Trying to preserve a sense of community

Connie Moser
Published: April 17, 2008

What an insulting letter by Mr. Scott C. Ecklin on April 13!

First, I wonder what portion of the Bill of Rights refers to “fascism” of the “community” and government.

Then, I wonder how he could possibly have misunderstood a county employee to advocate trespassing. I was not at the community meeting, but I’ve been to many others.

I’ve also worked closely with a number of local government employees, like Pat Reilly from Neighborhood Services, Michelle Casciato from Public Works and Brenda Evans from the Clean Community
Council. I can state with certainty — no county employee would ever espouse trespassing.

One of the most insulting portions of Mr. Ecklin’s letter is his inane question, “Will they take your home and maybe kill you if you refuse to leave?” I’m not certain what issues are at play here, but that’s not exactly a concern for the majority of people.

Mostly, I am insulted, because I spend endless hours trying to build a sense of community in my own neighborhood. I live in the Lindendale Community. “Community.” It states that right on the entrance sign.

I am thwarted daily by laws that protect people like Mr. Ecklin. My question is, “What about MY rights?” Don’t I have a right to live in a neighborhood that I am not ashamed to call home?

Don’t I have a right to invite friends and family to visit my home and not feel embarrassed by the trash, debris, inoperable vehicles, falling-down sheds, inappropriate structures and graffiti surrounding us?

What about my right to feel safe and secure in a community bound with pride and protected by neighbors who know each other and care for each other.

Our neighborhood is aging, Mr Ecklin, but we’ve invested 20 years of our life and a small fortune of our money to maintain a beautiful home.

How dare you suggest we allow it to be bulldozed into oblivion because it’s old.

CONNIE MOSER

Woodbridge