When Accountability is a Threat: The Fight for Open Communication in Lake Como
- Miss Peacock
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 2
In a neighborhood where community voices should shape the future, what happens when those in power see transparency as a threat rather than a necessity? The recent back-and-forth between the Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) and Keep Lake Como Beautiful (KLCB) has exposed more than just procedural roadblocks—it has revealed the deep discomfort some leaders have with accountability and engagement.
Let’s talk about what went down, why it matters, and how the NAC’s response—while framed as "structured and legally sound"—may be more about damage control than genuine reform.
🧾The Receipts: When Words Speak for Themselves
Rather than summarizing what transpired, I’ll let you read the exchanges yourself. Below, you’ll find the actual written communication between KLCB and the NAC, showing the dismissive, obstructive, and at times retaliatory tactics used to suppress community-led efforts for transparency.
If you’ve ever attended a NAC meeting and felt like your concerns were brushed off or strategically ignored, these messages should feel familiar.
📌 Click to expand each image for a readable size.
A "Professional" Response That Misses the Point
What the NAC Got Right (Sort Of)
Formal Acknowledgment – Instead of outright ignoring the concerns, they responded with a structured, bylaw-based answer. That alone is proof that pressure works.
Legal Oversight Involvement – Bringing in the 2nd vice chair--a licensed attorney-- signals that they knew this wasn’t just another complaint they could sweep under the rug. They wanted their response to be airtight.
Commitment to "Monitoring" Meetings – On the surface, this sounds promising. If they truly commit to enforcing fair meeting practices, it could be a step in the right direction.
What the NAC Got Wrong (Or Intentionally Avoided)
No Accountability for the Chair’s Behavior – Nowhere in their response do they address whether the Chair’s past actions were inappropriate. Instead, they frame it as a “perception” issue—classic gaslighting tactics.
Restrictive Time Limits – The new one-minute rule for community organizations feels less like fair governance and more like retaliation. It’s a thinly veiled attempt to limit the voices of those who push for real change.
Bylaws as a Shield, Not a Solution – They lean on the rules when it serves them but fail to implement any corrective action for those in power. The bylaws are a tool of selective enforcement, not fairness.
Power Remains Unchecked – Despite all their talk about following Roberts Rules of Order, they don’t address how the Chair will be prevented from silencing dissenting voices. Will the same favoritism continue?
The Bigger Picture: The Fight for Open Communication in Lake Como Continues
This isn’t just about KLCB vs. NAC—it’s about whether our community will settle for performative leadership or demand true representation. If the NAC’s response was truly about improving communication, they would have:
✅ Admitted to past communication failures and outlined how they will correct them.
✅ Ensured that all voices—not just the ones they approve of—are heard and respected.
✅ Addressed power imbalances instead of simply reinforcing them with restrictive new rules.
Instead, they crafted a carefully worded response that changes just enough to appease critics without addressing the real issues.
What’s Next? Keeping the Pressure On
1. Hold Them to Their Own Words
Their response included a commitment to monitor and enforce fair meeting conduct. That means if these rules are applied selectively or used to further silence voices they disagree with, we now have written evidence of their double standards.
2. Keep Documenting & Exposing the Reality
This post is just the beginning. If you’ve experienced similar dismissive or unprofessional behavior from the NAC, share your story. The more we document, the harder it is for them to claim these are isolated incidents.
3. Redirect Attention to Where Change is Actually Happening
While the NAC clings to outdated, closed-door decision-making, KLCB is building real community-driven solutions—from public safety initiatives to green space revitalization. If you’re tired of the stonewalling, join a movement that actually welcomes resident involvement.
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