May 2008

7/31/2008

We have been looking for ChiChi the missing Chihuahua for one week today. We haven't found him but do thank all the people who have looked and are still looking. We have had comments about putting up so many flyers and somebody has already pulled some down, but my real comment is concerning all the trash that is on the ground all over this community. My daughter and I tried to get any flyers/posters if they had blown down or had been ripped down and we also picked up lots of other trash. I'm sorry if my flyers offend people...I've always thought it was a great place for people to ask for help in finding lost pets or to advertise a yard sale, but the people who complain about the signs should be concerned about all the dumping of real garbage. For all the people who want this to be a Ritzy neighborhood, address the real problems here, the least of which is all the trash.

7/31/2008

Mitch . . . what a coincidence that you got to talk to Congressman Bonner . . . hope he listened to what you had to say . . . in the meantime, I switched my homeowners insurance today to GeoVera . . . received more coverage and they not only cover liability, but wind and hail at a 3% deductible! It's $200 more per year than I'm paying Allstate - which my premiums doubled last year. If anyone is interested in finding out more about GeoVera - call the Alabama Insurance Agency on Stanton Rd. in Daphne (across from Cockrell's) and ask for Connie - 625-2600 . . . I don't normally do pitches for companies, but I was impressed . . . now, all I need to find is new auto insurance since that will go up with Allstate since I won't have "multiple" policies with them - no joke - my intent is to have NO policies with them. Coincidentally, my Allstate agent sells GeoVera . . . but did they offer that to me? No - they said wait until my policy expires in November - duh? The other agency in town that sells GeoVera is the Caldwell Agency at 626-3318.

Great information!  Thank you!

7/31/2008

As far as the information on the tearing down of the country club is concerned, I know that this is true, because I asked a member of the board.  He said that everything past the glass sliding doors would be torn down and that the Board's reason was to save 140,000 dollars per year in heating and cooling costs. You know, not long ago the Board paid 20,000 dollars for a member survey in which the members responded that they wanted the Country Club maintained. Now the Board has decided tear it down against the wishes of the membership and without even discussing it with the members. It has not really been too many years ago when there was a major movement in Lake Forest to prevent our amenities being given away to Faulkner College.  How is this any different?  We will not have a country club either way because I was assured by the Board member that there are no plans in the foreseeable future to build another Country Club.  Any functions or meetings will be held at the yacht club which is not even in the subdivision and the Yacht Club is much more susceptible to hurricane damage.  What kind of a financial decision is that.  It seems to me that we are losing one of our major amenities without even being consulted and, oh yes, we are also being assessed again so they will have the money to tear the Country Club down.  That just adds insult to injury

7/30/2008

Mitch, Honestly, your lack of accurate information and grasp of the country club situation is painful to read.

OK, as everyone who reads this website is aware, I publish what is reported as it is reported.  The above contribution is an example.  And, it is possible that in the last two and a half years, conditions in Lake Forest could possibly have changed for the worse in an incredibly dramatic way when compared to the conditions of the previous decade when I was involved closely with the association.  Granted, there have been no real disasters like the many hurricanes we had in those years.  Perhaps the cost of oil has hurt the association far more than it has most other people.  But what makes all of this doubtful is that if the above contribution really had any merit, it would have said something along the lines of "Mitch, what you reported is wrong because of this, this and this."  There would have been facts to refute what was reported.  As the contributor is well aware, I would have published that as well.

7/30/2008

Mitch . . . I just got off the phone with John Hand in Congressman Bonner's office in Washington, DC . . . he called me this morning in regard to the telephone conversation I had with Bonner's Baldwin County aide yesterday. Mr. Hand told me that the U. S. House of Representatives is acutely aware of the insurance crisis and, in fact, had sponsored a bill HR920 entitled the "multi-peril insurance act" which passed the House. However, when it got to the Senate, it was revised and never passed. The Senate's bill is S2284. Mr. Hand stated that we need to CALL - not write or email - our U.S. Senators - Shelby and Sessions - and tell them our feelings about homeowners insurance and what we are going through in lower Alabama. As for calling Farmers Insurance . . . they will only cover wind/hail north of I-10 and only for homes built since 2000. I urge everyone to attend the Eastern Shore Exchange Club's meeting on August 7 at 6 p.m. at the Lake Forest Yacht Club at which time Congressman Bonner will be speaking.

