An Open Letter to the CHCC Officers
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Started by: boikejboikej
On: 1212880368|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
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An Open Letter to the CHCC Officers
boikejboikej 1212880368|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover

Dear Justin, Charlette, Hong and Saunatina:

Our community gathered in a well-attended forum to elect you as the voice and face of the Capitol Hill Community Council — that includes all of us who live and work on Capitol Hill.

I was lucky to participate in just about every meeting of the new Council and sit on its steering committee. A fascinating, and at times frustrating, process. One with a great result. I applaud you guys and thank each of you for the time and energy you'll contribute.

I want to mention one thing that stuck with me following the election. During candidate speeches someone mentioned "twisting the arm" of the editor of a local paper (Doug Schwartz of the Capitol Hill Times, no?) A former officer of the CHCC pointed out that the editor happened to be sitting in the audience, 10 feet away from the candidate who proposed the arm twisting. Everyone chuckled.

It was clear this former officer knew the editor. On election day I don't expect the same of our new officers, but I encourage you to do the same in the coming months. Sit down with your local news reporters and ask them what stories they see emerging in the community. Have coffee with local business owners. Attend meetings of other Capitol Hill community groups. I'm glad to hear you'll regularly attend the farmer's market — find more of these venues.

Please make it a priority to get out in the community — the council itself. The first year will entail lots of formalities, structures and frameworks. Bylaws, board, government filings, oh my! But structure yourself in and around the people you represent. For instance, if you want to speculate on conflicts of interest, take time to get to know the person who you believe represents the conflict over and above vague understandings of "IRS codes."

This council is about people. Relate to them, represent them, rally them!

Thanks again for representing us.

James

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Unfold An Open Letter to the CHCC Officers by boikejboikej, 1212880368|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
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Re: An Open Letter to the CHCC Officers
jseattlejseattle 1212882532|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover

Good message, James. I sat down for an hour with Dough Schwartz on Friday. I'm afraid I'll be upstaged in the photo by Bowie but we could definitely use the extra attention the little guy will get :)

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Unfold Re: An Open Letter to the CHCC Officers by jseattlejseattle, 1212882532|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
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Re: An Open Letter to the CHCC Officers
CharletteCharlette 1212915785|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover

Hi James, just so you know that "someone" was I who made the comment of "twisting the arm" of the editor of the Capitol Hill Times in response to a request to make sure the news got out. It may not have been apparent but I fully knew Doug Schwartz was sitting in the middle of the room when I made that comment!!:)
(And by the grin on Doug's face I think he was enjoying that moment himself.) If Andrew Taylor had not outed him I would have pointed out that indeed the Editor of the Capitol Hill Times was present but not before I had described my various kung fu wet noodle techniques just to see Doug squirm.

Yes, I recognize Doug Schwartz of the Capitol Hill Times and the staff have their thumb on the pulse of Capitol Hill and themselves are a voice of the community. What the purpose of the council and what the newspaper does is very much inline. I am familiar with most of the business owners on the North End of Broadway, the LGBT organizations and other non-profits on Capitol Hill and will certainly continue to outreach to the community.

And sorry, but there are no vague understandings of IRS codes on conflict of interest and I don't plan on having our future bylaws be vague either. If your talking about Tim Durkan (obviously) I feel it was inappropriate of him not to inform the steering committee of his withdawing beforehand rather than use the council meeting to self promote. Its called grandstanding. Tim can certainly read this forum and he is certainly free to reply to the statements regarding conflict of interest at anytime.

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Unfold Re: An Open Letter to the CHCC Officers by CharletteCharlette, 1212915785|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
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Re: An Open Letter to the CHCC Officers
boikejboikej 1212957130|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover

I'm glad you're already a step ahead (of me at least) in recognizing Doug and many local business owners. That moment between you, Doug and the former officer struck me as a symbol of a new council getting off the ground, the need to build personal relationships, and generally promote an inclusive organization.

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Unfold Re: An Open Letter to the CHCC Officers by boikejboikej, 1212957130|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
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