I was waiting to hear what others had to say. I don't think it is strictly necessary, but it wouldn't hurt, and knowing about concerns ahead of time would be useful.
It goes without saying that Traffic congestion is one of the major issues in Morgantown, and it is unlikely that any councilperson will attempt to tear apart a plan that helps to alleviate this issue. Jenny Selin is on our mailing list, has attended our meetings, and is a strong advocate, Wes Nugent is on the Traffic Commission so he knows about the plan, Linda Herbst strongly favors a more bicycle/pedestrian friendly town, Ron Bane bicycles, Marti Shamberger and William Byrne should present no problems, and Jim Manilla has has a history of involvement with transportation issues, e.g., yesterday he was at the Mileground meeting.
That being said, Ron Bane usually has some sort of concern that he draws out in City Council meetings, so someone may want to talk to him.
-Jonathan
On 1/25/2012 5:45 PM, Frank Gmeindl wrote:
Apparently, a reply I sent January 23, 2012 11:23:11 AM EST to gunnar fell out of this thread so I'll repeat here:
I would ask other BB more politically astute members to answer your question since, as you know, I am probably the least socially adept member of the board. Being the simple minded geek that I am, I would tell my councilor that I ask him or her to support the plan. If he or she would indulge me, I walk through the powerpoint presentation or its content to tell him or her why he or she should support the plan. Of course, most important is to have a conversation with him or her to understand and address his or her concerns. At best, you would enlist his or her support. At worst, you could learn his or concerns so we won't get blind-sided and can be prepared to address them during the meeting if they come up. (I will confess that I am quite anxious about talking with my councilor but I will do it.)
I guess people really do delete my messages before reading.
On Jan 25, 2012, at 4:32 PM, Gunnar Shogren wrote:
Bump.
I haven't yet either. Was thinking about it this morning though.
On Wed, Jan 25, 2012 at 12:38 AM, Derek Springston dspringston@gmail.com wrote:
Is anyone taking a stab at exactly what we should say or write to the Councilor's? Just curious to see if this is moving along and if anyone has contacted them yet. I haven't done either. Have you? :) Thanks, ~Derek
On Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 11:23 AM, Frank Gmeindlfrank.gmeindl@comcast.net wrote:
On Jan 23, 2012, at 10:49 AM, Gunnar Shogren wrote:
Sounds like a good idea (us contacting our councilors),
But would should we say?
I would ask other BB more politically astute members to answer your question since, as you know, I am probably the least socially adept member of the board. Being the simple minded geek that I am, I would tell my councilor that I ask him or her to support the plan. If he or she would indulge me, I walk through the powerpoint presentation or its content to tell him or her why he or she should support the plan. Of course, most important is to have a conversation with him or her to understand and address his or her concerns. At best, you would enlist his or her support. At worst, you could learn his or concerns so we won't get blind-sided and can be prepared to address them during the meeting if they come up. (I will confess that I am quite anxious about talking with my councilor but I will do it.)
On Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 10:12 AM, Frank Gmeindl frank.gmeindl@comcast.net wrote:
Bicycle Board Members,
Thanks to Ryan, Butch, Chet, Colin and Chip for reviewing the draft powerpoint presentation of the bicycle plan to City Council. Trying to resolve Butch's comments, my response and Chet's response about showing the Bicycle Plan to Councilors before the Jan. 31 meeting, I would encourage you to contact your councilor and enlist their support. Here is a list of Councilors, their wards and BB members that live in their wards.
First Ward Deputy-Mayor, Ron Bane: (citycouncilward1@cityofmorgantown.org) Colin
Second Ward Mayor, Jim Manilla: ( citycouncilward2@cityofmorgantown.org) Butch, Hugh
Third Ward Wes Nugent: (citycouncilward3@cityofmorgantown.org)
Fourth Ward Jennifer Selin: ( citycouncilward4@cityofmorgantown.org )
Fifth Ward Marti Shamberger:( citycouncilward5@cityofmorgantown.org) gunnar, Betsy, Adam Henry
Sixth Ward William Byrne:( citycouncilward6@cityofmorgantown.org) Frank
Seventh Ward Linda Herbst: ( citycouncilward7@cityofmorgantown.org) Jonathan, Marilyn
For your convenience, here are links to The Plan: http://db.tt/2NaSlSZ4 The PowerPoint presentation: http://db.tt/DsTBfBVt
I would appreciate your giving me a heads up before 1/31 on what they say.
Frank D. Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board LCI #1703 491 WilsonAvenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles
Begin forwarded message:
From: Frank Gmeindlfrank.gmeindl@comcast.net Date: January 12, 2012 2:58:43 PM EST To: Bicycle Boardbikeboard@cheat.org Subject: Morgantown Bicycle Plan
Bicycle Board Members,
Please find attached, a draft presentation of the Greater Morgantown Bicycle Plan to the City Council that is schedule for January 31. Please review it and reply to all with comments to improve it or your concurrence with it. I currently contains 9 short slides that I think I can present in the 5-minutes I expect to have to present it.
The attached is in ppt format. Please let me know if you have any trouble opening it. I'll work with you to get it to you in a format that you can view it.
Frank D. Gmeindl Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board LCI #1703 491 WilsonAvenue Morgantown, WV 26501 304-376-0446 Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles
Bikeboard mailing list Bikeboard@cheat.org http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard
Bikeboard mailing list Bikeboard@cheat.org http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/bikeboard
-- Let deeds, not words, be your adorning. -'Abdu'l-Baha
“Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” -H.G. Wells
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