Interestingly enough, I was sitting at my computer tonight writing the next contribution when my phone rang.  When I answered, I found myself listening to one of those automated operators saying that I was invited to participate in a town hall meeting with Congressman Bonner.  All I had to do was stay on the line and I would be joined to the meeting.  So, I stayed.  Then, she said that if I wanted to ask a question, I should press 0.  So, I pressed 0.  I listened to a number of questions and at one point the Congressman said that there were 10,000 listeners with us with 600 wanting to ask questions.  Well, so much for that I thought.  I'll never get on.  So, I got up and got a glass of water and when I sat back on I heard the Congressman say, "Now we have Mr. Davis in Daphne"!  I was so surprised I nearly knocked the phone off the desk trying to get to it.  In any event, I told Congressman Bonner about the problem of I10 being set as some arbitrary boundary for insurance purposes.  I told him that Lake Forest and Timbercreek were two subdivisions with Lake Forest being on the south side of 10 and Timbercreek being on the north side of 10.  I told him that people in Lake Forest were losing their homeowners insurance or being charged rates that were two or more times higher than those across the interstate.  I said that using that road as a boundary was just not right and that the homes should be looked at on a case by case basis instead.  I told him that I did not believe that Lake Forest had any more claims proportionately than Timbercreek and then I turned it back over to him.  His reply was very nice and he said the same thing that you were told above,  He said, though, that they were not through and that he agreed with everything I told him and he would continue working on it.  He said he was very familiar with Lake Forest and Timbercreek.  I don't know that the conversation did much good, but it was an interesting coincidence that your contribution had just been input before his call.

7/30/2008

Monday night, July 28th, the LFPOA Board of Directors voted to tear down the Country Club.  You're reading that right.  They voted to tear the Lake Forest Country Club down to the ground.  Now, they aren't planning to tear the whole thing down, mind you.  They're just going to tear down everything up to the sliding door of the 19th Hole!  They will move all administrative offices, inventory, equipment and everything else into space somewhere in the 19th Hole.  And, what is the reason they give for doing this?  They say it will save over a hundred thousand dollars a year in utility bills.  I'm not really clear about the number they're throwing around, but I heard it's in the $120,000 - $140,000 range.  Do you believe that?  No?  Well, neither do I. 

Let me ask you something?  Is your power bill too high?  Wanna bring it down?  How's this for an idea?  Why don't you tear down most of your house?  You can move the family into the garage.  Think of all the money you'll save on power!!  No?  What do you mean, "It's a bad idea"?  It'll leave an eyesore?  It'll diminish the quality of life for your family?  Do you really think so?  How about this?  You tear the house down and then get your neighbors to build you a new one!  TA DA!!  They won't be able to stand the eyesore you've left, so they will build you a new one!  How about that!  They won't do it?  Are you sure?  How about this?  Do some research through years and years of Alabama Code until you find some obscure law that will force them to do it!  That's right!  Tear down your house and then use some obscure law to force your neighbors to build you a new one!!  What a deal!!!  They'll sue you first?  Are you sure?  You think the judge will rule against you and call you ugly names?  You say that if you did something like that, your family would be justified in throwing you out on your ear and telling the world about you for years to come?  Yeah. You're probably right.

