Cape George Annual Members Meeting

I just returned from Cape George's Annual Member Meeting and was pleasantly surprised.In the past, I had gone with all the enthusiasm of a visit to the dentist. 

The usual format for monthly meetings is to dispose of a few routine items:  consider motion to waive $10 late fee, yada yada,  seconded, passed, next... It made me wonder why all this trivia even warrants a public discussion. Couldn't this be relegated to an online summary or to the bulletin board? 
 

The Annual Meeting for Members was decidedly more interesting.  The Board president had urgent business elsewhere and in fact only one Board member sat up front and introduced committee heads who then gave quick talks about the year's activities. It was all about the input and the efforts of those who had volunteered. It was heartening.  

This format was a breath of fresh air compared to the Monthly Meetings and the "race through it quick" feel. Definitely a more low-key, pleasant atmosphere. The presenters were polished, informative, often witty, and all very committed to community service.  A cool breeze on a very hot day.
 
I was particularly interested to see if the Environmental Committee head would mention, even in passing, anything about the tree controversy. She didn't. It was just as well.
  
Controversy is relegated to the Monthly Meetings which is a more appropriate setting. Except that there's a problem with that. A big problem.

Individual members are only allowed a timed 2 minute soapbox near the end of the meeting. I have never heard of anyone brave enough to jump at the opportunity. In fairness, the soap-boxer gets one two-minute follow-on response I believe. Presumably, the Board will moderate and rein in any interruptions or lack of civility. Just guessing...

So picture yourself trying to explain and cram a contentious issue (or even one that isn't) into a 2 minute window while sitting before a half dozen or so elected Board members sitting at a table in the front. My impression is that the Board will usually outnumber the audience too. Very much like a parole board.

The only report of a member's soapbox issue is any commentary that the Board may choose to include in the monthly Cape George newsletter. Unfortunately, opinions dissenting from the Board's will not appear. Ever. At least I've never seen one.

I find this "managed news" to be extremely unsatisfactory. Members should not be treated as cranks on soapboxes. Opinions need to be heard by the whole community or anyone who happens to be interested in the issue -- not  "thrown under the bus" because they differ from the Board's. 

This is the goal of this forum -- open,
collaborative discussion of issues important to Cape George members --  not a two minute appeal before a Board in a room empty of spectators.