Titanic struggle over reins of power in Manila By Matt Kapko Eye Reporter The Arcata Eye January 20, 2004 The struggle in Manila last Thursday night was again between the old guard and a new order. It has long been said by many in the community that change is needed in Manila’s leadership. And although last November’s election brought two new faces to the Manila Community Services District Board of Directors, their welcome seemed to run out temporarily for those in attendance at last Thursday’s meeting. Four openings on the Manila Parklands, Recreation and Community Center Commission presented an opportunity to fill the seven-person body with a powerful majority of newcomers. Because the prospect of four new faces was so desired, not one person in the audience supported moves by Directors Dendra Dengler and Violet Glass to remain on the commission. At the outset when candidates were giving brief introductions of themselves, Director Nancy Ihara withdrew her application for the commission, explaining that she had submitted it prior to the board receiving so many applications from new people. She said that people should not be on the board and commission at the same time. Promptly following her withdrawal, Manila resident and former director Daniel Edrich asked Dengler and Glass to follow suit. Dengler said she would not withdraw because the other candidates don’t have the same amount of experience. Glass followed her lead, saying she enjoys her work on the commission and wants to continue. Once it became clear that Dengler and Glass’s power on the board afforded them the opportunity to vote themselves to the commission, a period of quandary took over as the debate ensued. Michael Fennell, resident and former director, attacked Dengler and Glass’s position making it clear that “fresh blood” was what he wanted. He said it was “bad enough that she [Glass] is a staff member and also on the board,” and concluded, “I wish that you people would take the high road.” Manila resident Jerry Martien added, “I really think that change is overdue.” Hoping to avoid the typically lengthy debates that occur at Manila’s board meetings, Director Linda Lee made a motion to appoint the four present candidates that weren’t already serving on the board. As Ihara considered seconding the motion, she asked for a show of hands from the audience to determine what the constituents thought. It was unanimous; all hands in the air reinforced the public’s strong desire for change and Ihara seconded the motion. Lee said it would be a shame to discourage new volunteers by keeping the old power in charge. However, the direction seemed to be going that way once Tim Dellas, the board’s president, said he would vote no on Lee’s motion. Dellas explained that he too thinks it’s time for some change, but can see the benefit in keeping some experienced commissioners as well. He added, “I would be willing to support a compromise,” although he never spelled out exactly what he wanted. The motion died without Dellas’ support, as Dengler and Glass seemingly waited out for the chance to vote themselves aboard. Martien quickly voiced his discontent. He said staff has for too long initiated a coup in order to maintain the status quo in Manila. Furthermore, he said a vote against these new candidates would only lend credence to the idea that change is not wanted in Manila. Following this, Edrich once again directed his energy toward getting Dengler or Glass to withdraw. He went straight for the emotional, genuine approach with Glass, pleading with her, acknowledging her fair-mindedness and asking her again to back off. After hesitantly responding, “but I don’t want to back off,” Glass appeared visibly shaken by the personal-nature of Edrich’s appeal. She took a brief pause and then with a sense of relief and uncertainty in her voice, withdrew. Glass requested that those appointed to the commission be willing to put in the time and effort, as she’s seen many commissioners lose interest and stop going to meetings all together. In the end, Dengler wasn’t appointed to the commission either. Michael Bean, Jason Patton, Shelley Lima and Felicia Ulloa were, bringing an end to Manila’s latest brouhaha. In other news, the board voted not to approve payment to Granite Construction for its work at the Manila Community Center until the company fixes the curb that was put in near the center’s entrance. The curb was built 18-inches too far into the road and MCSD has been trying for months to get Granite Construction to fix the curb. Staff is concerned that the faulty placement may cause injuries and/or auto accidents, but can’t do anything, such as place reflectors, due to liability concerns. Granite Construction was unavailable for comment. Home