Sarasota County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program
Below is an email from Jono Miller one of the leaders of Sarasota County Forever
I personally support this initiative and wanted to share the thoughtfulness, positive attitude and hard work behind the scenes of a political project like this.
We did it!
We got the coveted Sarasota Herald-Tribune endorsement (Sunday's
Perspective section) and not simply with an effusive Vote Yes-Yes
message, but also with an inset box featuring the "top ten" reasons to
vote for it that we couldn't have written better ourselves AND (Wait,
there's more!) a bonus six inch column below that takes affordable
housing on head on, concludes there need not be a problem, and
commends us for our "inclusionary attitude".
While we have all seen the electorate repudiate the Sarasota Herald
Tribune's recommended stance on ballot measures, this is a very
valuable endorsement that is built on a well thought-out program, a
basically sound strategy, the support of other local opinion leaders,
our willing to answer "tough questions" and our now-legendary
"inclusionary attitude".
The editors thought ESLOC needs the affordable housing representative
(not the parkland committee), but; honestly, I'm not sure we could
have done any better with 19 inches of editorial column than they did.
It is too early to celebrate, rest, or assume we have this in the bag.
Not only is there another depressing tropical depression being
discussed, but tax bills may be sent out this week(great timing), the
Observer papers don't favor us, Argus, Realtors, etc.
[On the other hand we have a comparably great Venice Gondolier
endorsement and Natural Awakenings cover banner (and inside story)
urging a yes-yes vote. And our volunteers are distributing materials
at events some of us didn't know existed.]
The point is we need to finish strong. Those who cannot match our
preparation and grassroots support might be tempted to do something
rash near the end. If we keep pushing then I'll see all of you the
evening of November 8th at our victory party (more on that in another
e-mail.)
Ten Days-- we can do this. Don't let up.
Jono Miller to supporters of the ESLOC
