[Summit] Fr Eng

[Dean W]

Being critical from the sidelines is one thing, but please at least get
your facts straight, get the names of those you are targeting correctly
spelled, and include your own name.  I think it is courteous to include
your own name if you intend to call out others by first and last name, even
if the spelling is horrendous.

If you want to relive the fountain experience, fine, but do not rewrite the
facts to paint a picture of evil tree-cutting volunteers.  People worked
hard on that project, and many others are pleased with the outcome.  If you
miss the trees so badly, let's figure out where we can plant some new ones.
 It might not heal your wound of the two lost trees, but it is a step
forward somewhere.

SNA did not recommend the cutting of any trees for that project.  Not one
tree.  I was personally at the meeting where that decision was communicated
to us, by the Parks Dept, who's project it was at that point.  (They did
have a slew of reasons for cutting the trees, but I do not think we want to
go down that road for the tenth time.)

You were not at that meeting, but you were invited.

SNA also has never advocated for community gardens in Lippitt Park.  We met
on the topic a few times, decided to conduct an online survey to see what
neighbors thought of the idea, and we learned that neighbors were generally
against this location for community gardens.  That is the beginning, middle
and end of that story.

I organized and attended the candidate forum that we held last week, as
well as the two forums that we hosted two years ago.  All three forums
consisted of questions provided by the residents of Summit.  I believe we
went to great lengths (being annoying on the listserv and otherwise) to
solicit these questions.  We tried our best to be impartial
in moderating these forums.  We are not the candidates running for office,
so if you have a problem with them, or with politics in general, I cannot
help you here.  All three of these forums included all registered
candidates, including those running as Independents.

It was a little hot in the room at last week's candidate forum, and the
refreshments that we served were loaded with refined sugar.  I guess I
apologize for that, but there is only so much time in the day, and every
minute we spend planning these events is another minute not spent with our
own children.

We try hard to make sure that SNA is reasonably representing the desires of
the neighborhood.  We try hard to communicate that our meetings are open to
everyone and that all are welcome, to get involved or just to provide
feedback or concerns.  If you are so upset about something, please get in
touch or come on out and meet people in person.

SNA is not a closed group of people working behind closed doors to our own
benefit.  We are whoever shows up at the meeting.  You want in, great,
welcome to the club.

Next meeting: Monday, November 19, 7pm at Summit Commons.

Sincerely,
Dean Weinberg

PS - I realize that these posts do not deserve any response at all.  But
they irk me, considering the significant time commitment I and others make
on these projects.  It is difficult enough to find people to volunteer
their time, we do not need people trying to discourage them.
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