HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/7/2020 Item 08, Martin, S.
From:Martin, Scott A. <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Item 8 tonight
Members of the Council,
James Papp is extremely knowledgeable in the area of Architectural history of San Luis Obispo, and I have learned much
from him in the past decade (beyond his CHC role, also with his community engagement at other advisory
bodies). While I have not always seen eye to eye with his opinions and evaluations, I have always respected his
knowledge and passion. However, I believe it is his passion that has created an environment with deficiencies in the
needed civil discourse expected in an advisor body setting.
Section 5.C/D/E/F/G/H of the City’s Advisory Body handbook very clearly outlines the desired attributes Committee
Members should have with each other and the public at larger
(https://www.slocity.org/home/showdocument?id=1940) Start on page 25.
Develop Positive Relationships
Encourage and Honor Public Participation
Respect Individual Viewpoints
Communicate Effectively
I have had the opportunity to witness Mr. Papp on the CHC many times over the last decade, and while I often do not
agree with his stance, more importantly I have been appalled by his discourse. I have seen:
Rhetoric intended to humiliate, malign or question the motivation of those whose opinions differ from his
Accusations and untruthful speculation
Interruptions while other Committee members are talking
Labeling and dismissive attitudes towards design professionals and applicants, as well as community members
His desire to expand purview and go beyond the topic at hand
Use of intimidation and “his greater understanding” to belittle the opinion of others
To be clear, this item should have nothing to do with his qualifications or knowledge, the issue at hand is his interactions
with fellow committee members, applicants, and the general public. I believe what the city will gain in Community
engagement and constructive interaction will outweigh the lost of institutional knowledge of Papp not being on the
committee.
SCOTT A. MARTIN, AIA, LEED AP, CNU-A
Design Director
3765 S. Higuera Suite 102
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 543-1794
rrmdesign.com
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