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<DIV>Dean I think that you put this mysterious person in his or her
place.......There is just the board that reaches out to the community-on their
behalf---so where are these people that find the SNA is responsible for all that
takes place.......Why do they not show up at a meeting-or at the very
least...contact you or another board member with a problem. It is easy to be
critical on the sidelines-I guess. Personally, I am happy to be apart of the SNA
and serve on the board. Howie</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV>In a message dated 10/23/2012 5:01:09 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
thedeaner@gmail.com writes:</DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
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<DIV>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.</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>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. </DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>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.) </DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>You were not at that meeting, but you were invited.</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>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.</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>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. </DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>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. </DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>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. </DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>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. </DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>Next meeting: Monday, November 19, 7pm at Summit Commons.<BR
clear=all><BR>Sincerely,</DIV>
<DIV>Dean Weinberg</DIV>
<DIV><BR>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.<BR><BR></DIV><BR><BR>_______________________________________________<BR>Summit
mailing
list<BR>Summit@sna.providence.ri.us<BR>http://sna.providence.ri.us/mailman/listinfo/summit_sna.providence.ri.us<BR>SNA
Website:
http://sna.providence.ri.us/</FONT></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV></FONT></BODY></HTML>