Dear Commissioners:
Thank you for the time taken to respond to my concerns regarding a re-vote. While I still am disappointed in both the process and outcome, I understand that this issue, for now, can be put to rest.
That said, I do hope that the outcome of the hen ordinance is not indicative of the viewpoints the Commission has on urban agriculture, food security and local food. I hope the Commission gives serious consideration as to its stance on the issue and the role you have as policy makers to ensure we have a strong and vibrant urban food economy in Grand Rapids.
To that end, the Michigan Good Food Charter is hosting a conference call on September 7 for community food systems advocates. While the call is intended for advocates like myself, this might be a great way to learn more about the Charter and several state-level Good Food Goals for Michigan.
Food sustainability is a hot topic for many in Grand Rapids, and given that next year is an upcoming election year, it might be prudent to help communicate to your constituency your individual platform on this issue and your vision for Grand Rapids as a Good Food City.
Very truly yours,
Lisa Rose Starner
Dear Commissioners:
First, let me say that this letter isn’t about chickens.
I am writing to respectfully request that Commissioner Shaffer, Gutowski, or Lumpkins make a motion to re-vote on the Chicken Ordinance at this upcoming Commission meeting. A re-vote will allow Commissioner White a vote on the issue, something that he was un-fairly denied at the last meeting because of convenient political maneuverings .
I was unable to voice my opinion on the issue the week of the 10th on account of illness, and want to express that I remain extremely disappointed in the result of the vote. I remain even more disappointed in the 1st Ward’s leadership leading up to the vote on the 10th.
It was clear that neighborhood special interest groups with agendas were allowed to “rule the roost” on this issue, while sadly dozens of citizens who were at the ready to design a “chicken win-win” for the community and municipality never received a call to action to help make it work. That alone is a shame.
From the public’s perspective, the forced vote on Aug. 10 all but seems to have resulted from backroom dealings led by 1st Ward Commissioners hours before the meeting. It was public knowledge that Commissioner Bliss was going to motion to postpone the vote, but it was sadly overridden. It was a bogus move to host the vote in Mr. White’s absence; and reflected a lack of professional courtesy on behalf of the Commissioners — especially in light of the fact that the public hearing earlier in the summer was re-scheduled to accommodate the absence of Comm. Gutowski. Please consider the re-vote as a courtesy each of you would have expected from your colleagues.
Actions such as these damage public trust and cause citizens to dis-engage with our City’s governance. I expect more from my City’s leaders that I voted into office.
At this point, I am not writing to advocate on the chicken’s behalf (I believe that last week’s recall of a half-BILLION factory farmed eggs will do that for me). I am making this request of you to do what is right for public process.
And even though I cannot attend Tuesday’s meeting because of a prior family engagement, many others will be who expect the same integrity in this process. Please don’t let us down.
Very truly yours,
Lisa Rose Starner
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Lisa Rose Starner
my mobile: 616.666.0384
my email: lisa.rose.starner@gmail.com
my twitter: http://twitter.com/lisarosestarner
my blog: http://burdockandrose.tumblr.com/
