Councilmember Wells to Unveil Eastern Market Governance Legislation Next Wednesday

Councilmember Wells to Unveil Eastern Market Governance Legislation Next Wednesday

by Larry Janezich

Last Wednesday night at the regular meeting of the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) Eastern Market’s North Hall, Chair Donna Scheeder announced Councilmember Wells will hold a public meeting next Wednesday to unveil his legislation on revamping the Market’s governing structure.  Wells will outline and review his proposed legislation, as well as solicit initial feedback on changes to the Eastern Market management and governance. The Councilmember said last week that he hopes to introduce the measure before the City Council next Tuesday. 

Scheeder told EMCAC that discussions with Wells gave her confidence that the things EMCAC cares most about will be addressed in the proposal.  These include the ability for the governing structure to operate the Market more independently, to be free of the issues associated with being an agent of the city – including the avoidance of having to participate in government shutdowns, and to have the flexibility to respond quickly to developing issues and opportunities.  The new board, she suggested, will be based on home grown expertise and will include representation for the Market’s merchants and vendors.

According to ANC6B’s representative to EMCAC, Brian Pate, ANC6B and EMCAC are discussing the possibility of cosponsoring a community meeting on the legislation beyond the community meeting next Wednesday. 

The Wells-hosted meeting next week will be held Wednesday night, October 5, 2011 in the North Hall of Eastern Market, from 6:00 – 8:00pm.