the Water Tower, and interact with parents of children who go to Jenks School. I am confident that I would be helpful in relaying and representing the needs and concerns of the community members to the Chestnut Hill Community Association. Priorities: Communication, honesty and a sincere interest in and concern for the community. These would be my top three priorities because I think they are the backbone of a happy, thriving and successful community.
Virginia Mallery, Incumbent Education: BA from the University of California, Los
Angeles; MA from Mexico City College; BFA from The Philadelphia College
of Art. Priorities: I am currently a CHCA board member and am seeking re-election to protect and strengthen the following fundamental issues: open democratic process, freedom of the press (Lentz Policy), f iscal responsibility and balanced budget, adherence to the CHCA bylaws and insistence on full open discussion of community issues with input from the community.
Lisa Sullivan Mancuso Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: The broad nature of my professional experience in finance, business and nursing has prepared me for the opportunities and challenges facing the Chestnut Hill Community Association. In 1984, I moved to Manhattan and began my financial experience working on Wall Street. My first position was assistant to the CEO of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. After one year, I accepted a position at Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., obtained my SEC Series seven licensure, and was accepted into a competitive Financial Services Training Program. I evaluated the financial statements of banks and savings & loans, and devised investment strategies to help them manage their interest rate risk. I obtained my MBA in Marketing from Fordham University, and interned in Bear Stearns’ Corporate Marketing Department. Consistently, my financial/business experience has required working as part of a team. In 1991, my first child was born, and we moved to Chestnut Hill. I switched careers to something more flexible and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Penn’s School of Nursing, where I later obtained my Master’s and Post-Master’s degrees in Nursing. My experience as a nurse practitioner has allowed me to work with many individuals from different age groups and backgrounds, and it has allowed me to fine-tune my communication skills, particularly my ability to listen, which is so important in arriving at a diagnosis/conclusion. I adore the architecture and history of our community and, for my own knowledge, last year I passed Pennsylvania’s Real Estate Salesperson’s examination. As a candidate for CHCA director, I believe I am an effective communicator who can advocate to preserve the integrity and spirit of the community, with a watchful eye on external factors that could positively or negatively impact our quality of life. Priorities: My first priority would be to help heal the fracture that exists between several elected members of this past year’s Chestnut Hill Community Association. Ultimately, all the parties involved share a similar affection and concern for the Chestnut Hill community. I hope to help bridge this unfortunate gap. I am particularly concerned about the proposal for a 175-bed homeless shelter on Germantown Avenue. Although I am committed to working as a nurse practitioner with an indigent population, I believe Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill community residents have more than contributed their fair share in taxes to the city, both property and income, and I am extremely wary that our property values and quality of life would be negatively impacted. I am concerned about the proposed amendment to the Philadelphia Home
Rule Charter to transfer the powers and duties of the Fairmount Park Commission
to the Department of Recreation. My understanding is that the last hearing
was held on March 20, 2006, and it has been “held to the call of
the Chair.” The park is crucial to our quality of life, and adding
layers of bureaucracy may negatively impact park funding. If lumped with
the Recreation Department, the park system could loose its funding from
businesses, foundations and other private sources. Finally, if the Advisory
Commission is eliminated, or made powerless, we may risk the preservation
of the park for future generations.
Sarah Ann Maneely Residence: Oreland (Chestnut Hill for 15 years) Statement: Having resided in Chestnut Hill since I was 18, I believe in Chestnut Hill. I am truly committed to making a difference. I believe in community and I am willing to dedicate my time to make Chestnut Hill a better place to live, work and play. I have my sleeves rolled up and I am ready to work! Priorities: Build a better community through a positive relationship between the CHCA and community members; to increase membership in the CHCA and change the community’s perception of the CHCA. Work to fully understand the bylaws; to change or rewrite the bylaws that apply to the Chestnut Hill Local so we can return to a free press; and to encourage board members to adhere to the bylaws. Understand and change the long occurring problem of empty storefronts.
