I am writing again to The Echo with a ‘different perspective’ than those who have been unhappy with me for expressing my views.
Their stories and grievances with the current president of Suffolk Park Community Association (SPCA) have been given a lot of coverage over a number of weeks.
I acknowledge the common grievances that ex committee members have with the president of the association.
We know they did struggle with a new style of leadership, referencing it as chaotic, among other things. I think it’s worth pointing out that sometimes, after a period of inertia, change can be chaotic.
The communication from the president was fast and furious in the first few months. It was his attempt to engage with what had become a deeply rooted mindset of resistance to change within the association. His enthusiasm and persistence were a lot for them to handle.
We often resist change and become overwhelmed when it comes at such a fast pace. The fast pace of change required by many in the community was not received well by the committee members who ultimately resigned.
Although the president, in his new role, attempted to deal with these resignations constitutionally, in a diplomatic manner, for the good of the association, it has been interpreted as threatening.
Now that their reasons for resigning have been explained, perhaps they and the Suffolk Park community can move forward?
I want to thank the current executive of Suffolk Park Community Association (SPCA) and new committee members for continuing to make representations and connections with councillors and Byron Council staff on the various issues our community has.
SPCA and committee meet regularly and communicate with a growing membership via email, online surveys, and newsletters. These changes are to be applauded and are proving to be successful.
One example was the recent public survey done by the association. It was published widely to gather residents’ opinions and provided information about meetings with the architect and planners for the proposed development in Clifford Street. The SPCA web page had almost 1,000 hits.
A lack of engagement with the broader community has been a failing of the Suffolk Park Progress Association (SPPA) before the new leadership was voted in.
It was noted by the outgoing, previous president of the association that the goals of the association needed to be redefined and membership needed to be increased.
This is what has been happening in recent months.
Concerns about conflict of interests declared from the president and secretary have been used to discredit these two hardworking people. When thoroughly inspected, these concerns are invalid.
Many people in various types of organisations need to declare conflict of interest.
They carry on with their duties transparently and excuse themselves from discussion, voting, and decision-making when required.
I really appreciate The Echo publishing a photo of Mayor Sarah Ndiaye and councillor David Warth with SPCA committee members in last week’s paper. This meeting was an alliance between Suffolk community associations to inform Sarah and David of the common goals we have to address road and drainage infrastructure as well as environmental concerns we have as a small coastal village.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
