Democracy is Coming to ... Roosevelt Island?

A skeptical reader sent in the following comment from this post regarding the upcoming elections, no not elections but plebiscite, for potential gubernatorial nominees to RIOC's Board of Directors scheduled for February 2008.

Has anybody read the article in the NY Times of Tuesday Oct 2nd? The title is Real Judicial Elections. It talks about how phony these elections are because all the appointments are made by and through the majoirity politicians. Isn't this the same as we have coming with a process so phony we have to call it something else? What real chance do we have to elect our own real board? How about NONE?

The September 22, 2007 Main Street Wire editorial page (PDF File) has a much more positive view of the plebiscite as a step towards democracy for Roosevelt Island. The editorial states:

This is, in short, the beginning of democracy for this very special little Island in the midst of one of the greatest cities in the world. Until now, no resident here – other than those selected undemocratically to serve on the RIOC Board – had any meaningful say in policy for Island development, use of parkland, law enforcement (including parking), RIOC personnel standards, government performance, budget... The list goes on, and there has been no meaningful say for residents because we haven't had the power of the ballot box to hold over the heads of those making the key decisions.

Now we will.

But it now becomes extraordinarily important that citizens of good will, with the time and inclination to serve, step forward and become candidates for the six available seats in that February 5 balloting. Precedents are about to be set. Traditions will be created. A fully new direction is likely to emerge. Things will change now, and if you believe you can help them change for the better, consider running. Consider serving your fellow Islanders by resolving that this is something for which you can make time as busy as you may be. The degree of success in this new democratic order of things will determine much about the nature of the path ahead.

Consider running to become a RIRA nominee for the RIOC Board. The ad on page 5 is important, but your decision will be far more important to the future of this very special community

Two contrasting views on the future of Roosevelt Island. The first is realistic based upon Roosevelt Island's past history. The second is hopeful and idealistic based upon a new RIOC and State administration.

Here is the You Tube link to the short animation of Leonard Cohen's Democracy.
For Leonard Cohen fans here is the real thing and You Tube link.