Friday, June 5, 2009

Thank You!

At last night's special Council meeting several people spoke about the work the DPOA does for the downtown, some spoke against the DPOA, but without a doubt everyone was sending a message,and not necessarily to the City Council. If you listened you heard a chorus of people from all walks of life describing Pomona, particulalry downtown Pomona, or Metro Pomona as we like to say, as a part of their lives, a community, a home, a place to point to with pride, a place of business and livlihood for some and a social gathering place for others. It is obvious that Metro Pomona means something special to so many people. The possesiveness and pride of occupancy, residency,and ownership came through loud and clear. Even the critics of the DPOA spoke of Metro Pomona with a sense of pride.

Metro Pomona is a living, breathing work in progress to most, like a child going through its formitive years. There was no talk of her age however (over 120 years) her pot-holed streets, her drafty buildings, her parking issues, or any of her shortcomings. All talk about her was positive, like a parent boasting about their child,only the positive attributes were mentioned. There was a lot of talk about her behavior in former years and the transition she has made from then to now. As with any parent there is a desire to have your child live up to their potential, and that is what was really happening last night.

The message from the audience and City Council alike was not lost on the DPOA. There is much more to do, and some things have to be done better. Dialog and constructive, strategical goals need to be developed and implemented. The DPOA has moved from adolescence to adulthood in short order,of necessity, and not unlike any awkward, gawky teenager has experienced some of lifes realites. But having been prepared well for its role in the real world, the DPOA is now ready to leave home and become a contributing member of society.

To all of you that came out in support of the DPOA and to all of you who spoke in favor of the DPOA and to all of you who have helped to shape the DPOA, thank you! We still have some tough obstacles to overcome in terms of the re-certification. The ballots went out last night to all property owners in the PBID They now have 45 days to return them to the City Clerk. On July 20 the City Council will hold a public hearing on the matter, the sealed ballots will be counted.If the votes are there, and the City Council wishes, the DPOA will be re-certified. That is an over simplification of the process, but you get the idea. So we're halfway there at this point. The City Council has given the DPOA the opportunity to continue with the process and that in itself says that we're doing something right. As we were told last night and in weeks past there is much more to do and much that we do can be done better. We're listening.

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2 Comments:

Anonymous A. S. Ashley said...

Thank-you, DPOA!

June 5, 2009 at 11:47 AM  
Blogger Pride in Garfield Park said...

Thank you for all you do, DPOA, and thank you for some impressive community organizing around the PBID issue. Your energy and focus are noticed and appreciated :)

June 5, 2009 at 2:50 PM  

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