tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451676564529471890.comments2009-05-04T17:11:50.053-04:00Lori Askeland on Village CouncilLori Askelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601576950553569506noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451676564529471890.post-2773050344468492712009-04-20T10:30:00.000-04:002009-04-20T10:30:00.000-04:00the name of the artist who created the busy is act...the name of the artist who created the busy is actually MacLean Tiffany. He was a graduate in 2008.Alexandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16999351325738101189noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451676564529471890.post-2716972286842516122009-03-23T13:35:00.000-04:002009-03-23T13:35:00.000-04:00thanks for using my photo, I love this one. I felt...thanks for using my photo, I love this one. I felt like a kid looking up and getting lost in the sky and branches. Hope you had a nice spring break.jafabrithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04490900607853203086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451676564529471890.post-43201846937389391882008-12-06T10:07:00.000-05:002008-12-06T10:07:00.000-05:00First snowfall and I feel like a silly little kid ...First snowfall and I feel like a silly little kid again :) Norwegian and Northeast English heritage lol!<BR/><BR/>Have a great weekend.jafabrithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04490900607853203086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451676564529471890.post-31883263288738955082008-06-17T09:05:00.000-04:002008-06-17T09:05:00.000-04:00Thanks, Jon. I can't imagine your loss. Thank yo...Thanks, Jon. I can't imagine your loss. Thank you for your note, and words of support. Numerous people who were driving or walking on the street, one with a small child, have contacted me to tell me they were very nearly hit by these vehicles. And we're a little village nearly 20 miles from the city of Dayton!<BR/><BR/>I hope that some of my constituents may pursue this issue further.Lori Askelandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11601576950553569506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451676564529471890.post-78429627067847039632008-06-16T21:15:00.000-04:002008-06-16T21:15:00.000-04:00Hi,I lost my son to high speed chase in the Boston...Hi,<BR/>I lost my son to high speed chase in the Boston area just one year ago. We started a campaign to institute changes in cities, counties and states across the country. Below is a letter I recently sent to the Mayor of Salem MA because she, too, want to support our cause. Perhaps I can help with your movement in Dayton.<BR/>Best regards,<BR/>Jon Farris<BR/><BR/><BR/>Mayor Kimberley Driscoll May 19, 2008<BR/>Salem City Hall<BR/>93 Washington Street<BR/>Salem, MA 01970<BR/><BR/>Dear Mayor Driscoll,<BR/>We have been contacted by two of your constituents, Melissa and Marc, about your May 12th letter. Melissa and Marc were friends of our son, Paul Farris, the young man killed in Somerville less than a year ago. They have joined in our quest to change police pursuit laws.<BR/>Immediately after Paul’s death we began an aggressive grassroots campaign to elevate the issue of police chases and to bring about necessary changes to prevent more senseless deaths and injuries as a result of poor decisions by police officers. The only way to ensure changes this dramatic are through much tougher police pursuit policies and, ultimately, through legislation at a state or national level.<BR/>Since Paul’s death the Massachusetts State Police have indeed changed their pursuit policies, which is good. But without state-level legislation, we will need to go city to city, county to county, state to state. It’s a tough battle but one that must be fought and one we’re willing to continue.<BR/>With your letter to Melissa and Marc you also attached legislation proposed by Representative Christopher Fallon and Representative Brad Hill. This is exactly the direction that we believe is critical for long-term success.<BR/>We would be honored to speak with you and Representatives Fallon and Hill. We are also ready and able to fly to Massachusetts at any time to help this legislation by testifying about the impact on us and on so many of Paul’s friends and family. <BR/>We have had many interviews by television stations in Boston, Madison and Minneapolis. As recently as last Friday we were on NBC in Minneapolis and just several weeks ago FOX News Boston did a tremendous investigative piece featuring the Paul DVD about police chases and interviews with my brother. The Massachusetts media have been exceptionally interested and helpful and they continue to support our campaign. I am confident that they would be extremely interested in helping us publicize this legislation and hear from you, as the Mayor of a populous city, the authors of the legislation as well as other supporters. I’m also sure that Somerville Mayor Curtatone will join us in this fight if you and the Representatives are interested.<BR/>Per your request, I have enclosed several additional DVDs and a copy of the letter we sent to a friend, Minnesota State Senator, Geoff Michel, that outlines our story and positions the DVD. Just let me know if you need additional copies of either.<BR/>Again, we thank you for your caring and help.<BR/><BR/>Warmest regards,<BR/><BR/>Jonathan and Roberta FarrisAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06919295368976217907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451676564529471890.post-64286086865240060472008-04-07T13:16:00.000-04:002008-04-07T13:16:00.000-04:00Hi, Lauren, and, sincerely, thanks for your commen...Hi, Lauren, and, sincerely, thanks for your comments. I realize that it does take courage to state and sign your views in a public forum. <BR/><BR/>I take seriously your concern about publicizing my views on this issue. Here's my perspective. First, let me be clear: I meant it when I said in my original comments that I agree that the current plan is "not perfect" and that, although I'm being clear with the public about where I currently stand, "I welcome hearing thoughts on all sides of this issue." <BR/><BR/>One of the things I based my candidacy on was the need for increased density as a response to sprawl and on a goal of smart growth, based on in-fill development within our current village boundaries. This plan, to my mind, fits with those philosophies quite well. <BR/><BR/>Additionally, I have been looking carefully at these plans, have been reading the documents provided to me from various parties, pro and con, and have been engaged with the public on this