1998-09-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

277 residents should be elected by tenants, not appointed by Council. Ms. Whiting urged Council to reconsider their position on this matter. Ms. Joy Johnson, 823-D Hardy Drive, expressed concern with assertions that public housing residents have a conflict of interest serving on the Housing Authority. Ms. Johnson said that a bill is being considered by Congress on this issue, and noted that it wasn't considered a conflict when she served on the Social Services Advisory Board. Ms. Johnson asked Ms. Richards, Mr. Toscano and Ms. Daugherty to publicly address the problems they have with her continuing to serve on the Board, adding that she perceives it to be a personality problem and because she has not voted how they would want her to Ms. Johnson said that she voted no on the Omni deal because she did not understand it and because she felt it should benefit Garrett Square residents, and also voted against the Headstart project and not to renew Mr. Pullen's contract. Ms. Johnson said things are seriously wrong with public housing. Ms. Johnson asked Councilors to state how many conferences and seminars relating to public housing they have attended. Ms. Johnson said that Councilors have insinuated that residents need to be trained, but she has trained herselfby taking time off to attend conferences. Ms. Johnson said her first concern is representing public housing residents, but she can do that even if she is not on the Board. Ms. Johnson said at least two residents of public housing are needed on the board. Ms. Johnson said that her goal is communicating with Delegates, Senators and Congressmen, not Council. Mr. Matt Morris, 317-A Riverside Avenue, said that as a youth, having two residents of public housing on the board will help him get when he wants sooner in life. Ms. Mary Carey, President of the Tenant Association of Garrett Square, expressed concern about the interim board. Ms. Carey said she believes many more tenant residents should be appointed, not less. Ms. Carey said she feels the move is an attempt to restrict Joy Johnson from the board. Ms. Carey asked those in support of her statements to stand, and many in the audience stood. Ms. Opal Morris, 317-A Riverside Avenue, said that having two public housing residents on the board is important to children in public housing. Ms. Morris said that those who live similar lives are better representatives of public housing. Ms. Valerie Drum, 309-A Riverside Avenue, said she thinks Council shields itself from public housing. Ms. Drum said she thinks having two seats for public housing residents would serve public housing residents better. Ms. Drums said that she respects Emily Heule and Joy Johnson for the work they have done on the Housing Authority. Ms. Kathy Icenhour, 500 Monticello Avenue, said that residents should listen to Council and Council should listen to residents, and both views are needed when a new Director is hired. Ms. Icenhour supported having a seven member board with two residents of public housing. Ms. Lisa Townes, 1406 Westwood Road, a Charlottesville High School students, asked if Council is going to put two residents on the board. Mr. Christian Fontenot, 317-A Riverside Avenue, asked why public housing residents should be removed from the board if it doesn't cost anything for them to remain. Mr. Joe Szakos, 1132 Otter Street, encouraged Council to be bold and appoint a resident majority to the board. Mr. Szakos asked what responsibility the Mayor bears in the current board that does not function well. Ms. Sarah Anthony, 1707 Cedar Hill Road, supported having two residents on the board. Mr. Dave Norris, 1105 Calhoun Street, said he does not understand what magic there is in having five members rather than seven, and said that he feels greater tenant involvement is needed, not less. Mr. Norris said it appears as though the proposal is an attempt to get rid of Joy Johnson, and if that is the case then she should be replaced. Mr.