Third Time's the Charm!
Two days ago I became a political appointee. This was the third time that I applied for a position on the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) for the Parker Gray Historic District, in Old Town Alexandra. This means that once a month, I go to a meeting and listen to people make their case about a change they want to make to the outside of their house being in line with the character of the neighborhood, the time period of their particular house, and the impact on historic fabric. I, along with 6 other board members, then get to rule on if their proposed changes are in line with the guidelines for the district.
The last two times I applied, I didn't work it politically nearly enough, but this time I asked friends and neighbors to write email endorsements, I went and spoke with some of the Alexandria City Council member (since they choose, by vote, who gets appointed) and I also met a few of the existing board members and received their endorsements. I also had the backing of city staff who support this board.
Maybe I've been living in this are too long, but if someone would have asked me 10 years ago if I would ever want to be involved in politics, my answer would have been a resounding NO! I think that as I've progressed in my career, I have come to realize that architecture, and Historic Preservation, are inherently political and if you don't know how to "play the game" you ultimately will not be as effective.
I've also come to realize that if I want to help the field evolve as it must, that I must do it from the "inside" as they say. I hope that by being on the Parker Gray BAR I can help to preserve the city that has become my home and share my love of history with others.
Wish me luck, it's a three year appointment!
That's it, the blog will go back to it's regularly scheduled programming this weekend (i.e. recap of our trip and Saha's time with my mom)
p.s. Alas, I failed my last exam, so now instead of being an architect by the end of September, now it's been bumped to December, at the earliest. Natalie, you and I are on the same schedule after all!
The last two times I applied, I didn't work it politically nearly enough, but this time I asked friends and neighbors to write email endorsements, I went and spoke with some of the Alexandria City Council member (since they choose, by vote, who gets appointed) and I also met a few of the existing board members and received their endorsements. I also had the backing of city staff who support this board.
Maybe I've been living in this are too long, but if someone would have asked me 10 years ago if I would ever want to be involved in politics, my answer would have been a resounding NO! I think that as I've progressed in my career, I have come to realize that architecture, and Historic Preservation, are inherently political and if you don't know how to "play the game" you ultimately will not be as effective.
I've also come to realize that if I want to help the field evolve as it must, that I must do it from the "inside" as they say. I hope that by being on the Parker Gray BAR I can help to preserve the city that has become my home and share my love of history with others.
Wish me luck, it's a three year appointment!
That's it, the blog will go back to it's regularly scheduled programming this weekend (i.e. recap of our trip and Saha's time with my mom)
p.s. Alas, I failed my last exam, so now instead of being an architect by the end of September, now it's been bumped to December, at the earliest. Natalie, you and I are on the same schedule after all!
re: political appointee. that is awesome! congrats!
ReplyDeletere: failed test. that is crappy. so sorry.
Way to be involved! Of course, having known you 10 years ago, it actually doesn't surprise me that you are involved in politics... you're a leader! It was meant to be. All life is politics.
ReplyDeleteAnd so so sorry that you failed the exam. Of course I am selfishly happy to be on the same schedule as you, but would never wish a delayed schedule on anyone. We can do it!!!! Dec. 2012!