Don't you think that if your power bill was too high, that you would first look for ways to make your house more energy efficient?  Do you think that your first plan would be to destroy your home?  Not likely.  Do you realize that for just what it will cost to demolish that building, they can implement any number of energy saving measures?  They can implement measures like lowering or raising the thermostat, adding more insulation, closing off sections when not in use and closing A/C vents in those areas, installing a zone system that alters the temperature in different parts of the building based upon use or schedule, and more.  But. all that assumes that they even want to keep the building.  Now we are getting to the real truth.  I know that Steve has been wanting to do something like this for years.  I know that many of the board have been wanting to do something like this, also for years.  Power consumption is just the excuse.  I don't believe I have ever heard of a representative body that showed less regard for the will of its constituency than this LFPOA Board of Directors.  Let's look back at recent history.  First, they bring in a building inspector to evaluate the Country Club.  They knew he would tell them it was a dump.  Wrong.  He said that the building was actually in pretty good shape.  I was there the night he gave his report.  Watching Henry's face was almost entertaining.  I could almost see his bubble fzzzzing all over the room.  Then, they commissioned a survey and even structured it in a way to lead the members to their point of view.  Surely, that would work.  Nope.  The members said they didn't want a new clubhouse.  The members said "maintain the one you have".  So, what have they been doing since?  They've been trying to find a way to spin the results of that survey.  No luck, again.  Then, when they thought no one was looking, they pulled a smooth, albeit unethical, maneuver to get control of the by-laws.  That little stunt now has them in court.  That happened in April and now in July, they make this decision.  They say they have no plans to rebuild a clubhouse.  They would have you believe that they really have no plans to do anything with the right to change by-laws either.  They are obviously convinced that Lake Forest residents are dumb as ducks! 

For those of you in District Five, Willie Robison voted for this and also voted to take control of those by-laws.  You should vote accordingly for your City Council seat.

7/29/2008

This is a bit off the present debate, but I think our assistant golf pro, Paul Johnson, needs some recognition.  He with Don's help have the junior program going wide open.  I understand there are now about 50 kids involved.  Not only does this foster future development of your golf course, but it also occupies our children in a wholesome manner thereby preventing mischief, etc.  I also understand that he recently achieved his class A status.  So I say Congratulations and Thanks Paul and Thanks to you also Don!

2/29/2008

Hi Mitch, I’ve been following your blog comments about the campaign and appreciate the nonbiased tone in your material. I’m a Small campaign worker (District 3) who went to the “debate” at Lake Forest. I think both Harry and Fred answered questions, but Ernie was full of hype. He has been here for 4 years by my count and although he speaks quite well I also don’t see much substance in his speeches. The comment about turning the mall into a river walk like San Antonio was just silly. I have run across him on the campaign trail and he was somewhat hostile. Glared and gave me thumbs down! This is not the impression you get from his internet videos and I don’t think I want to see that in a Mayor. I like both Harry and Fred and at least in my opinion either man would be a good Mayor, but I really worry about Ernie.  At least from what I’ve seen there is a small group of people pushing their own agendas through him. Keep up the good work. 

2/29/2008

How many of you have received the form letter from Allstate (or State Farm) informing you that when your homeowners insurance renews that you will no longer have wind/hail coverage provided? I, for one, received such a letter last week from Allstate. When I called the agent's office, I was told that Allstate would continue "liability" coverage (fire, theft, etc.) and that I could get wind/hail coverage through the Alabama "beach pool". Or, that Allstate would try to get me "full" coverage (liability, wind/hail) through a "new" company called GeoVera (f/k/a USF&G) base out of California. Allstate quoted me $550.00/year for liability and $2,613.00/year through the beach pool. People - combined, this is DOUBLE what I'm paying now! And, no telling what GeoVera will quote for the whole package - since quotes are only good for 60 days and I don't renew until the end of November. Now, my feelings are that the Federal government needs to regulate this industry in some way . . . do you know that houses are not selling in our area because buyers cannot afford the insurance. And, insurance is required by your mortgage company - so you have to pay whatever is offered in our local market. I understand that U. S. Rep. Jo Bonner will be speaking at the Eastern Shore Exchange Club on August 7 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lake Forest Yacht Club . . . I have spoken with his aide in the Baldwin County office and understand that Bonner will take questions at this meeting - perhaps we could have a showing of Lake Forest residents who can voice their concerns regarding this important issue.

