INC NEWS - For a Neighborhood Advocate

[John Schelp]

Apologies for the double-post of the newspaper columns
supporting a Neighborhood Advocate. The listserv has
been down for a while and must have kept both posts in
the queue.

First, I was asked to make sure everyone understood
that this week's thank-you letter from the
"development industry" was intended for Mike Shiflett;
and no other Mike in Durham... ;)

Second, let me just say to Mike that there's no need
to apologize for anything. 

Third, as I said to some INC folks at lunch earlier
this week, the constructive questions from others on
the listserv are most appreciated. These will only
help strengthen/clarify the position of a Neighborhood
Advocate. 

What's not appreciated is someone who was clearly
trying to undermine the proposal from Day 1 -- and
then says we need to have an "open" discussion (that
would of course have to continue until after the
budget is already decided). 

Mike and I will have to agree to disagree about trying
to get a Neighborhood Advocate in this year's budget.
Let's move on.

This morning, I enjoyed a very constructive meeting
with Steve Medlin. He's a good man who is trying to
make things better. Now that his feet are on Terra
Firma, it will be interesting to see how projects are
treated as they go through the planning system. 

Having said that, I still think neighborhoods need a
go-to person for information and help (see today's
post with two columns).

have a great weekend,
John