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<DIV>Having had a chance to hear from all of you via e-mail or telephone was
very useful feedback. If I may make a suggestion from all of your
concerns (and mine too): we have a real issue and a real
community problem that will be supported by the community once folks (older and
younger) fully appreciate the ramifications of these housing issues.
It is amazing to even mention the concept of "affordable housing" to folks here
(seasonal or yearround) and see the negative response. Once,
however, I discuss the issue and possible solutions (which I have been doing for
quite some time) one by one, folks generally come
around. </DIV>
<DIV> I think we need to focus on what our message is, in
the same way you would for a political campaign, and boil it down to some real,
honest, short ideas that frame clearly the need and how it does not mean welfare
or lost taxes or slum housing or any of the things that lurk in people's
minds over this issue. That may be the most important thing we can do next
Wed.</DIV>
<DIV> The LongIslander is received by the vast majority
of folks here, seasonal and yearround. I had mentioned this idea briefly
last week, but I think that an article by some of you, rather than me,
would be most appropriate in this Feb. issue. Like the survey
cover sheet, it probably should not suggest possible solutions, just outline the
housing problem and reasons that it needs solutions. The
deadline for this issue is Thursday, Feb. 1, and the next issue is not until
April, long after the survey has gone out and been returned.
The timing of this, while very soon, is good but we must get something
ready Wed. evening. We should hold back sending out the survey until
people have received this issue. If you agree, please bring
some drafts of possible articles or letters you might submit for the group to
review and critique or even better, circulate them via the e-mail for review
ahead of the meeting. Obviously you do not need the groups
review of anything to send it in if you want. I
will be submitting the minutes of the last meeting as is unless anyone has
further changes to make to them. Best,
Mark </DIV></FONT></FONT></BODY></HTML>