Northwest Observer Forums > Northwest-Area Towns > Summerfield > New Summerfield Council Position/Appointment
Northwest Observer Forums > Northwest-Area Towns > Summerfield > New Summerfield Council Position/Appointment |
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lovettrp Member
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Hello, My name is Richard Lovett and I have lived in Summerfield for the past 4.5 years and truly love the area. The people I meet are very friendly and polite.  Now, I am not blind!  I do see the split in the community which can be easily observed by almost anyone reading the NWO which reports typically the 3-2 votes on town council an a myriad of issues. There is a struggle going on right now and we, the community, must work together to fix it. I may be a bit naive but I want to help. I started by volunteering to be on the zoning board approx. 4 years ago (as an alternate). About a year ago I was appointed (by council) as full members of the Zoning board with my hopes to continue until such a time that council members wish my removal. Now a situation presents itself wherein I have decided to throw by name in the ring for the vacant council position. I have submitted my application (which is avaliable for review as a public document at the Town of Summerfield). I was raised by blue color parents (in NJ... and please do not hold that against me) that It is a resident’s responsibility to work with neighbors and friends to make the town a better place. I have always taken this responsibility very seriously. I want to help "find solutions to problems" not "find problems with the solutions". I know I face an uphill struggle to even be considered since I am relatively new to the community. But this something I am ok with... My purpose in throwing my name in the ring as providing council the most possibilities so they can make the best decision for the community. Good luck to all applicants |
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Cracker Jax Member 
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Welcome to the forum lovettrp!! Glad to have you join us here! I've heard lots of mighty nice things about you (and no, we don't know each other If you are chosen for the empty council seat, we won't hold that "Joisey" thang against ya!!! Good Luck! Question for anyone: Who else has applied for the seat? Do we have that info yet?? |
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Baseball Buddy Member 
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John Wray has turned in his application. As a former council member and former mayor of Summerfield he will help bring reason and good leadership skills to the table. Plus I don't know anyone who can say anything bad about him. Not even any of the CC's. If they do say something bad about him it was probably a fabrication or a half truth. |
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macca Member 
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I think Stokesdale appointed a former TC member to fill a vacancy until the next election..... The thinking was that he already understood how things work, so there's no "learning curve," and I think they also saw it as a way to not show favoritism to anyone who might run for the seat, since it is pretty much understood that he's not likely going to..... |
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Jim Flynt Member
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macca wrote: I think Stokesdale appointed a former TC member to fill a vacancy until the next election..... The thinking was that he already understood how things work, so there's no "learning curve," and I think they also saw it as a way to not show favoritism to anyone who might run for the seat, since it is pretty much understood that he's not likely going to..... Stokesdale has actually appointed 3 'new' members to the Stokesdale Town Council since the last election to replace vacancies. Two of the appointments consisted of prior members being reappointed and one appointment was to an individual with no prior experience. None of the 3 appointments included any of the losing candidates from the last or prior elections. |
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rasin Guest
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Jim Flynt wrote: None of the 3 appointments included any of the losing candidates from the last or prior elections. Oak Ridge has had to appoint two replacements since incorporation that I am aware of and they used the method of picking the losing candidate with the highest votes. I am not so sure that is the best way to pick a replacement. If the residents had wanted the losing candidate to be a council member they would have voted him/her into office. That the person did not get enough votes indicates that the residents did not want him/her. Or in the case of say three people running for a position, candidate 1 and 3 may be similar; most people like both 1 and 3 but prefer 1 over 3, the rest like 2. In this case candidate 2 may get the second highest votes. But if candidate 2 and 3 ran candidate 3 would have won since 3 is preferred over 2. In this case Summerfield appears to be taking the right approach by getting people to apply for the position which will tend to have the applicants make their case why they deserve the position and not getting it by default just because they came in second. |
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Vicki White-Lawrence Member 
