Over the years, the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) has represented the residents of Roosevelt Island in negotiations with the State of New York and other official entities. It is recognized as the official representative of Island residents.
From Matthew Katz:
"RIRA is critical in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for all Roosevelt Islanders. RIOC, its Board of Directors, the local politicians and the media acknowledge RIRA as the voice of this community by virtue of the fact that its members include the entire population of the Island and, most importantly, its delegates on the Common Council are elected to those positions every two years."
While all residents of the Island are automatically members of the Association, those who take an active role as a Common Council Representative or Island-wide officer (President or Vice-President) have a special opportunity to influence the course of events here.
In the past, RIRA actions have led to nomination elections for members of the Board of Directors or the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), action to save the Tramway, and more. Your involvement is an opportunity to shape your community.
Responsibilities of RIRA Officers and Common Council Members
President
The President shall be the chief executive officer and principal spokesperson of RIRA, a voting Member of the Common Council, presiding officer of all meetings of the Council and of the Town Meeting and an ex officio member of all committees.
It shall be the responsibility of the President to co-sign with the Treasurer all checks.
Vice President
The Vice President shall supervise: all RIRA elections; all communications, both internal and external, of RIRA; secretarial services that are not the responsibility of the Secretary; legal representation (in coordination with the Chairperson of the Legal Action Committee, should it exist); auditing of the finances of RIRA; membership participation and fund-raising.
To perform the responsibilities of office, the Vice President shall supervise the Nominations Committee, the Election Committee, the Auditor, and, should it exist, the Communication Committee.
In the temporary absence or inability to serve of the President, the responsibilities of the President shall be assumed by the Vice President who shall serve as President Pro Tempore.
In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice President shall become President until the completion of the term.
Common Council Members
Council Members shall volunteer for membership in at least one Committee. Any RIRA member (any resident) that is not a Member of the Common Council may serve on any committee if approved by the Chairperson of that committee. Council members are expelled from the Council if they fail to attend three consecutive sessions. As Common Council Members are subject to the requirements of Article II Section 1(c), which requires them to be a member of at least one Committee, any such expelled Council Member must select another Committee in order to continue to comply with such Section.
Alternates
In general, Alternates that attend Council meetings may speak during the deliberations, but may not vote. However, in the event that a regular Council Member is absent, the first alternate for that District may vote. If the first alternate is not available, then the second alternate may vote, and so on.