The MWIA Elections, or How I Got Involved

I moved into the neighborhood in 1996 and frankly took most of the work of the MWIA for granted. When it became increasingly likely that Pimlico could become one of the largest casino sites in the eastern United States, I began to wonder why the MWIA hadn't taken a stronger position on the matter.

So I attended an open board meeting and voiced my concerns. The board took the issue seriously, and I was invited to work with the MWIA's Pimlico Committee. What I very quickly discovered was the enormous range of issues involved in the day-to-day of the Association.
I was then nominated to serve as Area 2 Captain and elected at the June 2003 annual meeting. Since then I have been involved in countless meeting, stream clean-ups, picnics, parades, City Hall meetings, you name it. Over the years I was asked to serve as Area Director, and am currently vice president. It's been an amazing experience, but I think it shows that it really isn't very difficult to become deeply involved in the MWIA. Show up, work hard, and play well with others.

The MWIA has put together a slate for 2008 that includes some new faces and some experienced hands. I am excited about working with each of them, and am really pleased with the quality and experience of each one. These are not one-issue activists, but people who have a deep commitment to our neighborhood, our schools, our parks, our public safety, and our relationships with our neighboring communities.

The next few years are going to be filled with challenges and great opportunities for the neighborhood. We are really fortunate in that we have a truly outstanding slate of nominated candidates. I would urge you to meet them and to support them at the Annual Meeting on June 17.

They are:
Jason Loviglio
Lynn Strott
Guy D'Andrea
Sally Saaugaitis
Clark Semmes
David Nemerson
Eliza Smith Steinmeier
Ira Kolman
Liz Hopkins
Curt McKnight
Laira Barrientos
Jennifer Mange
and Stephanie Regenold

Thanks.