Re: [RCAC] Resolution re opt-in option for backyard cottages

Mary Belle, Thank you for speaking to this. I know you are right that the RCAC has occasionally done so. My point, though, is that doesn't make it right. It has never been made clear what our limits are. I remain troubled that CAC Chairs might pretend to speak for every one of their CAC members on such issues, when in fact they do not. We are not a representative legislative body or, as I said last night, a shadow City Council. It is dangerous to assert the power of our collective voice as if we speak for the entire city's population when in fact we do not. The RCAC's role has traditionally been to encourage civic involvement and educate citizens regarding issues of importance that they need to be aware of. That role faces the citizens of Raleigh on behalf of the City Council. The RCAC's role is not to face the City Council on behalf of the citizens; that is the role of individual CACs if they choose to do so. In 2013 I will ask the City Manager and the City Council to clarify the boundaries and roles of the RCAC. Many thanks again, and best wishes for the holidays, Will William A. Allen III 919-349-6566 Mobile _____ From: Southralcap(a)aol.com [mailto:Southralcap@aol.com] Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2012 10:01 AM To: will(a)allenheuer.com; linda(a)lindawatson.com; rcac(a)eastraleigh.org Cc: Dwayne.Patterson(a)raleighnc.gov; russell.allen(a)raleighnc.gov Subject: Re: [RCAC] Resolution re opt-in option for backyard cottages Will and all other RCAC chairs, When I was a part of RCAC (over 30 years), we did take positions on such matters and we considered them important citizen involvement actions! The times when we did not, there was regret on the part of most members because we did not stand together for each other's CAC issues. Letting the Council know what our communities thought was important then and now. Sincerely, Mary Belle Pate In a message dated 12/5/2012 5:25:23 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, will(a)allenheuer.com writes: Linda, I am not comfortable with this or any similar resolution. I don't think it's a good idea for the entire RCAC to take a position on this or any similar issue. Our job is to promote citizen involvement, not to act as a shadow City Council. If I am elected as RCAC Chair, I will lead us back to our role getting citizens involved, not speaking for them. We are not a legislature. Sincerely, Will . Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T -----Original Message----- From: Linda Watson <linda(a)lindawatson.com> Sender: rcac-bounces(a)eastraleigh.org Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2012 17:10:19 To: RCAC<rcac(a)eastraleigh.org> Reply-To: linda(a)lindawatson.com Subject: [RCAC] Resolution re opt-in option for backyard cottages _______________________________________________ RCAC mailing list RCAC(a)eastraleigh.org http://www.eastraleigh.org/mailman/listinfo/rcac _______________________________________________ RCAC mailing list RCAC(a)eastraleigh.org http://www.eastraleigh.org/mailman/listinfo/rcac