Adam Meadows Statement: I am raising my family here, and want it to be the best home it can be for them. As a successful small business entrepreneur, I believe I can bring some helpful understanding to the challenges of our business district. As a member of the Action Alliance, I am focused on the future, not the past. Priorities: To preserve the beauty and charm of Chestnut Hill. The Hill’s small family-owned stores and restaurants are what make our “downtown” so livable, and I will work to encourage new enterprise while making sure that we maintain the unique fabric of our neighborhood. To work cooperatively with all the many institutions that serve our part of the world — the Business Association, the Historical Society, BID, the Water Tower, Friends of the Wissahickon, our schools and churches. Few places have as many organizations devoted to the welfare of the community as does Chestnut Hill. To treat all my fellow board members with the same respect and courtesy I would hope for from them, so that we can operate openly and fairly to come up with solutions for our shared problems and to achieve our common goals.
Mitchell W. Melton, Incumbent Statement: I am the only African American member of the 50-member board of the Chestnut Hill Community Association. Priorities: To continue to voice and vote the best interests, sentiments and convictions of the majority of the residents of the lower end of Chestnut Hill. Our recent victorious fight to keep the integrity of Winston Road situated between Mermaid Lane and Germantown Avenue “As Is” gives the reader some idea of the work that I have been engaged in on behalf of the majority of the near neighbors, business people and other concerned residents. Monitoring and working to eliminate the excessive speeding that goes on here in Chestnut Hill. I still endorse the use of cameras placed on traffic lights and at other sporadic locations here on the hill that will record the license plate information of violators. This information will cause speeding tickets to be issued. I would then support enabling legislation that would allow the CHCA to keep all of the proceeds from the fines and costs collected. These proceeds, which would go into the treasury of the CHCA, would represent the tickets written on speeding violations that occurred within the boundaries of Chestnut Hill only. Crime remains a matter of great concern to me and at some future point
in time, we might want to explore the use of cameras within the business
section of our community and at well placed areas on some of our major
streets. In the interim,
John Michaels Statement: I have been a resident of “the heart” of Chestnut Hill for over 28 years. During this time I have served on the Traffic, Parking and Transportation committee for over a decade, and have participated in and observed many of the land use planning issues related to this committee and to the community at large. If I am fortunate to be elected to the board I would bring my experience as a program analyst in the public health field for over 30 years. Since I am no longer fully employed in this area, I now have the time and energy to devote to serving the community. Having raised my family in Chestnut Hill and being a near neighbor to the commercial district, I have been particularly sensitive to the dynamics between the residential area and the business community. Therefore, if elected I would focus my attention to improving the working relationship and mutual trust between these two entities. Secondly, I believe that there are “quality of life” issues and problems that affect Chestnut Hill, which for a variety of reasons, may not appear to be the responsibility of, nor readily addressed by a CHCA committee, Chestnut Hill organization or institution. To address such “hidden” issues, I would explore the possibility of setting up a “help desk” or “trouble shooting” entity to serve as an information and referral resource for handling such matters. Finally, as a board member, I would hope to be instrumental in the broader process of making the CHCA more responsive to the overall needs of the Chestnut Hill community.
