Dorothy fought the first in a series of battles to save our fire station. This past month we, once again, were able to save Fire Station #9. We didn't do it alone. It was a group effort. The greatest contribution was made by the Austin Association of Professional Firefighters. They agreed to forego a 2% pay raise so that all of the city's current firefighting equipment and staffing levels would remain at current levels. I have been told by countless firefighters that if the citizens of Austin, including Hyde Park, had not spoken up, written letters, and sent e-mail to city council members, firefighters' words would have fallen on deaf ears. However, with a show of support from the community, the firefighters were able to reach an agreement with city council members so that service levels would remain high in Austin, especially here in Hyde Park where Station #9 was in grave danger.

    As my legacy, I would like to inspire more and more members of the Hyde Park community to become involved with the affairs around them. We have many old-time residents here who have carried on this tradition, but we have many new folks that have moved into the neighborhood recently. They have not yet been initiated into this tradition of community activism. I would like to extend an invitation to everyone in Hyde Park to once again become involved in the community around us.

    Activism can start on a small scale, but we can't keep it there. First, and most importantly, we must all make a pledge to vote in every city, school district, county, state, and federal election. Hyde Park used to have one of the highest voter turnout numbers in the city. Sadly, we have taken a large slip from that position. In the most recent constitutional election, there was a dismal 12% turnout statewide. Elections officials were thrilled with this. They had anticipated only 9%. I am appalled by such low turnout, especially given the importance of some of the issues on the ballot. (By the way, voter registration cards are available at the front counter at Avenue B Grocery -- go in, get a sandwich and a drink, and pick up a card, then fill it out, mail it, and go vote!)

    We owe a pledge of activism to many people and entities. We owe it to the great history of Hyde Park, we owe it to our neighbors, we owe it to the city, and we owe it to the memory of Walter Richter. These are just a few examples. There are dozens more.

    As I leave the office of HPNA co-president, I know from experience that we cannot expect the incoming co-presidents to lead this effort in community activism. Absent any other obvious candidates, I will put myself forward as the informal HPNA community activism cheerleader. I haven't formulated a plan yet, but I plan on doing whatever I can to get as many folks excited and involved in the issues that are important to us. I welcome anyone and everyone to assist me in these efforts. If you have an issue that is important to you, please contact me for assistance, guidance, and support (please contact me by e-mail if possible.

    Let's make Hyde Park the great neighborhood it can be. We have a little bit of tarnish on a few things, but with a little bit of work we'll be looking better than ever.

    Finally, I'd like to give my sincere thanks to both Pam Whittington and Glen Coleman for stepping up and agreeing to lead this great neighborhood for another year.