I have been impressed so far with the level of communication and cooperation RIRA has received from our new President of RIOC.  But I firmly believe that it behooves us to let the Board of Directors know directly that the presence of friendlier management at RIOC has not lessened our concern as a community about the issues that affect our daily lives.

There are major issues facing this community.  The following is a list of some of the matters that are under consideration by this Board:

Construction of Southtown could ruin our quality of life here if not handled properly.  We must show the Board that we will not tolerate the loss of Capobianco field for a new ramp for construction purposes.  And this is the time to get the Board to publicly confirm Robert Ryan's assertion that the community will continue to have a strong hand in shaping the plans for the development of Southtown.  This, too, may be the Board meeting during which the mini-school issue will be decided.  The Marriott development of Southpoint has yet to be ruled out.  I have been told that we are facing another increase at Motorgate.  We have heard nothing about the Eldercare project for some time.  We have had no update on the status of the Metrocard for the Tram.  We have yet to see RIOC's 1998 Financial Statement dated March 31, 1999.  The report of the Army Corps of Engineers on the seawall remains long overdue.  The audit of Public Purpose money has still not been done.  There are issues with Public Safety's handling of parking and other traffic regulations, as well as many quality of life issues.

There's plenty to be passionate about, and this is the opportunity to let them hear what's on your minds.  This is the first Open Forum since Blue came here in 1996.  Let's show them how deeply we care about our Island.

I want to thank you for your response to my request that you come to the Pete Grannis session at the Maple Tree Group meeting.  It goes without saying how much I appreciate Assemblyman Grannis and Olga Mendez giving their time to clarify this issue.  It was a productive evening and will help to shape self-governance issues to come.

I seem lately to be always calling for more of your time, but there is no more important time to participate that at this upcoming Open Forum Board meeting.

I have been asked by one member of the Common Council to include with this column a disclaimer that the views I express here are my own, and may not reflect those of each of the thirty Council members.  I must admit that I thought that this was obvious, as was the fact that I do not universally support the editorial positions of The WIRE.  A a Common Council member, conducting Council business, I have only the same single vote that any other Council member possesses.  But as the elected President of RIRA I strive sincerely in this column to reflect the voice of the community as I hear it from the residents, and I will continue to do so until I hear from the residents that those views have changed.