plan since early in this year. <BR/><BR/>We have had three public discussions at Planning Commission on the FCC's ideas for this property, at least one of which was an official public hearing. The FCC has made some substantive changes in shape and layout, which is why some of those meetings could not be considered public hearings, as was planned. But there have been, in this time, no significant changes on the issues you're specifically addressing--density, sewage, etc. <BR/><BR/>Since I published my stance on this issue I have heard from all sides of the issue--including clear and articulate arguments from villagers who are concerned about many of the issues you raise here. <BR/><BR/>I take them seriously and work hard to consider each one on its merits, and in relation to the plan as I have studied it, and the best interests of the village, as I understand them, now and in the future. <BR/><BR/>As I mentioned, I knew that my stance would not be shared by all villagers, nor even by all of the people who supported by candidacy: I actually felt I owed it to those supporters to make clear what I was thinking about this issue, and why. That way, they could better make their own political decisions--about whether and how to engage in further dialogue, about whether to show up to meetings, etc. <BR/><BR/>I did not want whatever vote I take to come as a surprise to them. <BR/><BR/>So I appreciate your thoughts, and thank you for taking the time to share them with me.Lori Askelandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11601576950553569506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451676564529471890.post-82369873104028787472008-04-07T11:43:00.000-04:002008-04-07T11:43:00.000-04:00Lori,It concerns me that you have already made and...Lori,<BR/>It concerns me that you have already made and posted your stance of support for a project prior to the upcoming public hearing scheduled April 14th. I ask that you keep an open mind in order to hear all the varying input about the potential Barr development. While I am among many who support the idea of additional senior housing close to downtown, the specific plan that FCC has developed continues to have numerous issues I have a problem with. . .including, but not limited to: compatablity with the neighboring residents/structures, density nearly twice allowable by code, poorly designed senior housing with the absence of amenities, stress on sewer system, true affordability (?), the destruction of the historic building on the intended site, for example.<BR/> I do believe that with the encouragement of the Planning Commission, YS residents and potentially the Village Council, FCC may become more willing to compremise on several important matters many have had a problem with. Your support towards compremise could be more helpful to getting this project "on the ground" than your postion of simple support. Please give this some consideration. Lauren MillerLauren Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02707634666190751624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451676564529471890.post-51398393212282722012008-03-14T14:15:00.000-04:002008-03-14T14:15:00.000-04:00thanks Lori, this has just been amazing. Just to l...thanks Lori, this has just been amazing. Just to let you know a Yellow Springs couple tied the knot under the knit knot tree today :) The Rev. Cheryl Carter officiated. They chose the tree because they said it made them smile. COOL!jafabrithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04490900607853203086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451676564529471890.post-80237880668282300232008-02-20T09:39:00.000-05:002008-02-20T09:39:00.000-05:00An anonymous commenter called the Greenspace idea ...An anonymous commenter called the Greenspace idea "warm and fuzzy," too expensive, and attacked the Council for our decision on the coal plant--arguing that we were going to tax people out of their homes. <BR/><BR/>I accept that this is a position held by some in our village, but I will not post anonymous comments.<BR/><BR/>I would counter that Green Space money is an excellent investment--having the potential to be leveraged for 400% of its value in state and federal conservation grants--and it helps us retain the value of our homes. <BR/><BR/>If the poster would like me to publish his or her thoughts, he or she should have the courage to leave his or her name. Anonymous sniping comments are not appropriate to civil life.Lori Askelandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11601576950553569506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451676564529471890.post-12996176437727429752007-11-08T22:44:00.000-05:002007-11-08T22:44:00.000-05:00Congratulations, Lori! Can't wait to see what happ...Congratulations, Lori! Can't wait to see what happens next!Sarvihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05056602290514133722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451676564529471890.post-89068511191289752732007-11-02T08:56:00.000-04:002007-11-02T08:56:00.000-04:00Very, very interesting.Very, very interesting.Kaihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00513375730360968028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451676564529471890.post-87321067344356703692007-09-16T19:34:00.000-04:002007-09-16T19:34:00.000-04:00What a delight to see such clarity and compassion ...What a delight to see such clarity and compassion in local politics. Raising the level of public discourse can only benefit everyone.<BR/><BR/>-SarviSarvihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05056602290514133722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451676564529471890.post-82248166135643930502007-09-13T21:48:00.000-04:002007-09-13T21:48:00.000-04:00Why can't all persons running for public office ex...Why can't all persons running for public office explain themselves this well? How refreshing!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07540376184824225114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451676564529471890.post-8433833346110350322007-09-13T12:05:00.000-04:002007-09-13T12:05:00.000-04:00She's got my vote.DanShe's got my vote.<BR/><BR/>DanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451676564529471890.post-86922505542334455072007-09-12T10:01:00.000-04:002007-09-12T10:01:00.000-04:00Word! I am much that same kind of conservative, an...Word! I am much that same kind of conservative, and sometimes feel frustrated that the word is so loaded in our culture. (Real conservatives conserve!)<BR/><BR/>I like the vision that you articulate here.<BR/><BR/>-kenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com