Sunday, June 7, 2009

The CRA Family Tree

Above is a chart that is included in the back-up information for the City Commission special meeting tomorrow evening re board appointments. It shows the history of appointments, length of terms, policy changes, etc. that resulted in the current situation. One of the more controversial matters regarding this series of board appointments and re-appointments is that a total of six of the seven seats are up on the CRA board - only Commissioner Ross would remain from the current group. We do have an explanation - maybe not the total "why" - but at least we know when the elimination of staggered terms, as required by state law, happened according to the explanation below.

Of course, staggered terms are in place to prevent a wholesale turn in direction of a board and support the concept of continuity in operation and programs. Recently, we on the CRA have been talking about budget priorities for the next fiscal year and the probable draconian cuts that will be necessary based upon the falling property tax valuations in the city, especially within the CRA district. We have asked ourselves how this discussion will be carried forward by a potentially "new" board. We shall see.

My interview for re-appointment happens to be at 6:10 p.m. tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

Click the title for a link to the complete back-up material with applications.