Wednesday, July 21, 2010

A town meeting?

Someone suggested in the comment portion last week or earlier this week about the possibility of holding a town meeting and asked me to possibly organize it.
After some thought, I am game to the idea.
I am thinking of Monday or Turesday, Aug. 2 or 3, at 6 of 6:30 p.m. at Glatfelter Field.
The thought behind the concept of the meeting is to discuss ideas of how to improve Columbia and not turn it into a "bitch" session. I'd like to see some positive discussion and ideas.
If you are interested pick a night and let's run with it and see what develops.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Barry, first you should invite Boro Council and the School Board. Changes need to come from these groups if we COLUMBIANS have any chance.Second the Police force and Leo Lutz need to be there also. Also maybe our local ministers (a little help from God never hurts) and some local business people. Talk it out and see what happens.

Anonymous said...

Barry,

You should be encouraging people to attend School Board and Council meetings. Having a town meeting will only end up in a bitch session as you wrote on your blog. Did anyone run this by Leo and Mary? The idea is fine but we are beyond talking about problems.

COLUMBIA TALK said...

I have been advising people to go to the meetings, but, sometimes its best to have a get together to perhaps get everyone on the same page. I am not goinbg out of my way to invite the government types, especially borough council because I've been to these type meetings over the years and they seem to take over. They can come, but, this should be for the citizens iun an attempt to make things better.

Vernon R. Detz, JR said...

I like the idea Barry and I'd be interested in coming as a spectator just to hear what the residents of Columbia have on their mind. Aug. 2nd or 6th would work best as the Borough & School Board have scheduled meetings on Aug. 3rd. Of course, if you'd rather not have Borough officials present, then the 3rd would be the best night for the meeting. Good luck!
By the way, the School Board Property meeting is a public meeting and all the public is invited to attend. It will be held at the High School at 6:00pm on Tuesday, Aug. 3rd

Anonymous said...

PLEASE have this meeting at an indoor facility. I would hate to see this type of meeting and it's possible potential go down the tubes if it is storming outside or really HOT. Maybe 8-4 would allow you to hold it there?

p.s. If any of you "officials" decide to show up, please respect that this will NOT be YOUR meeting and attempt to monopolize the meeting!

Anonymous said...

I think you should give this a shot. As a local business person I will be sure to bring other shop owners with me. August 2nd is a Monday, a great way to start the week in my opinion.

Anonymous said...

Tuesday August 3 is the Boro Property Committee Meeting At 7:30

Anonymous said...

You really think any council member will show up to a meeting like this? NO WAY they could care less what we think. It will pretty much be a live version of the blog.
j

JN said...

Mr. Dezt, believe all Borough Officials and School Board Members cannot remain neutral in a public meeting of this sort. You state coming as a spectator, Norm and Leo may want to attend as spectators also. I believe you should not attend this meeting but let the minutes from the meeting be distributed to school board and council members as appropriate. From these notes action required can become part of your accountability.
PS, don't try to seek into the meeting, you will be recognized by the police authorities.

Anonymous said...

I would like to see the meeting on Monday August 2nd, thanks!

Vernon R. Detz, JR said...

JN...1st of all, learn to spell my name! I spell it for you every time I post because I sign my posts with my full name, not just some fictitious initials! Secondly, IF a public meeting is being held, I have every right as a resident of this Borough to attend and I will be there. When has a meeting of this sort ever been held? How do you know how elected officials would conduct themselves? Finally, there are plenty of seats open on both Council and School Board in the next election, feel free to make a run at one of them if you think you can make a difference. I suspect that you'd rather stay anonymous so you don't have to worry about any accountability!

Anonymous said...

Barry should run for Council !

Anonymous said...

Just to clarify any rumors about me faciliating any Town Meeting is simply not true. Where as a town meeting could be a useful resource for anyone who is not tuned into the everyday happenings in the Borough is fine. I also would highly recommend that citizens start attending School Board and Council Meetings. There is much going on in this town that everyone should be aware of.

regards,

Tim Swartz
tswartz2114@aol.com
Tswartz2114@comcast.net

Anonymous said...

thanks tim. keep em straight!

rr

Unknown said...

I THINK A TOWN MEETING IS GREAT. LET EVERYONE ATTEND AND I HOPE THEY HAVE SOME GREAT IDEAS FOR COLUMBIA TO MOVE FORWARD.

Unknown said...

I THINK A TOWN MEETING IS A GREAT IDEA. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SEE BARRY ON COUNCIL. IF BARRY WAS ELECTED TO COUNCIL I BET THAT HE WOULD COMPLETE HIS FULL TERM AND NOT QUIT.

Anonymous said...

Tim should run for Mayor

Anonymous said...

and be sure to record it put the video on this web site!

JG said...

Vern, you suggest scheduling the town meeting on a night where borough officilas have meetings, I agree, 8/3 would be a good nite for the town meeting. That way persons who have a conflict of interest, (ie. downing borough council members while being on the school board)would not be in attendance to hear the discussions, as they are part of the problem. What Columbia needs, in addition to a good 10 cent cigar, are leaders who have a positive attitude and the ability to influence persons by displaying leadership. Constant berating of officials doesn't get it done however it gives satisfication to those who like to see their name in print, know what I mean? Accept the message as this may be a topic that will be discussed at the town meeting.

Anonymous said...

hey, there's a town meeting tonight-the special boro council meeting-at 7:00 - but, let's get it right this time- at a special boro council meeting you can sign up to speak ONLY WHAT'S ON THE AGENDA. (regular boro council mtg you can sign up to talk about ANYTHING)