From the Co-Prez...
...cont'd from page 2
large companies are allowed to own and control more and more of the media outlets that control the news and information we have access to.
At our general meetings we also make policy decision on a wide range of topics that affect the entire neighborhood. These include zoning, land use, variances and other areas where it is important for our neighborhood to take a public stand. Without your participation just a few people will be making decisions that will affect all of us for a long time to come. It is much better to come to our meetings, become educated on issues, engage in debate, and vote on neighborhood policy than to simply complain about the state of affairs in our immediate area.
There are many other membership opportunities. As shown above, participation in the Homes Tour is just one activity you can participate in. Articles on a variety of topics can be submitted to the Pecan Press. You can bring your own, new ideas for the neighborhood and the city to our general meetings or steering committee meetings (steering committee meetings are open to anyone -- the meetings are held from 7:00-8:30pm on the second Thursday of the month at Hyde Park United Methodist Church). The Annual Fire Station Festival is always a fun event in the fall. Volunteers are needed to organize and run the event. It isnŐt anything complicated (hey, if Bob Breeze, Gary Penn, and myself can pull one off, then anyone can do it).
The benefits of participation are endless. Since I began my participation in HPNA I have learned a great deal about Hyde Park, the City of Austin, and many other issues. More importantly, I have met and become friends with a really great bunch of people. There are a lot of neighbors, some living only a few blocks from my home that I never would have met had I not become active with HPNA.
We are always happy to have new members join us. There is a small membership application printed elsewhere in the Pecan Press. Remember, we are a neighborhood association, not a homeowners association. There is a big, big difference. We welcome all area property owners, residents, renters, business owners, and other interested parties to become members. We really are a friendly group of folks.
I look forward to seeing more and more of you at our general meetings. You can also feel free to participate in other ways. While your membership is important, your participation is vital.
| -- | Bruce Nadig Crime and Safety Committee motorbruce@hotmail.com |
