<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML><HEAD>
<META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=US-ASCII">
<META content="MSHTML 6.00.6000.16481" name=GENERATOR></HEAD>
<BODY id=role_body style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"
bottomMargin=7 leftMargin=7 topMargin=7 rightMargin=7><FONT id=role_document
face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>
<DIV>In a message dated 8/3/2007 9:59:08 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, ABragg7393
writes:</DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: blue 2px solid"><FONT
style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000 size=2><FONT
lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10" FAMILY="SANSSERIF"><EM><FONT
color=#0000ff>Dear Mr. Wright,<BR>My only intention was to call attention to
the boarded up buildings which I still think look like a ghetto and do not do
a thing for the progress of our town</FONT>.</EM>
</FONT></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE>
<DIV>I cannot disagree with that.</DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: blue 2px solid"><FONT
style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000 size=2><FONT
lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10" FAMILY="SANSSERIF"><FONT
color=#0000ff><EM>It was not my intention to criticize the Mayor or
Council.</EM></FONT> </FONT></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE>
<DIV>Well, that is certainly how it came across.</DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: blue 2px solid"><FONT
style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial size=2><FONT lang=0
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2 PTSIZE="10" FAMILY="SANSSERIF"><EM>When
buildings are boarded up it means we are going backward instead of
forward. If I can't speak up to my elected representatives when I feel
something is amiss without being called sarcastic and cynical then
something is very wrong.</EM></FONT></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE>
<DIV>Then it was the style of you post that prompted me to call attention to
it.</DIV>
<DIV>It certainly seemed cynical and sarcastic to me. If I am incorrect in my
interpretation, then please accept my apologies, I am sorry.</DIV>
<DIV>I absolutely agree that all public officials should be challenged. But
it seemed more like cynicism and criticizing to me. I support our
elected officials, and trust that they are doing a good job. (well at least on
the local level). Your post came off as critical of the Mayor and
Council, despite your claim that it was not your intent. And I felt the need to
make a statement of support for them, in response.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10" FAMILY="SANSSERIF"><FONT
color=#0000ff><EM>When people disagree, it does not particularly mean they are
ignorant.</EM></FONT> </FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>First of all, ignorant as defined in Websters dictionary
reads "lacking knowledge or comprehension of the thing specified". It is my
opinion that the detractors of the Dumms Corner deal, were not and are not
in possession of all of the facts. By definition that is
ignorant. Let's be clear, Audrey, I did not specifically call you ignorant.
I wouldn't challenge your intelligence. I've enjoyed reading many of your
previous posts as they are usually very insightful. You are a passionate person
and that's a great trait. But passion also leads to recklessness and I'd caution
that. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> <FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial
color=#000000 size=2><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10"
FAMILY="SANSSERIF"><BR><EM><FONT color=#0000ff>I think, Mr. Wright, that I would
not have taken your message personally if you had not used those 3 words
in your disertation. "bitter sarcasm, cynicism, ignorant"<BR>and then go
on to Thank me for not taking your comments in response to your post
personal.<BR>In ending, Mr. Wright, your opinion is always appreciated as
well.</FONT></EM></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10"
FAMILY="SANSSERIF"></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10" FAMILY="SANSSERIF">Well I
didn't want you to take it personally, though you obviously did. My intent
was to point out to you that the criticism that you unfairly leveled
against the town officials was uncalled for. Although you clearly deny that it
was your intent. And, that's great. I'm glad you clarified
that.</FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10" FAMILY="SANSSERIF">So please
accept my most humble apology. Harsh words were used, perhaps to harsh, although
I think my point was taken, if not well received. My intent is not to
disrespect, and if through my words, you feel slighted by me, I do indeed
apologize again. I have much respect for you and look forward to continued
debate and/or concurrence with you in the future. </FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10"
FAMILY="SANSSERIF"></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10" FAMILY="SANSSERIF">I do hope
you now realize that your words to the mayor were also very harsh. And
unfair, as you have claimed that was not your intent. Perhaps your level
of frustration on the one thing that we all agree on, had just gotten to be
too much.</FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10" FAMILY="SANSSERIF">We ALL
agree that the Town Center does need a major face lift and at the same time
should not regress. It is very easy to get disgusted and impatient with
something, and therefore someone, when it just doesn't seem to be happening fast
enough. But the fact of the matter is that the economy IS stale right now, on a
national level, which makes it even tougher to move businesses into the Town
Center. Douglas Development owns nearly all of the property there, and the town
simply MUST work WITH them to get it right. Making idle threats will only make
matters worse. Progress has been made recently, but the facelift will not happen
over night. Short term solutions lead to long term failures. And that has been
the problem with the Town Center for all these years. We need a long term
solution that the majority of us can agree on. </FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>All Riverdalians need to take responsibility though. The Mayor and
Council are on the front line but do not have a magic wand.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>What can we do to help? :</DIV>
<DIV>-Support the farmers market. Every Thursday. </DIV>
<DIV>-Support the new Pet Store. Sure we've all stopped by to say hi and check
it out. But have you bought anything there? Regularly? That store has gone out
on a limb and this town needs to support it, not just talk about how cool it is
that it's there. Good intentions will not pay the rent. </DIV>
<DIV>-Support the Fire Department. They will be fundraising with
the Halloween show again this year and you can volunteer or attend. Or just
make a donation. </DIV>
<DIV>-Join a town committee. </DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10" FAMILY="SANSSERIF">-Be a good
Riverdalian. Be courteous to your neighborhood. Just last week I witnessed a
scruffy guy walking two scruffy dogs on the sidewalk in front of the Dorsey
Building. The littlest one stopped and pooped right there in front of him.
On the sidewalk, mind you. And then he just continued on. Ridiculous.
</FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10"
FAMILY="SANSSERIF"></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10" FAMILY="SANSSERIF">Stuff like
that drives me crazy, too. We all have to pitch in too.</FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10" FAMILY="SANSSERIF">Please
forgive me, Audrey, if I insulted you. Please understand that I am
passionate too.</FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10"
FAMILY="SANSSERIF"></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10"
FAMILY="SANSSERIF">Sincerely,</FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2><FONT lang=0 face=Arial size=2 PTSIZE="10" FAMILY="SANSSERIF">Jay
Wright</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV></FONT></FONT>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV></FONT><BR><BR><BR><DIV><FONT style="color: black; font: normal 10pt ARIAL, SAN-SERIF;"><HR style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px">Get a sneak peek of the all-new <A title="http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour/?ncid=AOLAOF00020000000982" href="http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour/?ncid=AOLAOF00020000000982" target="_blank">AOL.com</A>.</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>