Do Businesses Belong in Bala Cynwyd Civic Association?
Neighborhood Club leaders are torn over a proposed membership-rule change.
The Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd had a more contentious meeting than usual Tuesday night, as supporters and opponents of a proposal to relax membership requirements went at it.
The proposed change to the civic association's bylaws would make eligible some owners of Bala Cynwyd businesses and residents in the "vicinity" of the neighborhood, rather than only Bala Cynwyd residents.
Some supporters suggested the move could mitigate the club's reputation for being tough on the business community. Some opponents considered the move shortsighted and said residents could regret ceding part of their neighborhood's voice in government to business owners.
Club president John Grugan tried to keep the discussion civil, saying, "Let's let the other civics be the ones that tear at each other. Let's instead resolve to believe in each others’ sincerity. Generally speaking, we always come out in the right place."
Before the meeting ended, the proposal was diverted to a subcommittee for further examination.
The Board of Directors also nominated its 20 members for the year ahead, including three newcomers—Joseph Farah, Mike Utkus and Shifra Vega—who qualify for membership under the existing bylaws, club officials said.
Elections are set for the annual meeting in November.
Do you agree or disagree that the Neighborhood Club should amend its membership policy? Why? Tell us in the comments section below.
Board of Directors nominations
Officers: Terms expiring December 2013
Amara M. Briggs, President
Jerry Skillings, Vice President
Meredith Toole, Secretary
Casey O'Bannon, Treasurer
Robert Zimmerman, Solicitor
John C. Grugan, Past President
Directors: Terms expiring December 2013
Laurie Actman
*Joseph Farah
Maxine Goldberg
David I. Haas
Frances McComb
*Mike Utkus
*Shifra Vega
Directors: Terms expiring December 2014
Eric Foster
Anne M. Greenhalgh
Roger Moog
Alison Munoz
Dan Russoniello
Sara Pevaroff Schuh
Merle Zucker
Joanne Murray
10:49 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012
The people of the United States are already seeing the effect that business has on politics to the point where a single corporation's vote is worth more than thousands of citizens. Why then would we open the door to allowing businesses to rule our local civic association? It will start with one exception and in a few years time, nominating a homeowner to the board will be the exception. This is a very slippery slope you will never be able to change back if you are wrong. Businesses already have their local business association so this could be seen as double counting their vote.
Robert Toole
4:04 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012
To me, the critical issue is not whether "business" should or should not be represented on our civic association. The issue centers on whether or not the board has an obligation to follow the language in its charter, and where that language may not be clear, should the board exercise due diligence to clarify that language before making decisions that effect the neighborhood. The board should not follow the language in its charter sometimes and ignore it other times. After last Tuesday's meeting, it was crystal clear that the charter is viewed as inadequate only when the majority alliance on the board declares it to be, leaving the Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd with no compass.
Jon Stein
8:37 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012
I am not sure what Mr. Toole is suggesting, what does he want the Neighborhood Club to do? Follow the charter in what way?
Jon Stein
8:41 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012
Keep in mind to clarify the charter under PA law requires the members to vote, the Board cannot do it on its own, so that is a long process. And in the meantime, Mr. Toole how should they operate exactly? Do you have an actual suggestion that is practical because my understanding, from my neighbors who were there, is the Club strictly follows the bylaws-- so there is your compass. Is it that you don't like the bylaws? Or you prefer mayhem for the sake of mayhem?