Big things in the next thirty days…

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There’s some amazing things the Fairview Community Council is taking up in the next month you should be aware of:

Tonight (January 12), we are taking up a resolution in support of the One Anchorage initiative. Jeff Mittman first approached me with it last year, and it would be really amazing if Fairview were the first community to stand up for equality for all residents of Anchorage.

At next month’s general meeting (February 9th), James Boehm from the department of health and human services will be presenting on the consolidated plan for Community Development Block Grants, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and the Emergency Shelter Grant. Many of these funds have been spent in Fairview in recent years, and hearing the future plans and being able to give comment will help guide those funds in the future.

We are also trying to get the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority to present at our February meeting. They reported to AMATS (the Anchorage Municipal Area Transportation Solutions) that they expect 36,000 additional vehicles to come across the bridge, and the proposed terminus of the project is at 5th and Ingra/Gambell. They want to hear our concerns and questions.

In December we supported SB-3, which would increase funding for the school meal program. Good things are coming out of the Fairview Community Council. Hope you can join us!

Why not get involved?

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The Fairview Community Council general meeting last thursday was about as well attended as many of them have been. 15 residents showed up, which is nothing to sneeze at compared to other councils, but it really has me thinking about why more people don’t come to these things. I mean we had a record-short 1 hour meeting, and then had a potluck with more Lucky Wishbone fried chicken than the crowd could eat. If that can’t draw a crowd, I don’t know what will…

From the chatter on Facebook, it looks like a big turn-off for residents is the issues we take on. We do spend an inordinate amount of time keeping the people who do projects in our neighborhood honest (with varying degrees of success), But every now and again something comes up that makes me proud: As an example I offer FVCC resolution 2010-10 which passed unanimously on Thursday. Kato Haunga came to the community council last year asking us to support food programs for hungry children. Senator Ellis’ office took the idea and ran with it sponsoring SB-3, a bill strengthening school meal programs. Amory Lelake helped us form the resolution in support of SB-3, and it sailed through the general meeting. We’re hoping this resolution is a model Kato can bring to other community councils for their support.

At any rate, I would really like people to feel more engaged in this community. The Council is sometimes dry, and meetings can definitely get testy, but I’m really interested in making them more welcoming. They are the first level of democracy, where a diversity of opinions can safely be aired publicly. This can be painful, but ultimately is an important process. Why do you come to meetings? What issues are important to you? Have you been to meetings? If so, what brings you back or keeps you away? Please feel free to comment below.

Yours,
—S