Cecile C. Mihalich No information provided
Ned Mitinger Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: Experience, Experience, Experience – being a previous CHCA board member, three years serving as the community manager of CHCA, a 20-year member of the CHCA LUPZ (chairman and co-chairman) , an active member of the Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy Rotary Club (served as treasurer) and a member of the Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church (being involved for years on the guiding body, i.e. Session.) . I also was a coach and officer in the local sports organization, ,then known as the Chestnut Hill Fathers’ Club. As a member of these Chestnut Hill organizations I have participated wholeheartedly in their activities and management. As the Community Manager I was directly involved in all budget allocations, planning matters, and attended and presented reports to the CHCA Executive Committee and board meetings. The current CHCA organization needs a pragmatic member on the board who will have the confidence to be open and direct with other board members and the community. We must establish our goals and pursue these objectives in an open manner. This election is not about personalities but about electing people who will restore CHCA as a positive force in providing leadership. We need to separate the wish list from the must-do activities so the members have a clear understanding of what is the essence of our organization. My knowledge gained from all of these varied community experiences provides
me with a comprehension of Chestnut Hill and what makes it “tick.” Open discussion for all issues within the framework of the bylaws. Frequently the guidelines and rules of fair play have been ignored, either through lack of knowledge or an attitude that “we” know what is best and let’s get on with it. We need to be inclusive of ideas that may be counter to the good will feeling that the current leadership wants to espouse. Attempts to please everyone by appointments to committees or harassing employees who may wish to exercise a dissenting voiced to the leadership must stop. Encouraging the board members to make a comprehensive review of the financial status of the three corporations (CHCA, Local and Community Fund). This detailed information will be printed in the Local. A straightforward account must be presented to the community with a request for participation in accruing enough money to operate the CHCA, Fund and the Local. The request for contributions to the Fund was particularly mishandled this year. We need to reassess the rationale of the common courtesy of acknowledging contributions as we have in the past. Board members who are willing to commit time and effort to make the organization function, regular attendance at meetings, involvement in fundraising events ,and learning the bylaws governing our meetings are the minimum that can be expected if we are to reach out to the community for their support. Those three priorities, when put into effect, will dramatically elevate the spirit of the participants. In turn, the acknowledgment of a forward-moving organization will enhance the CHCA’s acceptance within Chestnut Hill.
Stanley F. “Stan” Moat, Incumbent Statement: I sold my business and retired in 2001, then became involved in the CHCA as an effort to “give back” for the many years I let someone else look after my family’s interests in our unique community and lifestyle. This would be my fifth year studying the operations of our Community Association while a member of its board of directors. During two of these years I carried the title of physical vice president and attended most of its committee meetings: development review, land use and planning, and aesthetics. I have lately been a member of the budget and finance committee. As a trained engineer and successful businessman, I am more inclined to listen than to speak in public. I have continued to deliberate where my personal experiences could best serve our community. But I have arrived at some conclusions that I would now attempt to put forward. Priorities: To attempt to represent the interests of the more than 90 percent of Chestnut Hill residents who are too busy earning and living to take much interest in what the CHCA is and does (as was I for 37 years). To re-establish the Trustees of the Fund as active, independent and qualified participants in significant investing and spending decisions by the Association, the Fund and the Local. To establish and enforce new rules for the conduct of CHCA board meetings that will strictly limit debate, rather relegating it to well-scheduled and announced committee meetings. For example, no person at a board meeting should be allowed to speak more than twice on the same agenda item: once to present their position and once, if necessary, to rebut or amend. Unfortunately, Robert’s Rule’s of Order alone will not provide for this.
