[Vision2020] An Invitation/Response
Donovan Arnold
donovanarnold@hotmail.com
Wed, 02 Jul 2003 13:44:28 -0700
<html><div style='background-color:'><DIV>
<P>Casandra and Jessica,</P>
<P>Well let me be the first to publicly thank you for your and others efforts and invitation. I think what you are trying to do is very admirable to say the least.</P></DIV>
<P>On behave of your defense against others that have unfairly and unjustly attacked you and your efforts let me say this:</P>
<DIV></DIV>
<P>While I don't know Casandra well enough to comment on, I do know Jessica. She has worked very hard for the students and the community as a whole. She has brought together many people in the community to help volunteer and do community service in her formation of the "Civic Engagement Committee" through the student government (ASUI) at UI . I think she deserves nothing less then greatest appreciation for her works and efforts from students and members of the Moscow Community that benefit from the work she does.</P>
<DIV></DIV>
<P>While I don't have all the facts, I am willing to assume that this is an extension of the idea of uniting members of the Moscow Community and the students at UI that she has engaged in for the last few years. I think this is a wonder and kind idea of both Jessica and Casandra.</P>
<DIV></DIV>
<P>This is not an attempt to noisy themselves in the business of Moscow. This is an attempt of ASUI to reach out and forge new relations with the community. Not for the benefit of UI, but for the benefit of the Moscow Community. I think that is Terrific!</P>
<DIV></DIV>
<P>However, I want to add a few suggestions to help your efforts Casandra and Jessica, being that I was both an elected officer of ASUI, a third generation Moscow Resident, and an (over) active member on Vision2020.</P>
<DIV></DIV>
<P>First, I think the idea of having a picnic in East City Park is step in the right direction. I have fought for years over trying to get ASUI to move events off campus to reach out instead of always having the events on campus in the Idaho Commons. Moscow residents don't know their way around that building and can't park close.</P>
<DIV></DIV>
<P>Second, I don't think you should call it the "Vision2020 Community Potluck". You should call it the "Moscow Community Picnic and Recreation Event" for two different reasons. One, most people have a negative view of Vision2020 in terms of community "getting along". Many people in here don't see eye to eye and would not likely to go to an event that is meant to continue the discussion and argumentation in person. Not an appealing event to many. Many people don't want to be known that they are on here, and never post, just watch for events and information on what is happening in the community or ask questions to find something out. Second, making it open to the entire Moscow Community and not just Vision2020 subscribers allows people to feel comfortable bringing their spouses, children, friends, and neighbors. This will change the image of people going to an event with people throwing BBQ chicken at each other over taxes and the Moscow Wate!
r supply, to a more serine image of neighbors meeting neighbors and making new friends while the kids get some exercise on the playground.</P>
<DIV></DIV>
<P>Finally, I don't know your reasoning for this, but July 15th is a Tuesday. Tuesday is kind of an odd day. Many people have children and/or attend other community events and will not be able to attend on a Tuesday evening.</P>
<DIV></DIV>
<P>Either way, thanks again to all of those that are trying to hold this event! I have no doubt that ASUI President Mason Fuller is completely behind this spectacular idea. </P>
<DIV></DIV>
<P>Take Care,</P>
<DIV></DIV>
<P>Donovan J Arnold </P>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV></DIV></div><br clear=all><hr>MSN 8 helps <a href="http://g.msn.com/8HMMENUS/2743??PS=">ELIMINATE E-MAIL VIRUSES. </a> Get 2 months FREE*.</html>