Distrust at Carnegie Center Results in Request for Recount of Election Results

Carnegie members don't trust the results of the June 5th election for Board of Directors at the Carnegie Center operated by the City of Vancouver on the Downtown Eastside.  James A. announced at the meeting that he would like a recount. His request for a recount is supported by other members who voted for the defeated Rachel Davis, an incumbent Board member who had previously spoken out against undemocratic practices such as the blocking of an elected homeless man from attending Carnegie Board meetings.

Board member Colleen Carroll assured James A. in front of the audience at the June 5th election that he was welcome to recount the ballots, that the ballots would be preserved for 30 days for that purpose. Carnegie Director, Ethel Whitty, sat at the Board table nodding her head in agreement.

Guess what happened when Carnegie member Audrey Laferriere recently asked for a recount? Board President Matthew Matthew responded that the request for a recount would be granted only if it was accompanied by 150 signatures from Carnegie members.     Laferriere (photo attached), with help from other members such as the generally apolitical James A., began circulating a petition for signatures and on it wrote, "We do not need a President who is inflexible and into power tripping. Anyone should be allowed to recount votes without hindrance. He has screwed up my long weekend."       Read complete story at Downtown Eastside Enquirer