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WGBPA board debates the hiring of new business manager
Association leaders fear delay could jeopardize events
By Michele Leung
In a heated two-hour meeting on Jan. 25, various board members of the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association expressed their frustration with the organization's executive committee. At the crux of their dispute was the imminent hiring of a new business manager.
The group needs a business manager because Demetri Rizos's contract ended last month. WGBPA President Dot Cohen discussed appointing a committee to look into his replacement.
"The committee itself will decide on the job description and hours, and will need to decide on how to advertise for the position. There will be a process," she said.
"But aren't we putting the cart before the horse?" asked John Karamanos, a board member. He proposed that the board delay the hiring until the new executive committee for 2000 settles the budget. Traditionally, the executive elections are held in March, and the officers then choose the board of directors. In April, the new group submits the association's budget to the City Council for approval.
Karamanos, who wants an interim manager until the budget is squared away, believes the current board is being too hasty in deciding on a manager, which may or may not be wanted by the Lincoln Avenue businesses. His solution? "Go survey the business district. What are the wants and needs of the businesses? Then you sculpt the budget around that. We need to maximize the funds to the best use to benefit Lincoln."
"But you've just disbanded the infrastructure of this organization," Cohen said.
Others agree they'd like to see a budget first and would also like a monthly finance sheet. "It's essential. Most businesses have balance sheets. It's only reasonable prior to making decisions on spending money," said Chris Carris, a board member.
"In terms of the money we take in, can it be better used somewhere else? Do we need to have someone in the office all the time? The board needs to sit down where the whole association is going, and now is a real good time," said Bob Waligore, a board member.
Cohen said that balance sheets are usually available at the meetings.
Hanging in the balance are Lincoln Avenue's annual events, Dancing on the Avenue, and Founders Day. Both Cohen and Rizos fear that delaying the decision on the business manager will put this year's Dancing on the Avenue in jeopardy. Logistical details, such as booking bands, need to be addressed soon.
"I'm worried about the street dance in June. I've let [the board] know several times it's coming up soon," Rizos said. "The community cares about Dancing on the Avenue. But I'm concerned. It's a good event, and the Avenue deserves it."
Rizos also said that the members present were not representative of the rest of the board. "This is three or four disgruntled people who have banded together. It's unfortunate," he said. "It's easy to show up to meetings once a month, but you need to contribute with your hands. [There are others who] show up at 6 a.m. on events day, and don't leave until midnight."
WGBPA leaders recognize that the frustration has been ongoing and the dispute was inevitable. "This was bound to happen because we have a changing of the guard," said Carris, who along with Karamanos and Waligore, will work on surveying the businesses.
"I think the majority of the people want the same thing, but we're all speaking in a different language," Cohen said.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
