September Message
Is it just me getting old or has this been the dirtiest campaign season ever? The range of special interest groups that are running negative TV and mailing garbage is overwhelming. They, groups from all angles, have discovered that they can spend unlimited amounts, using “citizens for…” names to hide who is paying for the attacks, as long as they do to advocate FOR a candidate. This type of campaigning is a cancer on our democracy. Please ask candidates for the Legislature and Congress to close this loophole before everyone gives up on our democracy.
On the other hand, there are several pieces of good news this month! The County Commission is working on a program to implement “Green Cities” at the County level. This includes a commitment to build all future county buildings to the latest, best energy and water efficiency standards! Dunedin is also beginning this process. The City of St. Petersburg is beginning to implement a series of policy changes to become more energy and water efficient. It is local governments that provide the best hope of moving toward a sustainable future.
The Sheriff has offered to help fight crime in St. Petersburg. As several neighborhoods do battle with the worst of the
and drug dealers, it is a positive sign that additional help is on the way. Please pass on a thank-you to Sheriff Coats. We need to continue to spread crime watch and court efforts across the city.
CONA should be proud of the thousands of hours that neighborhood activists invested in the new LDR’s (zoning) which will finish a seven year effort this fall. The great challenge now will be to change the culture of variance approvals. The old zoning did not fit so often that we assumed the zoning variances should be approved. IF we can change that to assuming that we must build within the new code, it will have been worth the effort.
The Pinellas Living Green Expo will be back again in 2007 and 2008. Thank you to the many volunteers who helped show the widespread interest in improving our community.
Karl Nurse
President
1 Comments:
Perhaps you could pass this onto your members?
For Immediate Release:
“Speak Out!” Public Forum on Media Access
Top news executives from Tampa Bay area TV and newspaper organizations discuss local reporting and media access.
Scheduled for 7 p.m. September 28, at the St. Petersburg Times, 490 First Avenue South, St. Petersburg.
Ever wonder how media organizations find stories and decide on what gets covered and who gets the story?
The area’s National Association of Black Journalists chapter will offer their third annual public discussion on media coverage and tips on getting your news in the news.
Representatives from all major Tampa Bay area media outlets will join the panel discussion on local reporting and media access.
Moderated by Eric Deggans, St. Petersburg Times Media Critic and President of the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists, the discussion will offer the public a chance to ask questions directly of the community’s top media executives. Admission is free.
RADIO AND TV STATIONS – Please list this free event among any Public Service Announcements you normally provide.
NEWSPAPERS – Please include in any listing of community events.
Contact: Eric Deggans, 727-893-8521
Eric Deggans
President, Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists
Media Critic, St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times
http://www.freewebs.com/tampabaynabj/
http://blogs.tampabay.com/media/
(727) 893-8521
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