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“Democracy Dies in Darkness” resonates as a universal truth.
Lately, there has been much discussion about the ECC, RSM, and other ECC related issues. THE ECC Board, and some community members, feel strongly that any discussion about these matters on Nextdoor could cause harm to the community. I feel that without this discussion, in a protected way, on Nextdoor, and using public surveys and private websites to provide information to the community, will harm the community. In fact the censoring of discussion by these few is what is really causing harm to the community. Let me explain why.
First, let me address the question asked by several members and residents…”Who am I and why do I care about these issues”. I have lived at Eastpointe for over 10 years. I am a Golf member and enjoy golf. My wife does not play golf but is active in the club and community, particularly at the fitness center by participating in the various group classes. I also served as a Director on the HOA for 5 years until I termed out last year. I am intimately familiar with what transpired during the last Bi-Party Negotiations less than 2 years ago. I am afraid that we could make the same mistakes again.
The last Bi-Pary negotiations were concluded behind closed doors by a few negotiators with a pre-determine outcome. It was not fair, or honest, and definitely not transparent. The community was never engaged, and the 2 boards (HOA and ECC) quickly voted and rammed thru the agreement without allowing the community to see the actual agreement. The process was flawed. Democracy Dies in Darkness!
Now in less than 2 years, it seems both sides are unhappy with the agreement. And here we go again…..!
I am liberally quoting and paraphrasing from an excellent article “Democracy Dies in Darkness by Rachelle | Jul 10, 2023 | Politics published in Ecusocmin”. You can read it online by searching for the title. It talks about how in a world where information is power, the motto “Democracy Dies in Darkness” resonates as a stark reminder of the fundamental connection between the role of transparency and the vitality of communities and our private country club.
The erosion of democracy has often been associated with a lack of transparency, accountability, and the suppression of information. When the suppression of information occurs, we often find instances of secrecy and deceit occurring, undermining the trust of a community. In my opinion, this is what happened during the first Bi-Party discussions. When issues are openly and honestly discussed the importance of access to information becomes critical, and the public’s ability to hold their leaders to account. By shedding light on these issues, transparency becomes an instrument of empowerment, enabling residents and members to exercise their democratic rights and fulfill their civic duties. It allows the community as a whole to challenge authoritarian tendencies, combat misinformation, and preserve the democratic values that underpin a free and just community.
This discussion is not a public discussion outside the community and will not affect real estate prices as those who want to shut down open discussion will tell you. This is a private discussion on Nextdoor only available to registered Eastpointe residents. Not even outside golf members have access. On my website I have a section that discusses the impacts to communities of failing clubs, specifically addressing public comments and rumors. We are not there. But we could be. We must fix our issues now not suppress information that could lead to a resolution. Suppressing discussion in our community could very possibly lead to a revolt among the disenfranchised members, the RSM, and a move to end Mandatory membership. This would be disastrous and definably affect real estate prices. It must be avoided and the best way to avoid it is openly, honestly, discuss our issues within the community and resolve them. Not censor them. That will make us stronger!
The HOA and ECC have email lists of the residents / members but provide no forum to allow residents to discuss and exchange information. Currently, notifications go out to residents / members only to inform on specifically crafted messages designed with one point of view. Nextdoor is the only platform that allows for an exchange of ideas. When messages are posted only to the Eastpointe Community, no one outside the Eastpointe community, who have signed up in Nextdoor as an Eastpointe resident, can see the messages. It is as secure as your open emails to others are.
Threats to residents and members to stop using these platforms stifles the exchange of information. It is nothing but a form of censorship. These threats are exactly why “Democracy Dies in Darkness” is such a powerful message. Censorship breeds discontent and is the direct cause for generating animosity within the community that could result in conflict that actually could cause a negative effect on real estate prices. Please see my section on the website discussing ending Mandatory membership and the impacts on communities. I am against it totally, but afraid the stifling of information flow and censorship are driving closer to that result. The website I created is to help inform the community on many critical issues facing the community and offer solutions and proposals to enhance member experience. It should not be silenced by anyone seeking to have open, honest, and transparent discourse.
Also, I am using my own funds to purchase tools that allow for surveys to be conducted of members and residents of pertinent issues at the time. This is an excellent method to gauge opinions. The only leaders who are afraid to find out what their residents & members think on an issue , are those who are afraid of the answers! I would love to work with both the HOA and ECC to craft member / resident snap surveys to gauge opinions on topics. I will assist in building the questions in the correct format and hope they use their private email list to survey the residents and members.
Remember ,,,,“Democracy Dies in Darkness”. Let’s have an open, honest, transparent discussion and find the best solutions for our club and community. Please select the link below and take the 4 min survey on current issues.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/STW2KMP
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