Re: 1-st. donation

Posted by Kelly Sidener on February 18, 2010, 7:05 pm, in reply to "1-st. donation"
187.146.106.241

Frank, I probably don't have a right to respond to this as a non-resident, or property owner. However, I was sufficiently impressed with you, your commitment, and the need for the task as you outlined, that I feel compelled to respond. I would like to suggest there is another way to do this, that I feel will lend to a cleaner line of audit, as well as show initial commitment from the community that will keep your project on track, and hopefully springboard the program. I would rather see the community come together to commit to donations of the level that allow us/them to purchase your SUV at the Kelly Blue Book price from you, and then purchase the new patrol vehicle with that trade-in and whatever required down payment. I see this as a means of clean title transfer (assuming there is a Mexican equivalent as I am familiar with in the US) and the new vehicle then becoming the "association" property. As a result, I would like to commit to a modest donation of $50 USD, to go toward the fund to pay you for your vehicle as the trade-in, upon establishment of the appropriate accounting and checks and balances as discussed in our Wednesday AM mens breakfast meeting. I would like to follow that with a challenge to the local property owners/residents, to step up to the plate with additional pledges, that follow this plan, OR, come up with another suggestion, that does not involve the Assistant Chief of Police having to fund the initial patrol vehicle out of his own pocket. Come on guys, I believe this is the right thing to do, do you not? As a follow on note, I had initially intended to put some money into the school lunch program, as I have recently read the "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortensen, and believe his practice of building schools not bombs in Pakistan and Afganistan is the right approach to local humanitarian aid. However, a school in a community that is under secure, is still at risk. I think Franks approach is a GOOD start to bringing police presence to the community, and with any luck, bridging the gap between gringo and local Mexican residents. As an outsider, I'm not able to support or qualify the need for a police presence, but feel this is a basic municipal community need, that without appropriate support will continue to struggle and perhaps flounder. Guys, get your slingshots out and fire a volley back to me if you dissagree, I'm just flying by wire. Kelly

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