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A Dynamic Leadership Duo at the CCN
June 26, 2009
Districts 3's Edisto Court neighborhood president, Bessie Watson, is the new president of the Columbia Council of Neighborhoods (CCN), an umbrella organization for leadership and coordination of the city's 80 neighborhood associations. I attended her "Swearing In" ceremony last night along with Mayor Coble and other city representatives. My first real introduction to city government came in 2002 through my service on the executive committee of the University Hill Neighborhood Association. I remain a passionate advocate for strong neighborhoods and view effective neighborhood associations as a key element in building sustainable cities. District 3 is fortunate to have a host of dedicated neighborhood leaders and associations who work tirelessly to address quality of life issues in Columbia.
Bessie will be ably assisted in her CCN duties by Dr. Mary Baskin Waters, the President of the Historic Heathwood neighborhood association and CCN's new president-elect. They will be a dynamic duo in neighborhood leadership! Others serving in key leadership roles are Alexander Furgess, Gail Baker, Selena Pickens, and Bruce Sanders. The out-going CCN president, Tige Watts, will remain on the CCN board and is assuming additional leadership responsibilities as a board member of the Neighborhoods USA organization.
I urge residents to get active in their neighborhood association and become involved in various neighborhood initiatives. The CCN's web site provides contact information.