What these insurance companies are doing is outrageous.  Setting I10 as some sort of arbitrary boundary is ridiculous.  I don't believe the insurance claims in Lake Forest, for example, are any greater than those in Timbercreek.  The State should be stepping in on this and setting a policy that if a company doesn't make a reasonable effort to cover those south of I10, then they should not be able to sell to anyone in the State.  Try Farmers.

7/29/2008

I think that certain groups like to back candidates that lack experience or knowledge in certain areas in hopes to control their actions, whether it be a candidate for mayor or a candidate running for a board member position.

Well in backfired in Lake Forest didn't it.  They got a return of assessments, increased debt, and loss of use of amenities.

7/28/2008

I've been thinking about the Ernie for mayor buzz that is being promoted around Lake Forest by Henry, Jim and others and I am curious.  What do they see?  I went back and watched the Youtube videos again and was still impressed by how well he speaks before an audience or a video camera.  I also think the use of the Internet and Youtube is pretty innovative.  Still, as the little old lady used to say in those hamburger commercials, "Where's the meat?"  He speaks of his experience in business.  That's nice, but how does that translate into running a small city?  Fred Small is a very successful businessman.  What has that meant for Daphne as he has served as mayor?  Do you think his was a successful term?  If you do, then shouldn't you vote for him again?  Harry Brown was not a businessman, but did have a long career with Bellsouth, earned a college degree, served for many years on the City Council and, in the opinion of this writer, had a very successful period as mayor.  Why would I vote for someone else about whom I know so little?  If Ernie is the best qualified, then there must be some evidence out there to show that.  Where is it? 

He says in his video that he came to Daphne five years ago.  Five years ago?  That means that he really doesn't know that only a short time before that, Daphne folks had to drive all the way to Mobile to shop.  Our children had to drive across the bayway or causeway to go to a movie, except when the nice little single screen theatre that we had in Daphne happened to have the one movie that they wanted to see.  He couldn't know what it was like to live in Daphne back then.  If he had been involved at that time, I wonder what his position would have been on the growth that took place over the last ten or twelve years, a growth that to a great degree was aided by the efforts of our little city government.  Would he have been out there helping to promote the business development or would he have been among the CAVE people (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) , who where extremely critical of the city's involvement.  Does he care that, now, those of us who live in Lake Forest can enjoy several great restaurants without going through a single red light?  Or, care that we can shop at a number of great stores like my own personal favorite, TJ Maxx, without getting on a busy thoroughfare?  How important is it to Mr. Berger that our teenagers can go to the movies without crossing the bay?  Would he have backed the city's involvement in that shopping center project?  Harry Brown did.  Where would Mr. Berger have stood on all those projects at the time?  What sense do you get about that?  Do you think it would be helpful to know?  While I have spoken from the perspective of how we enjoy these businesses, it should also be pointed out that they are major sources of city revenue.

He moved here five years ago.  Does he know that Lake Forest existed for many years without being part of Daphne.  Does he know that before Daphne annexed the subdivision, Lake Forest had its own sewage treatment plant and our water and sewage bill was $10 to $12 dollars a month, or that we paid Vodie Watts $7 a month to pick up our garbage?  Then, we were annexed and Daphne bought/took over the sewage treatment and water.  OK, so inflation has an impact.  So, maybe our current utility bills are in line.  Do you think so?  What did Daphne get out of annexing Lake Forest?  Lots and lots of tax money.  So, why are our streets in worse condition now than they were before annexation?  Will Mr. Berger do anything about that?  Has he said?  Do you know that much of the money that was promised to be spent on Lake Forest streets this year was diverted?  How much street repair have you seen?  Will someone who is new to the area and lives in old Daphne, support bringing the money back and correcting the problem?  The diversion took place under Fred's watch.  Harry Brown says he will fix these streets.  What about Mr. Berger? Do you wonder what someone like Mr. Berger, who is new to the area and does not have to bounce along Ridgewood Drive to get to work, will do? 

