(Community Matters) Like all, I’m sure, ours has a few disgruntled, badly behaved members who misrepresent themselves as speaking on behalf of the neighborhood association, bully, withholding &/or misrepresenting information. They are childish and, from my perspective, don’t really give a damn about their own neighbors, loyal only to their zealot views. Last night, one who had been a leader in NUNA resorted to frivolous threats because a meeting has been called to consider reversing misinformed opposition to a neighbor’s plans. He cited concerns about unity and credibility, my response:
The real risk to “unity of this neighborhood and the credibility of the association” is over zealous, ideologically driven individuals showing *zero* respect for private property rights and indiscriminately opposing neighbors’ plans. Of course we should be preserving the character and architectural integrity of our neighborhood, and we should be seeking compromises which do so and allow neighbors to enjoy, improve and enhance the value of their properties. [and I should have added: while doing our part to further city goals for density, mobility and safe public spaces]
Even if there were no other compelling reasons for single member, city council districts, combating the out-of-control bullying tactics of the few bad apples in Austin neighborhood associations should be enough.
Community Matters 