Dear True,
Once, on a trip to Charleston, S.C., I heard a story about a prominent wealthy family who had lived in the town for four generations and was still dismissed with a sniff as "new people." This story came to mind when I read Elizabeth Perry's editorial in the News-Herald in which she criticizes John Haluska for his stand on the ATV issue because he hasn't lived here for generations. How many generations does it take to get into the exclusive "residents club?"
I'd like to know what constitutes a resident? If Cook County is your legal address and you pay horrific taxes every year, are you a resident? If you are ingrained in the social life of the area, are you a resident? If you volunteer your time and money year after year to any and all worthwhile local causes, doesn't that make you a resident? If you never miss an opportunity to keep Grand Marais the wonderful place it's always been, or make it even better, is that chopped liver? If you inhabit your home in Cook County for 7 to 9 months out of a year, and have done for some years, aren't you a resident? (I mean, if you winter elsewhere are you automatically disqualified from the Cook County Stoics Club?) If you've actually owned your home in Cook County for years, doesn't that count for something?
I'd really like to know.
Signed, Bewildered
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4 comments:
I like the approach of this blog. Interesting how you get the big picture and the grassroots.
Given that, I've chosen True North to be included in the newest edition of A Hitchhiker's Guide To The Blogosphere. Keep up the good work.
Cheers!
Sorry folks, the link changed. You'll find the Hitchhiker's Guide here.
Funny how I am one of those high tax paying people, one who volunteers on numerous boards and projects. I guess Elizabeth Perry must love to take advantage of those of us that support and are always looking for ways to better Cook County. Something else that is funny is that a lot of the volunteers I see volunteering are not even born or close to it life time residents. Many are only from the last 10 - 15 years.
Well...It is simple. Like or not.
If you were born here. You are a real local.
If you are a transplant and choose to struggle to live her year round. You are a transplant local.
If you have a cabin here and come one in a while. You are a cabin owner.
If you own a cabin here and come for a few months out of the year...You are a seasonal resident.
It is all what you choose.In any community. You want to live here...or not. You get to have a say...or not.
Funny some of the people that choose to live somewhere else the majority of the year want a say in how we live 12 months out of the year...
And to be frank...A good share of the people that volunteer have created things to volunteer for.
Not all but MANY!
Sarah
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