Talk of the Point

Reports about last Wednesday afternoon’s extra long and extra lively Business Association meeting keep dribbling in from my disparate correspondents.

N.I.C.E. opposition leader Richard Lompa made a blood-rare visit to give what several witnesses agreed was a rousing speech. He “got people’s attention” and “spoke very well, very articulately,” witness Dave Moore recalled. Lompa’s ace: Vera Ridley, the 88-year-old woman whose little house next to Point Richmond Market was somehow included in the district. Her annual tax–if we defy proponents and call it a tax–would double.

Josh Genser spoke in support of N.I.C.E. Dave felt was a “bullying” style, and a different observer called it just “not persuasive.” However, Josh got applause afterward, which Richard did not.

I emailed correspondent Andrew Butt for his view of it. He couldn’t attend but says he’s heard that “the general feeling…was one of support.”

He goes on, “I have to hand it to Richard for his persistence and commitment…He has been loud, vocal, and without cease”–starkly different from Andrew’s side. “Our strategy has been to address property owners on an individual basis and explain the many reasons why this is good for them and the future of this town.”

Richard Lompa puts it differently. “They thought this was goin’ to be a slam dunk. They thought they could just play the flute and everyone would follow.”

No matter how persuasive either side has been, the opposition is still the underdog. “Yes” votes from Tom Butt-controlled property, amounting to 14.05 percent of the total, plus city-owned property, at 8.37 percent, come to 22.42 percent. The city will decide on August 2 how to vote, but most people I’ve talked to expect the City Council to vote in favor. If so, only a few more votes in favor would tip N.I.C.E. over toward victory.

That is, at least a nominal victory. If much of the growling persists that I hear about gerrymandering, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a lawsuit.

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