Patrick J. Mooney Residence: Chestnut Hill Organizations: Children’s Park at Chestnut Hill (volunteer), John Story Jenks Home & School Association (member), Christ Lutheran Child Care Center Parents Association (member) Statement: As a member of the Action Alliance, and someone who is running for the CHCA board for the first time, I believe that I will bring a fresh viewpoint to the process of community government in Chestnut Hill. I think that all issues brought before the CHCA board and its committees should be addressed with fairness and due diligence, with all established processes for appropriate review being followed. I believe that all plans, proposals and issues brought before the board should be discussed in a civil and orderly manner, and evaluated purely on their own merit. If elected to the board, I will do my best to see that all business is conducted in this way, so that Chestnut Hill will be a community where new ideas have the opportunity to develop and flourish, while the natural beauty and historic character of the area continue to be preserved. Priorities: In terms of prioritizing the issues that face the Chestnut Hill community, I believe that the most important one is public safety. This issue encompasses a number of subtopics, such as the flow and speed of traffic through the area, the integrity of road surfaces, the ability of pedestrians to negotiate street crossings without incident, and personal safety while walking the sidewalks, especially at night. Many of these issues have already been addressed in the recent Urban Partners study, and I think that the CHCA board should lend its full support to making many of the recommendations of this plan a reality. Secondly, I believe that the CHCA board should do everything that it can to promote business development in the community, particularly on the Germantown Avenue corridor. Empty storefronts do nothing in terms of delivering products and services to the community. They contribute nothing to bringing visitors and dollars into Chestnut Hill from other areas, and they certainly detract from the aesthetics that so many people in this community work so hard to maintain. I think that it is essential that the board facilitate as much communication as possible between landlords, prospective businesses and the community, so that business development is thoroughly understood and viewed in a positive light. Thirdly, I would like to see more effort made to work with surrounding communities, particularly Mt. Airy and Germantown. These communities, also part of the Germantown Avenue corridor, share many of the same concerns with respect to public safety, business development and quality of life, which continue to challenge us in Chestnut Hill. By forging ties with these communities, through meetings or coordinated public events, ideas may be shared and implemented which will be beneficial to all of the citizens of Northwest Philadelphia.
Patrick Mountney Residence: Mt. Airy
Cornelis van den Muyzenberg Statement: As a member of the Action Alliance, I look forward to contributing to the value the Chestnut Hill Community Association can bring to the community and, in the end, to the quality of living in Chestnut Hill. Not being a native Chestnut Hiller but a recent resident gives me a broader perspective on how unique, beautiful and livable this neighborhood really is, and what its potential can be. By bringing in that “outside” perspective, I hope to be able to bring fresh ideas to problems and opportunities. Priorities: Build a shared vision and mission for the neighborhood. We can only develop strategies and action plans after we agree on what we want this beautiful neighborhood to be. Enhance our quality of living. Work to enrich the avenue with more quality restaurants, stores and services targeted towards the needs of the greater Chestnut Hill community. Quality of living also includes safety and cleanliness as priorities. Strengthen our sense of community. Bring people together for a common cause and shared values. Investigate the possibility of creating a community center.
Christopher Padova Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: As a member of the board, I will work tirelessly to improve our community in all respects. Chestnut Hill has been my community for most of my life and I would relish the opportunity to give back to Chestnut Hill. I view Chestnut Hill as a charming and refreshing community where people of diverse views can live and work together with collegiality. I will encourage new businesses to become part of our community. I am interested in developing and supporting the healthiest business environment. It is important to keep Chestnut Hill looking beautiful and safe. As we all know Germantown Avenue needs to have the potholes fixed and during the winter months it and other streets need to be cleared of snow and salted. Our newspaper needs to remain strong, inform our residents of current events and give our community a forum to offer diverse opinions on subjects of community interest. Once elected, I will work with the owners and the Realtors to secure tenants for the empty stores on the avenue. I will work with the city to have our streets repaired and I will work with the Chestnut Hill Local and provide them with the help needed to continue being a solid paper with excellent journalistic integrity.
Tapan J. Patel Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: As a member of the Action Alliance, I think that our team is the best team to vote for. I don’t feel comfortable answering the question – why “I” am the best candidate. I am a big believer in “team” and there is no “I” in team. I moved to Chestnut Hill three years ago and profoundly love this community. I am excited to be part of a team that is focused on giving of ourselves to make our community the best it can be, while preserving all the beauty, charm and elegance that persuaded me and my sister to move here. Priorities: If elected, my top three priorities would be to focus on serving and more action vs. talking; to focus on quality of life issues like the concerts, the parks, the events (Holiday House Tour, Black & White Gala, etc.) where we get to slow down from our busy lives and have fun and fellowship with our community; to work on building harmony as a board so we can focus on delivering to our community those things that have a direct benefit to our community.
