It's Official: Meet The Friends of Otter Creek Park

Traditional wisdom says that in order to get something done, a committee should consist of no more than three persons, two of them absent. But that policy did not apply here in Southwest Louisville this evening, where nearly 250 people filled the main courtroom at the local Government Center for an orderly meeting on saving Otter Creek Park. A resolution adopting the formal name of the group as well as the election of officers were among the agenda items tonight.

Here are your elected officials for the Friends of Otter Creek Park:

Secretary: Dave Baker
Treasurer: Kim Lucas
Chairpersons: Joel Hunt, Donnie Basham, William Mudd, John Oliver, Angie White, Bill Ralls

The treasurer and secretary positions will serve three (3) month terms. A President will be elected from among the six (6) chairpersons. A non-binding resolution was passed stating the group may legally incorporate into some type of non-profit entity at some time in the future if the members deem it necessary. All of the decisions were made by voice vote and much discussion followed each item. In the spirit of transparency and openness, every resolution was debated before voting, with dissenting opinions noted and given equal time, thought and respect.

Seven (7) subcommittees were formed:

1. Petitions and Volunteering
2. Public Relations and Media
3. Non-Profit & Charity
4. Government Liaison
   
5. Legal
6. Bylaws
7. Recreation and Special Interests

Volunteers were asked to sign up for the various subcommittees according to their area of expertise or interest, and judging from the number of concerned citizens in attendance, there should be no shortage of talent on these committees. If you can help, please let me or someone named above know. The dedication and sincerity of the people at this meeting tonight shall go a long way towards accomplishing our ultimate goal: Saving Otter Creek.

As Robert Strickland, a concerned citizen, stated, "This mayor is on notice."

Thanks to everyone who came out and participated tonight. It was great to see so many people from diverse backgrounds gathered for a non-partisan cause. This is only the beginning. Also, thank you to WLKY, LEO Weekly and The Local Weekly (The South End's Only Local Paper) for helping cover this event.

For more information, please visit the blog Save Otter Creek Park or the Save Otter Creek Facebook Group.