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Jim Flynt wrote:macca wrote:I think Stokesdale appointed a former TC member to fill a vacancy until the next election..... The thinking was that he already understood how things work, so there's no "learning curve," and I think they also saw it as a way to not show favoritism to anyone who might run for the seat, since it is pretty much understood that he's not likely going to..... All three of the people appointed to the Stokesdale Town Council since the last election have had experience in serving on some kind of Board with the town. Both Powell Shelton and Fred Berry had previously served on Town Council. Berry had also served on the Planning Board, as had Bobby Richardson, who also chaired the Planning Board, so it's not exactly correct to say he had no prior experience. |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Vicki White-Lawrence wrote: Jim Flynt wrote: Vicki, you are of course correct. Since the topic was centered around appointments to vacancies on area Town Councils, I had limited and intended the meaning of my earlier statement to mean that of the three appointments, two had prior experience on Town Council and one had no experience on Town Council. I was aware of and should have pointed out that Bobby Richardson (my first cousin by the way) had served on the Stokesdale Planning Board as well as having served in the past on the Stokesdale Fire Department as an officer and member of their BOD. Bobby also has served and continues to serve in several leadership positions at Stokesdale Christian Church. Vicki, Thanks for keeping me on my toes! Last edited on Apr 12th, 2007 10:16 pm by Jim Flynt |
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Vicki White-Lawrence Member
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Any time, Jim! |
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donwendelken Member
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Many times it is better to appoint some one who has fresh thoughts and understands what has been going on in a community. This way they are subjected to the facts and not the emotions of situations that will impact the town. This in turn allows that person to make a rational decision (with an explanation) of why they voted for or against an agenda item brought in front of the board. A new person on any board is always a positive move, as long that person uses good old common sense. In todays society that seems to be quickly fading away. |
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Steve Adkins Member 
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It was good to see you again Tues night Don. Welcome back. |
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donwendelken Member
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Thanks for the warm words. |
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BreBre Member 
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donwendelken wrote: Many times it is better to appoint some one who has fresh thoughts and understands what has been going on in a community. I agree with you Don. |
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happycamper Member 
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Don, I agree, new ideas and positive thinking is what an "outsider" can bring. Altough I have ever been introduced to you, I know a few people who know you quite well. They all have very good things to say about you. outsider = someone who truely cares about their town and the people, keeps up to date on the current happenings, yet can't make all the meetings and/or functions because they also have another life. Good Luck!  |
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macca Member
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happycamper wrote:outsider = someone who truely cares about their town and the people, keeps up to date on the current happenings, yet can't make all the meetings and/or functions because they also have another life. Is that okay for council members too? Or does an "outsider" suddenly change once elected to Town Council? |
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donwendelken Member
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macca- an outsider does change, (i.e make it to all the meetings) because if I am selected to the board I will take on this new responsibility knowing I am responsible to the citizens. When I say I am going to do something- I do it.  |
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Gestalt Member 
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Sorry I meant Don, not Mike (my error) Can't say I'd mind seeing you sitting up there at the head table, given some of the names I'm hearing that are throwing their hats in the ring right now  I am pretty convinced you are pro-Summerfield and would not subscribe to the antics Summerfield has recently been subject to.........so that's a good thing. HOWEVER.........in the event you are not the "chosen one", then please don't do the submarine dive and disappear until the November campaigning starts. Stay public and give us a chance to get to know "the real you". I've read your comments about "give me a call". Campaigning is not about the voters chasing down the candidates for a chunk of their time. It's about the candidates being available for the public, shaking their hands, eating fried chicken, standing outside the Community Center during breaks slapping backs, people recognizing you in Food Dawg talking about the weather, etc. You mention you volunteer elsewhere........Kudos to you, that group recognizes you, but not sure if that's the same group that'll be voting for you in Summerfield. Nuff said. Last edited on Apr 15th, 2007 12:58 am by Gestalt |
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FatPappy Member 
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Whether or not a person is an "outsider" is less important to me than what they have on the inside. We need whoever that person is to be someone with leadership experience, wisdom, maturity, and most of all character. We need someone who most definitely has a life and is willing to share their life's experience for the benefit of their town. We need someone who understands that leadership and bullying are two distinctly different things. We need someone who understands that strength of character has nothing to do with strength of lung power. We need someone who understands that ideas are not bullets to fire at opponents but they should be steps to lead us ALL somewhere better. We need someone who understands that the enemy of your enemy is not automatically your friend, no matter how they voted on that one particular issue. We need someone who can see past the end of their nose to understand the spirit of the law, not just the letter. We need someone who can work with other people for the benefit of all the people. We need someone who understands that they represent the town 24/7, whether they are sitting in front of the people and the press at a meeting or sitting alone at home. We need someone who knows how to praise, not just accuse. We need someone who tries to inspire participation of the people, not inspire fear of participation. |
