Re: $5 million windfall

[Ken Medlin <dev-plan@moscow.com>]

>What is the best process for deciding how to use the generous bequest from
>Bob Hamilton?
Priscilla & Visionaries:  As for PROCESS, I recommend that each 
neighborhood, defined on the basis of our elementary school districts, 
schedule a meeting, using the PAT's as the organizational vehicle, 
between now and Summer vacation to thoroughly discuss and lay out their 
priorities.  Only by broadeningthe citizen base, and also including as 
many children in the act as well (teachers can have kids 'dream' about 
what they want, they can draw sketches, etc.) -- at all school levels. 
Let the PAT's collect this information and feed it back into whatever 
city advisory group is formed to oversee the  funds' uses. When people 
are involved everybody benefits, even if it's a bit cumbersome to 
administer -- every community thrives when as many people as possible are 
activated.

I repeat my view in a previous post and support John Danahy's appeal also 
that a substantial portion -- perhaps 20 - 50%, depending on people's, 
not just city hall's or some other leadership group's  sense of 
priorities --be invested for a perpetually revolving fund for this 
community's future youth needs. I think too that we ought to consider our 
outlying little towns as potential users of Moscow's youth facilities. 
This city serves others in many ways, and children ought to be included 
whenever possible. 

This post is being forwarded also to members of a community caucus that 
met in February to discuss the issues and problems, the future character, 
and the sense of community in Moscow and environs. We need to keep the 
discussions going and get involved in public policy review. That's the 
democratic process, if indeed we believe in it.
Hopefully these ideas are useful.  Thanks for the opportunity.  Ken M.  

------------------------
William K. Medlin
Dev-plan associates
930 Kenneth Street
Moscow ID 83843
208/892-0148
dev-plan@moscow.com