Stakeholder
You know, every time I hear the word "Stakeholder" my stomach goes into a little knot. Why is that? I sort of automatically relate it to RAND Corporations "Mohawk Valley Formula". Oh, it's not the same thing and this isn't the 1930's, science has evolved.
I witnessed it's use during the HP waterline meetings during which something like a thousand people spoke or other wise 'voted' against the waterline and mainly 3 developers... err ranchers, voted for it. Somehow this resulted in the building of the waterline and of course the development that normally follows.
I saw the 'ballot' stuffing suits appear at LCRA meetings to register to speak for the waterline but disappear shortly after causing the slovenly American Statesman "journalist" to conclude that, "wow look at all the folks that are for the water line".
I have to wonder just how this particular model of consensus building came about. Where is it written? And to be honest, I'm not particularly interested in watered down agenda driven 'consensus'.
Does anyone know anything about it?
That link is right on the money. The developers are organized, have a direct financial interest, and have the money to spend. In collaboration with their paid buddies in govenment, they orchestrate "democratic" venues to let the people expend their energy. Then they get what they want.
Occasionally the democratic venues backfire on them. Last time that happened around here was 1990. Remember the history of SOS:
When the Freeport PUD deal came before the Austin City Council on June 7, 1990, it was expected to pass easily, as Freeport's local lobbying team of David Armbrust and Richard Suttle had enormous influence with the City Council, which they still do today
However, over 700 citizens signed up to speak against the PUD. The hearing lasted all night. As the sun was rising over Austin, the City Council Members voted the PUD down unanimously, 7-0. This major victory re-ignited the citizens, movement to save Barton Springs, a movement that had become discouraged by the onslaught of development unleashed by Savings & Loan and bank deregulation.
I remember that City Council meeting very well.
It reminds me a little of the mid-term elections about which, regardless of what pro-war democrats do or how the peoples desire gets hijacked, it's clear that the vote was massively anti-war.
Here's another link, Government by developer. I'd call this a must read.
http://homepage.mac.com/kaaawa/iblog/C2128262602/E494266541/index.html
It's the history of Texas. The whole state was founded as a real estate venture, by developers. Comanches used to keep 'em in check though. Now they have no natural predators.
Sigh.
http://homepage.mac.com/kaaawa/iblog/C394583283/E140034462/index.html