After an hour-long Executive Session with the district’s lawyer (ORS 192.660.2.f – To consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection, including advice from an attorney), the Board appointed a slightly different Forest Management Committee.
Rather than evaluating candidate qualifications against the responsibilities outlined for the Committee in the Multi-Resource Management Plan, 3 people were nominated and approved (Click here for 11+ minute video of the selection process) based upon the rationale below:
1. Clark Binkley; Was nominated based on his previous work with the Finance Committee, his expertise in forestry and his ability to get along with the Forester, Ben Hayes. He received 5 of 5 votes
2. Patricia Noonan; Was nominated based upon her work with the Forest Advisory Committee and her expertise in Constitutional Law (as the Multi-Resource Management Plan is ‘like’ a constitution for the forest.) She received 5 of 5 votes
3. Chris Mastrandrea; Was nominated based upon his expertise in project management and because he is a neighbor of the forest. He received 3 of 5 votes with Nadia Gardner (domestic partner of Mike Manzulli) and Debra Birkby voting ‘No’
Board Member Jay Blake resigned after the vote.
At the end of the meeting, the crux of Board-Community dynamic is revealed. (Click here for the 1.5 minute comment, starting at the 57 second mark)
The Board Chair expressed her disappointment that 3 of the board members were “intimidated” into changing their minds when they selected Chris Mastrandrea rather than Mike Manzulli.
It is unfortunate that listening to the perspective of their constituents and shifting position is considered being intimidated.
This is all the more reason to fill the now vacant Board position with someone that has a fresh perspective and who brings with them an awareness and sensitivity to the interests and concerns of the broader community.
A.C. Water District Board (Go to Home Page) 
One response to “#16Z – Board appoints a slightly different Forest Management Committee”
Thank you for your reporting. It’s valuable for the community to hear different perspectives, and for those of us who can’t (or choose not to) be involved in the various meetings, your information and analysis of what’s going on is appreciated.
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