Five years?  After such a short time, he now thinks he should be mayor.  OK, has he served on any government committees or organizations?  How'd he do?  Was he progressive or conservative?  He doesn't say in his video.  Working in government is not a dictatorship or sole proprietorship where one has complete say on how things will be.  Government service requires cooperation, diplomacy, and compromise.  Where in the experiences that he has told us about are these skills demonstrated?  Why not start out on the city council and learn something about how things work in town government first?  He says that he has a Santa thing that does good work.  That's also nice.  He says in the video that it is the largest volunteer charity in the United States.  Wow!  That's impressive!  How does that compare with the Peace Corp?  That's a pretty large organization isn't it?  Nevertheless, one still has to wonder how that will help in his efforts to run a government. 

What do you know about Mr. Berger?  Does he have any kids or grandkids?  What does he think about the expenditures the city makes on recreation facilities for our young people?  Does he think that such expenditures are worthwhile?  He talks about improving quality of life.  I like the sound of that.  But, quality of life for who?  There are many in Lake Forest who think quality of life means what you get if you're over 21 or, in the case of some, if you're retired.  What specific initiatives has Mr. Berger mentioned that will increase the quality of life for all of Daphne's residents, young and old?  Has he said? 

The purpose of this piece is not to be critical of Mr. Berger.  It only asks questions.  The other two candidates have a record.  They cannot run from that.  You either appreciate what they did or you don't.  Change, in the opinion of yours truly, is a pretty crummy reason for voting for someone, unless you have evidence that the change will be good.  I support Harry, but I would change my vote to Ernie Berger.  All you have to do is give me a good reason why. 

7/27/2008

We want to thank all of the kind people who are helping search for ChiChi. You are all so nice to help us find him. Our family and friends started searching within 45 minutes of noticing that he had gotten out of the house. We've found nothing so we are hoping that someone has him and is taking care of him. If anyone has any information, please let us know, or better yet, just bring him to us. He has a heart condition, had eye surgery last year, has a skin allergy, and arthirtis. My daughter will give $1,000 for his return, no questions asked. Again, thank y ou to all who is helping search for him....Jane Harris and family

7/27/2008

The Ernie for mayor campaign is using Youtube as a campaign tool and very effectively.  I've seen a couple of them and the gentleman does speak very, very well.  He reminds me of Obama in that sense.  I've not heard much substance in these video presentations, but also like Obama, he probably just doesn't have a whole lot of public service experience to draw on.  I am hearing, though, that a couple of Lake Forest guys, Henry Lawson and Jim Moss are working very hard to promote his campaign.

7/24/2008

Thank you so much.  I know it's "just a dog", but he has been with us 12 years and has such personality.  I appreciate your help!

Mitch, my daughter has increased the reward I had for the Chihuahua to $1,000, no questions asked. Please post this. Anyone who has info or has the dog, please call 625-2340, 422-5152, 422-2588, 422-5915, or 422-5621. He is not registered, but just a dear pet and companion. Thanks to everyone who is searching for this little dog, ChiChi

7/24/2008 More dialogue on the lake.

Member 2:

7/23/2008

Mitch, This isn't one of your ususal comments.  I'm asking if you will please post this message for me: Lost: White male Chihuahua. Wandered from Ventura Circle (off Michael Loop) area July 22 between 10 and 11 am. His name is ChiChi and he's 12 years old...has been daughter's pet for the whole 12 years. He is harmless. If you find him please take him in and call 625-2340, 422-5152, 422-2588, 422-5915, or 422-5621. If you get him back to us, we will give you a reward. Please tell any friends that live here in Lake Forest to be on the lookout, too. Thank you!! Jane Harris and family 109 Ventura Circle

It is my pleasure

7/23/2008

7/22/2008

The Board of Directors has no knowledge of or approved signs being allowed on association property. I also suspect they will not be there very long.

I suspected as much.  This afternoon the large sign was gone, but the two smaller ones were still there.  They are planted right along the property line on the LFPOA side of the border shrubbery of the house.   Why not line up Small and Brown signs right next to them?

