Derrick Wallace and Concerned Citizens

DerrickWallaceConcerned Citizens (the Family)

Organizational Meeting

The Village Square

927 Goldwyn Avenue

January 27, 2015 - 7pm

MINUTES 

Derrick Wallace  (Chairman) opened the meeting with the following comments:

 

Two years ago we started out on a journey not merely to win a county commission seat, but to transform the condition of our communities. In fact, many of us have been friends for decades.  And, over the course of the last two years, we have acquired new friends who believed and still believe in our mission to transform Orlando.

Though we did not get the majority of the vote in the election, our campaign was right.  Our vision is still real. Our purpose is still valid and our mission must continue.

The hard truth, while Orlando is called the City Beautiful, there is another side.  There's another side where some people can't pay their rents or meet their mortgages. A side where young people aren’t prepared to compete academically; and those who can can't afford a higher education and their parents watch their children dreams evaporate.

In this part of the city there are more poor people than ever, more families in trouble, more and more people who need help but can't find it. Our elderly have to decide daily between food and medicine.

There is Parramore with young people, without a job or an education. And, all around us we see young people giving their lives to drugs.

And, so what I am saying is we have built a team, a committed team. We have formed bonds that will last a lifetime.  Unlike any other campaign, we have made a family.

Added to that, over ten thousand people spoke with their votes, saying we join your family.

So this family, this organized family, which started long before this past campaign has an obligation to answer the call.   The past election was not an end, but a beginning. So, I am inviting you to join me in the next leg of our journey

 

Chairman Wallace provided the following Mission and Vision for the “Family”.

Mission: Our goal is to address issues that divide Orlando and formulate solutions that will unite Orlando.

Vision: To realize One Orlando – the City Beautiful for every resident.

Chairman Wallace opened the floor for the discussion and the following areas of concern were addressed

Education:  From cradle to grave, there is a need for quality educational facilities and quality educators to engage all communities.  All children can learn, regardless of economic conditions or family structures.  Each child must be given the expectation that they can and will learn.  And, education does not stop will grade school or college; we must have educational programs for all ages

In particular, Don Tarpley discussed bridging the digital divide. He suggested creating Learning Centers within the community to focus on computers and electronic technology for both students and parents.  Others discussed the need to get students involved and requesting that the many Day Care centers in the communities add computer training to their program, if they are not currently providing such.

Economic opportunity and development:  Every aspect of Orlando must have an opportunity to work and earn a living.  From minimum wage jobs to the top salaries, the employed of Orlando must reflect the diversity of Orlando.  Equally important, existing and new businesses in every community must have access to financial support and all the necessities required for businesses to survive the ebbs and flows of commerce.  And, public and private procurements awards must mimic the diversity of Orlando.  This should not just be applied to subcontracts but to prime contracts as well.

In particular, Chairman Wallace informed the meeting of the statewide NAACP report card grades given to businesses and governments in Orange County. Needless to say the grades for some business were dismal.  Note: Please contact the NAACP for a copy of the full report card. 

Civic Parity:  Every resident of Orlando must be extended all rights and privileges afforded by our tax dollars.  This includes the right to equal public amenities in every neighborhood.  Every community is a part of the whole and until all communities are beautiful, no community in Orlando can truly be called Beautiful. 

Chairman Wallace recognized Commissioner Regina Hill who was in attendance. 

Commissioner Hill informed the meeting of her latest initiative Stopping Black on Black Crime, which deals with the root, causes of crime in our community and is formulating real plans to address concerns and help young people stay crime free and become productive citizens.  She also informed the meeting of the West Lake Partnership which consist of area Home Owner Associations and their efforts to form a 501 (c) 3 to enable the group to acquire grants for neighborhood programs.

Chairman Wallace recognized state Representative Bruce Antone’s legislative assistant Pamela Newton.

Ms. Newton informed the meeting that Rep. Antone is working on many of the issues the group is concerned about.  She also spoke about the good work being accomplished by the West Lake Partnership and the many studies and plans that have been prepared, including a Plan for Washington Shores that was developed 10 years ago.

Commissioner Hill informed Chairman Wallace that 18 charrettes had been held by the city of Orlando to prepare the recently released Parramore Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan. 

Chairman Wallace outlined the following Plan of Action:

$11.     Develop and activate Political Watch Groups to attend all regularly scheduled government meetings, particularly the School Board, City Council and County Commission.

$12.     To issue quarterly report cards on the boards as a whole and each board member as it relates to the FAMILY’s stated objectives.

$13.     Develop and activate social media outlets to publish the FAMILY’s reports. 

$14.     Establish monthly meetings to invite elected officials and area leaders to address issues and provide their respective visions.

Committees of Interest were formed as members of the meeting filled out interest cards.

The Next meeting is schedule for February.  Please watch for posting of date and time.

Meeting was adjourned at 8pm.