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FatPappy Member
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Psst...Gestalt, you addressed that to Mike, but I think you mean Don. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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FatPappy wrote: Whether or not a person is an "outsider" is less important to me than what they have on the inside. Very well stated Pappy! |
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Sawdust Member
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Pappy, I agree with Crackah', very well stated. All points emphasized. I must commend you on your grammer. You must be takin' night classes! We all need to move on to the real issues here, we have many... I, personally, believe we need a leader that can make the hard decisions without a personal agenda. Sawdust |
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Baseball Buddy Member
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A Leader takes you by the hand and leads you, not getting behind you and push you in the direction he/she wants you to go. |
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Gestalt Member
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FatPappy wrote: Psst...Gestalt, you addressed that to Mike, but I think you mean Don. You are 100% correct Pappy, my blunder.....I changed it above. Thank You |
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Gestalt Member
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FatPappy wrote: Whether or not a person is an "outsider" is less important to me than what they have on the inside. Very eloquent Pappy, and very well stated !!! |
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lovettrp Member
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I started to read some of the replys since by initial post on this topic. First, I would like to thank everyone for responding. Based upon some of the comments I may not have the breath of experience & wisdom that some have indicated that they are looking for. All I can say is that I am honest, sincere and concerned about the community! Secondly, some of the discussion, so far, has focused on what they want in a council member. These qualifications are very important but unfortunately not applicable at this time. They will be very applicable leading up to the next election. My view is that the council will decide on whoever they wish to fill the vacancy. This personal qualifications can not be critiqued before this appointment, except by council, therefore the issue is mute. We, the community, should be focusing on topics, issues and concerns and work on these! I hope that did not come across as arogant... not my intention. I am relatively young and in the political world very inexperienced but I do not worry myself about that... I want to work on fixing the town and focus on the various devisive issues that we (residents of Summerfield) all face. Thank you |
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FatPappy Member
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Much obliged, y'all. (Hey, Sawdust, Pappy's a graduate o' grammar school, ya know. Hee hee.) Lovettrp, I hear what yer a-sayin', an' I agree that it's time, past time even, to start fixin' this town. An' while we as individuals may not have much direct input in the upcomin' vacancy selection, I b'lieve what we're a-doin' right here an' right now on this here forum is as much a part o' the fixin' process as anything. It ain't the whole thang but it's a bigger part than some people give it credit fer. People expressin' themselves, talkin' it out. There's power there! Yer ol' Pappy can feel it! My shoppin' list o' qualifications weren't meant to be a absolute, just a target to shoot at. People ain't perfect. "Honest, sincere and concerned about the community" is some purty good qualifications. Yes, we also do need to be talkin' 'bout issues an' concerns. To me the overwhelmin' issue right now is findin' somebody who can fill this vacancy with a healin' presence, or at least a non-destructive presence, so we can get the wagons outta this swamp we been stuck in an' get on with town bidness. Now by healin' presence I don't mean somebody who's just gonna go along with the rest an' never offer anythang new. I mean somebody who can respect the office an' respect the people an' respect the process enough to keep their personal feelin's second. |
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GRITS Member
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Are the applications open to public viewing at Town Hall. I am knowledgable of some of these applicants, others I have never heard of until commenting on the forum. I am aware that the decision is not open to the residents but I would like to have more history on the potential applicant filling the seat. |
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FatPappy Member
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Good question, Grits. Accordin' to the new town website "Applications are due by Friday April 20th delivered to Summerfield Town Hall. Town Council intends to appoint a citizen to the seat by May 1st. All applicants will be notified of any special meetings called to discuss or make the appointment to the seat. Your application is a public record and can and may be requested by any person or the media for review. The Council will sit in open session to discuss and select the new council member." Sounds like you can go down yonder and they'll let you have a copy. If anybody gets a chance, I'm sure folks wouldn't mind seein' that list o' names on here. |
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GRITS Member
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and what are Town Hall's hours again? |
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FatPappy Member
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Monday through Friday 8:30 - 4:30, I think. |
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Gestalt Member
