Dear Group,

It is with great glee I congratulate the Honorable Council on their decision
last evening.

Anything that is bad for the obstructionists is good for Newport as a whole.

The parents concerned about education / black and hispanic communities /
business community interested in expansion / moderate and conservative Democrats
/ socially concerned Democrats / Sailing community / et al Coalition continues
to gain momentum. Losses on Waite's Wharf, the Coronet and here continue to set
the obstructionists back. Even the MPA "gets it" now.

Unfortunately, the task is not over. The obstructionists have resorted to
harrassment in order to try to steal victory. We should be reminded that this
is where we lost the last time.

All those of good conscience and proper understanding need to let their
Councillor's know that the silent majority approves of this decision. A simple
thank you card or approving "hi" at the supermarket will do.

It is also time for inactive members who may fit in the coalition realize that
what benefits one, benefits all. It should be noted that the "parents concerned
about education" now need our help with the current budget fight.

If you understand that the Harbor decision benefits you, it becomes a somewhat
moral obligation to assist the minority communities present in our town and
parents concerned about education in making sure that Newport's educational
system receives proper investment.

The goals of anyone of these groups by themselves, although admirable, is not
enough to win. Combining forces howerver, will lead to continual victory
finally showing itself after the 2004 election in local party affiliate control.
The local Democratic City Committee, especially its leadership, too must change
and the seeds of that change are in the Coalition.

If you begin your statements to the Honorable Council with how long you've been
a Newporter, you are on the wrong side of the question. If you truly believe
that anyone truly cares what your grandfather may have done "when the town was
different", you are in the wrong place. Newport is changing and priorities must
change with it.

Bobby Oliveira