Jane M. Piotrowski, Incumbent Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: Since I moved back to Chestnut Hill four years ago, I have spent most of my time volunteering for the preservation and improvement of our community. Everyone knows my commitment and knows that they can call on me to step into the breach, wherever and whenever I am needed. My philosophy: I want to contribute. In the course of my work on various projects, I have found gratification in helping people, bringing people together, be it designing advertising and promotion for a CHCA event, decorating a Holiday House, soliciting new members at the Garden Festival or Fall for the Arts, working on the park concerts or the Black and White Gala. I am a leader and a doer. I can inspire people to contribute and bring their talents to a project. Priorities: If I am reelected to the board, my first priority will be to bring people together for our common goal – the health and future of Chestnut Hill. We need to welcome people from all walks of life and everywhere in the neighborhood and beyond, to help maintain and enhance the uniqueness of Chestnut Hill. Board members must work together through constructive dialogue and action to achieve the objectives of the CHCA. I want to ensure continuation of diverse programs, foster interrelationships between the community and the business district, and strive to create new ways to welcome the new residents and bring back previous members. As a member of the board, my continuing priority will be to give back to the community I love; to do my very best to stay focused on the “mission” … Keeping my eye on the prize … a Healthy Community. I am excited to be running with The Action Alliance.
Joseph A. Pizzano Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: I am saddened by the present state of the Community Association. It is time for those of us who have stood by and watched in dismay to get involved. Chestnut Hill deserves the best. The present leadership of the Community Association Board has embarrassed the whole community with their efforts to suppress free speech in the Local. They have weakened the organization by wasting community funds and they have corrupted the board by promoting career interests over those of the community. I am running with the Second Opinion Caucus to bring back a free press, fiscal responsibility and volunteer participation.
Susan Detscher Pizzano Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: I served as Social Division vice president for three years (1999-2001) and accomplished my goals. I thought my tenure on the board was over until I observed that the present administration in its three years has severely damaged not only the association but also the Local. They have created a bylaw that has a committee screening everything the editor writes. They have destroyed an over 50-year tradition of free press. My love of this community, its association and its newspaper has made me come back. I offer my experience and commitment. My goals as vice president were to: Bring the community together with food contests and winner dinners. The proceeds and cookbooks published helped the Seniors and Teens. Build a new Plaza at the Top of the Hill with a fountain as its focal point. I did four house tours and raised $100,000. In 2002 the new Plaza replaced the old weed and trash-infested one. These goals would not have been met without the help of over 100 volunteers and my husband as my right-hand man. Priorities: Now my goals are to eliminate the bylaw this administration created and bring back a free press. I will make sure the financials are published for the entire community to review. I will work to replace the existing corporate model with a democratic one and promote volunteerism not careerism.
Ron Recko, Incumbent Residence: Chestnut Hill Statement: Having been elected for a one-year term, and serving as a current board member and member of the Budget and Finance Committee, I became aware of the many problems within this board. It will take a defeat of the self-serving majority to solve these problems. I hope can help to accomplish this in the coming year. The problems: Conflict of interest on the part of a number of board members; overt disregard of the bylaws; misrepresentation (a more polite word than “lying”); manipulation and hidden agendas under the heading “the TRUTH”; unforgiving treatment of any dissenting voices; negligence regarding bylaws, financial management and Chestnut Hill Local; incompetence in fiscal planning and fundraising; transparency avoided at all cost; year 2005-2006 “LOST,” as described by current Executive Committee member (past president/former community manager) six months ago, leaving the Chestnut Hill Local in disarray and contributing to the bleak financial picture. Priorities: If elected, my top three priorities in cleaning up this mess would be: Cultivate volunteerism in direct contrast to self-serving interests; mandate strict adherence to the bylaws; motivate accountability and fiscal responsibility. I will be glad to elaborate on any of this and can be reached
at 215-247-6777 between the hours of 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through
Friday. Your call will be returned and I promise to speak softly. |