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lovettrp wrote: Based upon some of the comments I may not have the breath of experience & wisdom that some have indicated that they are looking for. All I can say is that I am honest, sincere and concerned about the community! lovettrp - NOW you're showing me what a great candidate you can be in Nov !! Able to know when you do and don't qualify, and ready to face up to it. Thanks for being honest with yourself, and with us........in the long run it will make you a better candidate. |
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FatPappy Member
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Pappy agrees, Gestalt! |
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FatPappy Member
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Good editorial by Sandra (as usual) in the NWO. " 'So what’s the dilly-O?' Ms. Ahern asked in her column, wondering why Mr. Crawford was so bent on learning the identities of forum participants. From conversations with him and due to his diligent efforts to “root out” forum participants’ identities, I believe he was trying not just to face his detractors, but to squelch them. This goes against the First Amendment to the Constitution, which Mr. Crawford swore to uphold – the right to freedom of speech." I think it's important to remember why we have this vacancy to fill in the first place an' how important it is to choose a leader with good character who won't use the position to grind an axe. |
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lovettrp Member
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All application are public record and should be avaliable for your review... I encourage everyone to request copies abd review them! enjoy!! |
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Jim Flynt Member
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It would be interesting as well as informative if any of the applicants for the town council vacancy would share and lay out their vision for Summerfield here on the NWO Forum. Real leaders lead with vision, and in order to lead, leaders must have followers, who correspondingly must understand the visions of their leaders, before deciding whether to follow that leader and that leader's vision. Without followers, one simply fails to meet the very definition of a leader. Last edited on Apr 16th, 2007 12:33 am by Jim Flynt |
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Gestalt Member
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FatPappy wrote: Good editorial by Sandra (as usual) in the NWO. Same editorial was in news & record. good job Sandra !! |
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lovettrp Member
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Fatpappy, I did not mean to say that the traits and characteristics of a candidate are not important (quite the contrary). Just that in this situation, the public really does not have the ability to using these criteria to make thier decisions... since the public is not makeing the decision. |
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FatPappy Member
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Lovettrp, I'm proud to see you out there! You sound like a good feller to me an' I'm happy to listen to what you got to say. I do think we have some direct input in a way on the decision process this time simply by speakin' our minds, even though it's the council who will actually make the decision. I think it's impo'tant fer we the people to be gettin' our ideas about what we need in a leader out there now. |
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lovettrp Member
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FATPAPPY Wrote: "I do think we have some direct input in a way on the decision process this time simply by speakin' our minds, even though it's the council who will actually make the decision." I agree but that forum is best served by obtaining a copy of the applications, reviewing them, MAKING UP YOUR OWN MIND and contacting council members (by phone, letter, e-mail or talking to them on the street) before they render their decision. I am not campaining for this position (at least I am not trying not to). I am on the fence about running in November. I am worried about taking votes from highly qualified existing council members or other candidates (even if I only draw 12 votes... that is all it took to deciede the last election results) who I "generally" agree with. I do not believe a change for change sake is always good! I want to see who is running before I decide. Experience is invaluable and that is another reason that I applied for the position. I want critism (i want it but no one really likes it) and comments because it helps see the other sides point of view. You can sometines also gain information from their point of view ... if you dig deeply enough. What are the issues you think council should be focusing on? I am not the finger in the wind type of person but I want to know other persons thoughts and feelings. I welcome an exchange of ideas and opinions! I hope everyone has a good week! |
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FatPappy Member
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lovettrp wrote:I agree but that forum is best served by obtaining a copy of the applications, reviewing them, MAKING UP YOUR OWN MIND and contacting council members (by phone, letter, e-mail or talking to them on the street) before they render their decision. Pappy agrees. Well said. |
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StewartM Member 
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FatPappy wrote: lovettrp wrote: I agree, call your council, you can be part of the decision if you let them know how you feel..... |
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Baseball Buddy Member
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Well, let the campaigning begin. John Wray will not have to campaign for at least 2 more years. It will be interesting to see who wants to fill the seats of the other side of the table. What also would be interesting to know is who John Wray and Becky Strickland will be supporting for those positions. |
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