[img]1912|right|Mr. Scott Zeidman||no_popup[/img]The biennial auctioning off of residents by the City Council almost inevitably creates parallel paths of heartbreak and celebration.
From a pool of activists, Council members openly vote up or down for appointees to an array of advisory commissions.
Emerging on the downside at last night’s meeting was former School Board President Scott Zeidman, hoping to launch a comeback via the Parks and Recreation Commission. He fell one vote short.
Instead, Laura Stuart and Mary Ann Greene were selected.
Naturally, Mr. Zeidman was deeply disappointed.
“I gave it a shot,” he said. “They decided to go in a different direction, and I respect their decision.”
There was, however, much more on Mr. Zeidman’s mind.
“Our parks are doing well,” he said afterward, “but not as well as I would like. There are a lot of things that could be done. I have been working with (Parks Director) Dan Hernandez and (City Manager) John Nachbar to effectuate change.
“As a private citizen, I probably can do as much as I would have as a commissioner.”
To the question of his motivation to run for Parks and Rec, Mr. Zeidman prefaced his response by invoking a frequent refrain, “I am enjoying private life.”
Not that he has been on the couch.
“I was asked to help out last year with the Measure Y (half-cent sales tax increase) campaign, and I did,” he said. “It was nice to do something positive for the city.
“The position (I sought) on the Parks and Recreation Commission was advisory. They meet about once a month, and that is not a huge time commitment. I thought I could effectuate change there.
“Our city used to have an incredible youth sports program, and an arts and crafts program. Our parks were vibrant. Due to budget constraints, they had to change their philosophy. Our parks now are supervised period. There is very little for kids to do.
“I grew up playing in the parks. I worked as a park leader.
“Coming full circle, my kids now are in the park. What better way to give back to the community I love than to be a part of the Parks and Recreation Commission and try to effectuate positive change.
“I would like to have had an opportunity, but I know both Laura and Mary Ann will do a great job.”
Among other appointees:
Planning Commission – Scott Wyant and David Voncannon.
Civil Service Commission – Daryl Cherness.
Landlord/Tenant Board – Taria Lewis, tenant representative. Shireen Daytona, tenant alternate. Linda Shahinian, Justin Lescoulie, landlord representatives. Olga Vaysberg, alternate. Michael Berlin, member at-large.
West Vector Control Board – Elena Sweda Neff.
Cultural Affairs Commission – John B. Williams and Susan Anderson.
