Hello, I'm Rick, a committed civic activist in Key West, FL.
My current project of interest to this forum is advising our Mayor on the economic foundations of our resort community. For example, when the tourist advisory council says something like "70% of our economy is from tourists," what does that mean?
I still occasionally teach at Berkeley and work part-time doing tax and retirement advising here in Key West, where I have lived since 1996. I believe what I find here will be similar to conditions in other resort communities, and would like to read what others have done, discuss common analytical problems, and share whatever thoughts I have that may be of interest to others.
I am motivated to do this work by two unusual successes in 2006: I was the lead plaintiff in a successful lawsuit blocking an unsightly new development in our historic district (they subsequently greatly improved the diesign and everyone's happy), and was the treasurer for a new city commissioner's election campaign. He had been a board member of our largest civic/environmental activist group, and he won his race against an opponent well-funded by developers and realtors.
Despite these win/lose confrontations, I have made it clear to all that I seek win/win cooperative arrangements by groups with seemingly conflicting interests--such has always been the prime goal of my organizational behavior course in the business schools. I do believe development, tourism, and cruise boats (when possible!) have their place in a vibrant and improving resort community, while protecting the historical charms and environmental blessings that made the community desirable in the first place.
I hope this forum allows me to learn and interact with similarly motivated individuals and groups.
