"First off, I am a rental property owner, specifically of 49 Elm Street, and formerly of 51 Elm Street. I will take the credit for turning 51 Elm Street (a ten-unit building) into a neighborhood asset, because I put in four hard years of work myself turning that building around, and I recall Mark Yolles telling me that by doing that I had changed the entire block back to a better time. I continue to own 49 Elm Street, and I care for it as if I lived there myself. When the Madison Place fires of a couple years ago raged and burned the back of my building, I had completely rebuilt before anyone else had even started, and my residents didn't lose their apartments. I screen very thoroughly my potential residents, and am confident that the three I have there today, and any that I have in the future will be welcome neighbors. Thank you for publicly acknowledging my efforts, and others like me.

   "Secondly, as the VP of CDARPO, I would like to say that I appreciate the fact that finally someone is willing to recognize the efforts and contributions that rental property owners make towards the survival and the betterment of the community. Rarely do the good landlords get a pat on the back for doing things right, but quickly we are chastised for falling short of a neighborhood's desires. I commend you for takling the forward step of appreciating those of us who, believe me, against the odds, still manage to keep our property and our residents welcome in the neighborhood. I could write you a book on what landlords face every day -- the expenses, the risks, the surprises, judgment, criticism, callousness, on and on. So thank you for seeing the positive side of us and our business.

   "Finally, I am a non-resident landlord. I am very disappointed that you have chosen to exclude me from the possibility of ever being recognized for my efforts. Because the fact is, my contributions to the Mansion neighborhood mean every bit as much as those of say, Colin McKnight, my resident neighbor, friend, and also a landlord. But I have to make those accomplishments against tougher odds and standards. My property is taxed at a higher rate than a resident's, and I am required to comply with tougher rules and regulations concerning my apartments. Also, not living in the building, it is much more difficult for me to keep close tabs on the "goings on." I have to travel miles to make neighborhood association meetings. For years I was on the neighborhood association Board of Directors. I stop and shovel and salt my sidewalk at 6:30am and at 9 or 10pm if it's necessary. I don't hesitate to approach a passerby blaring music or vulgarity and demand that they cease that behavior on this block. Every time I come down Elm Street I take a look at the other homes to see if anything looks amiss. I could go on.

   "So basically, although you have taken the right step in introducing this new award, you have completely blown it by limiting eligibility to only residents. Once again, there is no incentive for a non-resident landlord to be involved in the neighborhood. Lucky for you, and the neighborhoods, there are still some of us out here who do the right thing because that's the way we are. We don't need the thanks. But you should consider what the possibilities might be by removing a requirement that I can't see has any bearing on the intent of the award, of being an asset to the neighborhood. Curiously, it's also the only award that appears to have this residency requirement.

   "Robert McRae 12 Leonard Drive, Delmar"

•• Public official who has been particularly responsive to neighborhood issues.
•• Organization or group who has made a special impact on our neighborhoods.
•• Noteworthy community or neighborhood based volunteer publication or website.
•• Local Retail Business that is an asset to its neighborhood.
•• Rental Property Owner who has improved his or her neighborhood. )