7/21/2008

Mitch,
 
I'm not sure but I think the property next to the lake where the "Ernie" signs are posted still belongs to Friday Construction. 

I know that the lot in question did belong to Friday.  I thought that a trade or deal of some kind had been made to transfer it to the association, so that it could be an access point to the lake.  Nevertheless, I wonder if Friday Construction supports any particular candidate for mayor.  I doubt that neither someone with a house up for sale nor a developer who wants to work with whomever is in charge at city hall would want campaign signs on their vacant lots.  Campaign signs do not help sell houses.

I've been thinking about this Lake Forest political action thing.  If I am not mistaken, Political Action Committees promote issues, not  candidates.  That is unless it is the candidate's political action committee.  We've had a couple of good examples of successful political action in Lake Forest in just the last year or so.  The community's campaign against the social service/church off of Montclair Loop and the campaign against the expanded apartment complex come to mind.  A PAC might contribute to a campaign, but it would not be unusual for one to contribute to several of the candidates in the campaign to hedge their bets, so to speak. How receptive to petitions from Lake Forest will the next mayor be, if he or she is not Ernie?

7/20/2008

I also noticed these signs were right on the (apparent) edge of the property line of a home owner leaving you to question if it is club property or not. However, the sign you pointed out is next to a house for sale - they probably could care less who our next mayor will be!

That is the large sign.  There are a couple of smaller ones clearly on the lot belonging to the LFPOA.

7/20/2008

I noted the same thing; no one has any right to place their sign on the associations property because no one has the authority to allow the same.

7/20/2008

  I noticed today that there are Ernie for Mayor signs on Lake Forest Property Owners Association property, specifically the lot next to the bridge on Bayview.  Since all three candidates are supported by Lake Forest members, it only seems right that if the association allows one to place signs on its property, it should invite all candidates for all positions to put their signs on LFPOA property. 

7/19/2008

Not sure any of the reviews of the candidates forum is accurate. Here is another perspective. When giving canned speeches, Berger did a great job, Small and Brown were less impressive. At impromptu speaking about real issues, I thought Berger said the least, Brown sounded like a bitter former Mayor and Small was honest and knowledgeable about most things discussed. The saddest part was even before it began. Berger campaign signs filled the entrance. Berger was out in front by design, it seemed. A real biased shown by the host body. I certainly hope the board wasn't involved in that set up. If Berger loses, we may not ever get anything done politically with that effort. The crowd was respectful to all candidates and the Forest Room was just too small and too hot. We also had lights out in the front entrance which caused concern when leaving in the dark. You could see many council candidates in the audience. Both incumbents and challengers were all over the place. Lots of handshaking and so forth.

  Thank you very much for your report.  Some of the comments from my earlier post came from some of those council candidates.

7/18/2008

I attended the candidates meeting at the clubhouse and was pleased to see the large turnout. I think the questions came from the audience because one of the questions was mine; however, I think Henry picked the questions he wanted to use. I had two questions and one I particularly wanted answered was not used. On the whole Small was the poorest speaker. Brown was a good speaker and had some good points. Berger is an excellent speaker but doesn't really say very much that you can pin him down on. He waves Lake Forest around like a flag and people even say he lives here, but he doesn't. He gives a nice rousing "4th of July" type of speech but do we want someone who can put on a good show or someone who can get the job done without wasting 8 million dollars on a new city hall. Plus, I think Henry's pushing Berger to try out using the Improvement Committee as a PAC - flexing his muscle, trying it on for size. I have been to Improvement Committee Meetings when this was discussed and now we see it come true.

  Thank you for that excellent report.  It is important for political action committees to build more bridges than they burn.  No, I do not believe that Ernie lives in Lake Forest.

