A look at North Fork politics

As expected, John Frederick has been re-elected president of the North Fork Preservation Association. As the group celebrates its 30th anniversary, John has been president for all but about six years. The only other presidents have been Howard Harrod and Ed Heger.

Longtime vice president Frank Vitale has been replaced by newcomer Bob Nelson, and Frank has become one of the directors. Same thing with Ellen Horowitz, who has moved from secretary to the board. Randy Kenyon is the new secretary.

NFPA has expanded their board of directors to increase membership involvement. Current directors in addition to Vitale and Horowitz are Steve Gniadek, Walter Roberts, Annemarie Harrod and Cameron Naficy.

In my opinion, the NFPA is a relatively moderate environmentalist group. Although I often disagree with them (I oppose expanding Waterton Park or any Whitefish Range wilderness area), I believe they are sincere in their efforts to protect and preserve North Fork values and lifestyle.

On the other hand, I am a strong supporter of the North Fork Improvement Association, which now calls itself the North Fork Landowners Association. I first became a member in 1955 and, except for a few years when I was away from the North Fork, have been a member since then.

Elections this year saw Debo Powers re-elected president. She is term-limited to two terms. Also re-elected was vice president Karen McDonough and director Alan McNeil. McNeil will serve a two-year term. New north director is Larry Kinsolving, who will also serve a two year term. Outgoing director Tom Edwards chose not to run again. Holdover directors are Flannery Coates and Lee Secrest, whose terms will expire in 2013.

In recent years, the board of directors has been an excellent mix of all of the interest groups on the North Fork. As a group, they have focused on what is best for the community and have set aside any personal agendas. We can now enjoy a full social schedule and still schedule educational programs and address the important issues.

Yes, we still have disagreements, but mostly disagree without being disagreeable. On issues where a majority agree, we are effective in dealing with the many county, state and federal agencies that are involved in managing the area. Examples are land-use planning, fire mitigation and control of noxious weeds.

I believe that every landowner should belong to the Landowners Association — take part in the activities you enjoy and ignore the rest. Rejoice when your neighbors agree with you and learn to accept that you won’t always be in the majority.

That’s what makes a strong community, which is better for everyone. What do you think?