Why Marilyn Marks Resigned From Affordable Housing Task Force

June 15th, 2008 at 06:08pm Post Staff 43

Resignation Letter from Marilyn Marks:

Dear Housing Subcommittee and Citizens Budget Task Force:

I have made a very difficult decision to resign from the Task Force and Subcommittee. I deeply regret that I cannot continue the good work we have started together. I have learned so very much and most importantly, made new friends in the process.

The work of these two bodies is of critical importance to the community at this very crucial time. Future Burlingame plans and the future of our affordable housing are in question today. The community needs your strong, independent, and credible voice for information and guidance, and to rebuild confidence in the financial policies of the City. The City Council needs your objective input as well.

Unfortunately, several of the City’s decision makers lack confidence in my efforts or my personal objectives. The startling behavior of Council members at the June 10 Council work session demonstrated that your good work will suffer if I am associated with it. My involvement will be an obstacle to be overcome. The work of this group is too important to have more obstacles. I am confident that the recommendations of the group will be far more effective without the distraction of the attempts by some to politicize and personalize activities we undertake as a task force.

Our Affordable Housing needs are too critical to be politicized. I believe that it is our community’s most complex and compelling need, which requires dedicated effort and cooperation from all quarters to be successful. I am disappointed that some elected officials suggest that our group and I, in particular, have a political agenda. I do not want to bring dishonor or reduced credibility to the laudable group efforts. I feel that the best way to bring the focus back to the critical issue of housing is for the group to move forward without my personal involvement.

I have enjoyed immensely the opportunity to work with you in the last few months. Thank you for your continued dedication to the community. I wish you the very best of success as you further the mission of affordable housing and other fiscal policy matters. If I can be of help in any way whatsoever, I would be delighted to be of assistance.

Yours truly,

Marilyn Marks

Entry Filed under: Aspen, Colorado, Pitkin County, Women, Affordable Housing, Aspen City Council