While RIRA has no legal control over the administration of Roosevelt Island, it is the only organization where every adult resident can democratically select people to represent their views to our politicians, to the folks on the RIOC Board, and at the RIOC management offices. I wish that we could replace all of the members who are appointed by the Governor to serve on the RIOC board with members who are elected from the community. If we did, we wouldn't have development projects like Southtown in which the developers make millions and Roosevelt Island makes peanuts. I doubt we'd be paving over Octagon Park with massive 13-story wings that will kill our open space. We'd give the Youth Program the long-term lease it needs to get the $1.6 million dollars that Gifford Miller has offered. We wouldn't put up with years of potholes and street rollercoasters like the ones near Gristede's, where seniors and the disabled have so much trouble negotiating the uneven terrain. We'd actually see that all the snow from the sidewalks was shoveled on a timely basis, even in front of the subway, even though the current RIOC considers this to be "MTA property." We might also have a coherent emergency plan, so that if we get another blackout, at least the very young and old have places on the Island to stay warm in the winter or cool in the summer.

I can't promise you that I or anyone in RIRA can fix these problems or others, both large and small, on the whole list of items I have on my "wish list." As Vice-President of RIRA for the last two years, getting resolution on these items was my priority and, if I am elected as RIRA President, it will continue to be. Successes are slow in coming, but I think our pressure has helped.

My only opponent for this office is Jim Whalen. There are significant differences between Jim and me that may help you decide who best represents your viewpoint. I'll try to fairly represent what I understand Jim's viewpoints to be, since you may not hear it from him. Jim has repeatedly said that he wants as much development as the Island will bear. He believes that more people will bring better-maintained stores and facilities. I don't disagree with him on the latter point, but I wonder how these extra folks will get to and from work when the F train and Tram are already running at close to 100% capacity. I am also a heavy consumer of the open spaces of the Island - the ball fields, courts, parks and picnic areas, and the prospect of any more of them being permanently paved over causes me great sadness.

Jim is also a vocal opponent of the Maple Tree Group, of which I am a member. This is a volunteer group of residents dedicated to the achievement of self-government. I'd love to see our affairs managed by a group of elected representatives who, in turn, hire and oversee a management company to perform Island services. Jim prefers that New York City take us over now rather than in 2066, when its agreement with the State ends. This alternative is highly unlikely, and I can't see how it would be an improvement over the status quo. I'd much rather focus on what is possible - a democratically elected RIOC board.

In the next few years, there will be major upheavals on the Island. "Affordable" housing, as we know it, will be phased out. Island House and Westview residents will either see their rents rise significantly or may be offered the opportunity to purchase their apartments. As residents leave Eastwood, their units will be converted to "market rate." It seems unlikely that in ten years, or even five, this community will have the diverse mix of income groups that we have today. I think RIRA should be ready to offer all the assistance and cooperation that it can to keep this place affordable for ourselves and our friends and neighbors.

I've been privileged to serve on RIRA while Matt Katz has been president. He has been a great advocate for Island residents, and has done a good job of keeping RIRA meetings congenial and well run, and deserves our thanks for the efforts he has made on our behalf and the successes that he's had. Also, whether you vote for me or not, picking Margie Smith for Vice-President should be a no-brainer - she has a special mix of competence, dedication, and likeability that make a great asset in any organization.

Finally, please vote on the referenda. I'm voting "Yes" to keep Octagon Park a park and not a housing project, "Yes" to keep Southpoint Park all green without retail space or other large buildings, and "Yes" to ask RIOC to give the Youth Program the long-term home it deserves.

Remember, every Island resident over the age of 18 can vote in RIRA elections, even if you are not permitted to vote in the national elections. And, like those elections, RIRA's voting machines are also in PS/IS 217. See you at the polls!