NASSAU COUNTY CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC. "The government is us, we are the government, you and I." Teddy Roosevelt

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Hello Neighbor,

Through the years we’ve gotten together with friends, family on many occasions and had conversations regarding the many issues that effect our way of life. Some conversations were pleasant and others were not. What are the politicians doing? Who should I vote for? Who will address the great tax burden we face as Nassau County residents? Who will  control the spending? What are our kids being taught in our schools; with or without our knowledge or consent?  Who can address the moral and ethical issues, and challenges that we face in our society today?
    

A couple of months ago, after I had a long conversation with a friend of mine, I came to a realization that most of the time I’ve been living life like a drifting boat on the sea. Occurrences take place in my world that do effect me and my family, and due to the distractions of my busy life, I basically go with the flow and never really realize what’s going on around me.
 

There are things happening all the time that are influencing my future, and more importantly my children’s futures, that I’ve shown little concern about, or haven’t made the time to inquire about.
    

The idea of not knowing how to, or not doing something to, control my own destiny or my family’s lifestyle has gotten me frustrated, depressed, and also angry with myself. But more so, I’m angry about the destructive and negative influences that shape the society that I have to live in.
    

I spoke to a few friends of mine about this and I found that many of them share the same feelings that I have. How many times have we screamed about the taxes, or have been angered by what our fourth graders are discussing in school, or why I constantly have people blocking my driveway, but the only time I see a policeman is when I drive into the Stop N Shop parking lot. Why can’t I do something to make a positive change, to help myself and my friends and neighbors? And why is it that so many of my friends and neighbors feel the same way on issues as I do and nothing changes? I think the biggest question is: why aren’t we doing anything about it?
     

A few friends and I have decided to do something to try to make some positive changes in our lives, in our community, and in our county. Last month we started an organization called the Nassau County Civic Association (NCCA).
    

The NCCA has been organized for the purposes of promoting the economic, civic, health, moral, social, educational, and recreational welfare of Nassau County and its residents. We can accomplish this by promoting open, honest, and moral government that is responsive to the needs of the people of Nassau County through public participation and awareness.
     

I know that this might sound like a big undertaking, but we’re not planning on moving the world. What we basically want to do is empower people with helpful information that they can use to make positive changes in their lives and their communities within Nassau County. We want to discuss issues that do effect Nassau County residents and let our county government and politicians know what we are thinking about. And if possible, we want to change some processes and procedures regarding taxes and other issues that have been detrimental to us; the residents of Nassau County.
     

We all recognize that one of the biggest problems facing us is the fact that we all have busy lives with many burdens and obligations, as well as very little extra money to spend on anything outside of the family expenses. With this taken into consideration we’ve agreed to meet about once a month, which will last for about an hour, and we have membership dues of only $10.00 per year.    
     

We feel that with increasing membership, as well as donations, we will be able to empower the people in order for the politicians to represent us, not to pander to special interest groups. We support statesman and stateswomen, not politicians. 
     

The reason I have written this letter is because I feel that you and your family hold the same values and standards as I do. You are of fine ethical and moral character and I know that you care a great deal about your family and your community. I believe that you have the right attitude and ideas that would benefit the association.
     

So I invite you to join the NCCA, and I welcome your thoughts and concerns. With your help I know we can make a positive change in our County.
    

Of course if you feel reluctant for any reason please contact me and I will be happy to answer any concerns that you have. I also want you to know that I won’t be offended if you can’t do it. I’m not a salesman trying to sell you something you don't need, I’m just trying to get some people together with some ideas and initiatives to possibly do some good for ourselves and our community.
     

Thanks for taking the time to read this letter, and please let me know your thoughts on joining NCCA.

Sincerely
Maurice Harrington