"Ludlow Group Forming Land Trust Following several informal meetings, a group of Ludlow citizens is well on its way to creating a land trust organization to deal with affordable housing and land preservation issues. Led by Alan Isaacson, a small number of the Ludlow residents has tentatively decided to create the Ludlow Community Land Trust (LCLT). The initial purpose of LCLT will be act as an advocate of affordable housing in the Ludlow area. Currently both the Village and Town of Ludlow have zoning amendments before them dealing with affordable housing strategies. Both proposed amendments reference a locally-controlled land trust organization as the vehicle for managing affordable housing. Isaacson noted that the formation of LCLT, while needed to implement the proposed affordable housing amendments, represented an effort by its founders to ensure that an advocacy group existed to support all forms of affordable housing. He cited the current impact that Act 60 and 68 have had on taxes in Ludlow, indicating that many residents were unable to pay the resulting increased property taxes or rental fees. "Something has to be done to ensure that these folks have someone speaking in support of their needs," Isaacson said. In in latest meeting, the group decided to develop a formal charter that addressed its purpose, by-laws, and membership. Once these were put together, LCLT would formalize its existence by incorporating and subsequently seeking 501 (c) 3 status. The steering committee to direct these formative organizational steps include Isaacson, Peter Crowley, Steven Stengel, Jim Fuller, Kayla Drinwater and Ralph Pace. Isaacson stated that LCLT desired to work with anyone interested in affordable housing and preservation. It was his hope that the group would attract a wide level of community participation. "We welcome everyone concerned about these issues." he said, adding, "this has to be a community based movement if we're going to succeed." The next meeting of LCLT is scheduled for Thursday, March 23 at 7 pm at Ludlow Town Hall." (by BRR Editor,Ralph Pace)

I wish to extend my congradulations to all those elected to positions on the Ludlow Town Board and offices and thank you for the opportunity to campaign and be part of the govermental process. I encourage all youth to stand up and participate in the growth of our local goverment and our community! Kayla Drinwater, SelectBoard Candidate 2006

** Feb.15-28
*I will be speaking at the Black River School Board to request their support for a "Honorary Teen Select/Trustee" position change in the charter and for more teens involved in local goverment.
*I will be attending an "Affordable Housing For Residents" meeting sponsored by the Ludlow Planning Commission to offer my support in their initiative to provide housing for residents that we can afford....instead of high prices chasing us out of town and weakening our voter base!
*I am in arrangements to attend Black River High School to speak with students about the "Honorary Teen Select/Trustee" proposal,to remain in school and graduate,to register to vote and participate in the campaign/political process and to support Protect.org in their cd release called "Protect"(all proceeds go to Protect.org)in support of children.
*I will be meeting with various established citizens in order to groom my ability to convey the issues of the community in an effective way.
*I will visit local businesses throughout the week and encourage their voice.
*I will be going door to door to visit as many residents as possible throughout the next two weeks with additional campaign assistants so that the members of the community are made aware of their representation in our campaign.

Vermont Teen Promotes Teens in Govt.
Kayla Drinwater,18 ,of Ludlow,Vermont appeared at the Black River School Board this week to encourage educators support for an initiative to change the Town/Village charter to include the involvement of local youth in town/village goverment by creating Honorary Select/Trustee positions for local teens. Drinwater,who ,at 18, is running for Ludlow Town Select believes the teens in the community do not really have a voice in goverment during a period when they are held responsible for their acts (15,16,17yr. olds). "The contradiction means that teens need to voice their visions in areas of town and village development and have the opportunity to make a difference at an early,responsible age." Though "honorary"and without an actual vote,Drinwater believes the involvement of teens would better represent the voice of hard working families,struggling families,single parent families and those suffering misfortune in the community because the teens suffer the effects of the economy and other systems right along with the adults,are responsible in helping their families and for their own acts,yet are left helpless to voice their concerns in any suitable community forum that makes a difference. The "honorary teen" concept is as such: Between the ages of 15 thru 17,a local teen who is elected by the students/school to represent the community as an Honorary Select/Trustee,would actually experience the life of politics,the importance of family and community and the responsibility taught them by both families and the education system. "They will have a voice,more of us in the community would be heard." Her innovative concept and initiative has been well recieved by local educators and others. Drinwater ,who is also a member of Protect.org for safer families and The White House Project.org which promotes young women in goverment office,is preparing to talk to local Black River students on the proposal and will submit material on the initiative to both the Town Select Board and the Village Trustee Board for their perusal and resolution in the comming weeks.

Honorable Governor Douglas: I respectfully appeal the Town of Ludlow's 14.4 million contribution to the State Education Fund on the following grounds: 1.) It is excessive and based upon property value discluding census,leaving Ludlow to contribute as much as larger cities with greater populace and capability to pay. 2.)Said monies in fund will be tapped for transportation budget when in fact we suffer serious transit/transportation/bus/traffic issues and need the monies to ammend our difficulties. The Governor should assure us that our area is included in the budget so we may advance our railway/transit systems. If not,then: 3.)An exemption in paying such excessive contributions should be made on grounds of census,town development needs(which essentially meet the needs of the State like transit/rail development)and other points for legitimate exemption. I respectfully request you consider my public appeal to you and cut the contribution amount so that we may not be stopped from our own development needs. Respectfully submitted, Kayla Drinwater,Ludlow Select Candidate