7/17/2008

  Well, folks, yesterday I received reports on the meet the candidates thing in Lake Forest the other night.  And, no, none of them came from anyone running for mayor.  The most succinct remark was "it was awful".  Essentially, all the reports said the same thing, that it was terribly biased towards candidate Ernie.  One person said that although she didn't really know who wrote the questions, she suspected that it was Henry Lawson.  I suggested that his old buddy, Jim Moss, could have been involved, since he has been touting Ernie around Lake Forest.  She said that Ernie got mostly feel good questions like, "Tell us about your Santa Claus thing", while the other guys tended to get nailed.  That's a shame.  The idea of hosting an event like that is worthwhile, but the hosts really need to at least make an effort to be unbiased.  For example, the questions need to be fair to all and everyone should be asked the same questions with only a few exceptions.  What kind of support do they expect to get in the future if one of the other candidates wins?  I know that some of our contributors attend the Improvement Committee events.  Please drop us a note with your evaluation of the evening.

7/14/2008

A Lake Forester voting for Ernie for Mayor is like a chicken voting for Colonel Sanders.

7/11/2008

$500,000.00 was budgeted for street repair in Lake Forest in 2007. Only approximately $330,000 was spent?" Just what is another $170,000 going to improve? A couple more bumps I guess. Ever try leaving Lake Forest in the morning with a full cup of coffee?  It's fun, you gotta time the bumps before you take a sip!

  Coincidentally. I spoke with mayoral candidate, Harry Brown, just tonight.  He says he's going to fix those streets.  That's assuming that he is elected, of course.  He pointed out that the city council had taken a half a million dollars out of the capital improvement budget to fund some city employees' pay raises. So much for your street repair.  While he agreed that some raises might be justified, he said that several city streets were in very poor condition.  He specifically mentioned Ridgewood Drive, Whispering Pines and Main St.  He also pointed out that raises are not a one time expense.  That money is obligated for every year into the future, unlike the one-time cost of needed street repairs, which would be good for many years.  He was also critical of the large amount of money that was spent on city hall.  It could just have just been political-speak, but I recall Harry having delivered on his promises in the past.  The shopping center by Home Depot is a good example.   The LFPOA is hosting the mayoral candidates for a forum on the 15th.  Stop in and hear what they have to say.

Speaking of spending money, why does a public library need to advertise on television? It's a very nice library, but even if more people visited it, would there be any more revenue? Have you seen the ads for the Daphne Public Library?  They are very nice.

7/9/2008

Ed tells me that he is getting many, many pats on the back for our legal action to overturn the board's move to gain control over the by-laws.  It's a good thing that motions cannot be made in Executive Session or we might not have known about it until after they had borrowed a bunch of money and increased the dues to pay for it.  You know how much our board has enjoyed executive sessions over the last couple of years.  Interestingly, the April minutes indicate that the motion passed on an 8 - 1 vote.  How the directors voted should be part of the record, but was not included in the minutes.  Does anyone know which person voted no?

7/9/2008

The Daphne City Council will meet next Monday, July 7th at 6:30PM.  An item very important to Lake Forest will be on the agenda.  $500,000.00 was budgeted for street repair in Lake Forest in 2007.  Only approximately $330,00.00 was spent.  Greg Burnam, city council president, has assured us that he will address the remaining balance of $170,000.00 that should still be designated for Lake Forest streets.  We need to show, by our attendance, that we want that money to be spent as it was budgeted.  Each city council representative that has spoken to the Improvement Committee has repeated the same thing, over and over- "the squeaky wheel gets the attention." Let's begin to make some noise!!

We will be drawing the winning name for our "Cheer Basket" Friday afternoon, July 4th, at 3PM in the Pro Shop.  The basket raised over $200.00.  If you would like to be present for the drawing, please join us.

                                                                                The Improvement Committee

My apologies for this not making the Grapevine in time.  I was out of town last week and unable to update the website.

7/9/2008

Mitch . . . just a friendly reminder that the next Lake Forest Neighborhood Watch Program meeting will be held on Saturday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. in the Lake Room at the Country Club. Anyone interested in becoming a Block Captain - or to just volunteer your services - are invited to attend the meeting. See you all there!