 I would like to extend my
sincere appreciation to the Galveston Alliance
of Island Neighborhoods (GAIN) for the
opportunity to serve as President for two (2)
terms. During
those terms, GAIN and the City of Galveston
made tremendous strides increasing the
collaborative efforts to improve
communications and interactions between the
City of Galveston and the Citizens of
Galveston. I would like to thank the Mayor, City Council, City Manager
Steve Leblanc, Alice Law, Wendy O’Donohoe
and staff for all their assistance in making
the following possible.
First and foremost City
Council responded to the citizens of Galveston
by changing Council meeting times from 2:30 in
the afternoon to 5:30 in the evening.
GAIN was approached by neighborhood
associations to request that the times be
adjusted to the evening as a mechanism to
facilitate access to local government.
City Council recognized that a large
percentage of the citizens are unable to
attend council meetings set during working
hours and responded positively by voting
unanimously to change Council meeting time to
5:30 in the evening.
By changing the time to the evening,
the city of Galveston also came in line with
other cities in Galveston County that have
council meetings in the evening such as
Dickinson, Kemah, Santa Fe, League
City, La Marque, and Texas City.
Second, City manager
Steve Leblanc, recognizing that two way
communication is a vital component in the
formula for a successful partnership between
the City and Galveston neighborhoods,
instituted a monthly meeting between himself
and GAIN where issues of concern can be
brought to him directly.
This has allowed Steve to address
specific issues in a timely manner.
Steve also utilizes this opportunity to
communicate to the neighborhoods requests from
the city.
Also, Janet Cohen, Public Information
Officer, e-mails information to the citizens
on a regular basis.
This includes information regarding
street closures, City events, Holiday
schedules, office hours etc.
Third, in acknowledgement
of the important role that neighborhoods play
in Galveston, City Council appointed Bill
Hynek as a representative of the neighborhoods
to the Park Board.
He voices neighborhood concerns during
Park Board meetings and keeps GAIN informed of
issues.
Fourth, City
representatives from Planning are attending
the monthly GAIN meetings.
This allows them the opportunity to
hear concerns first hand from the neighborhood
representatives.
They also can respond immediately to
questions, provide insight and share
information. I
would like to thank Wendy O’Donohoe for
making this possible and demonstrating her
commitment to the neighborhoods by
implementing this idea.
Much progress has been
made over the last two years.
I am honored to have played a small role.
Congratulations to the Mayor, City
Council, City Manager Steve LeBlanc and City
staff for working with GAIN on improving
communications, access to local government and
neighborhood representation in local
government.
I would also like to thank Alice Law
for faithfully attending GAIN meetings and
City Manager meetings.
Her commitment to the City and GAIN are
truly appreciated.
Once again I am grateful
for the opportunity to have served as GAIN
President.
I have confidence that the newly
elected GAIN officers and the city will
continue to work together in the best interest
of the citizens of Galveston.
Thank You
Juan M. Peña
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