Politics is funny. 

After the caustic comment on my blog from my opponent in the heated race for Fenway Garden Society President, and my reply, all was quiet.  Until this morning, that is, when a friend and fellow gardener forwarded a bulk email from my opponent that had landed in her box with the entire list cc'd — not blind cc'd mind you (my email address had been mysteriously omitted — hmmm).

The email, subject line, " the vote FGS", opened "The difference is clear as glass."  And went on (and I warn you — it ain't pretty)...

I have kept the gardens secure and no one can
Deny that as we have had  just a few problems other than incidental vandalism
which will be taken care of with better park management, I have a great respect
for the safety of all gardeners and see a point where we won't have to think
twice about it. If it were up to  my opponent these security measures would not
be in place as in matter of fact there would be none, there would be as the FHC.
would like it and that's a needle in every arm and a condom in front of every
plot. To me that is not even close to acceptable,I have worked to hard to remove
this effort of a needle exchange and condom give aways. This is our park and we
will not tolerate this kind of abuse there are more gardens vandalized due to in
inadvertent activities than anything else this year and I attribute this to
Internet sites that still Cary that stigma and there are only two left.The whole
problem comes from out of town and can be handled in short order. with a shift
in administrations the forces that will set a course to harm or destroy us will
be in your hands. Do you want a park that you can feel secure in or do you want
a park that makes you have to think about what time or I hope there not there.
These kinds of things are intolerable to me and I have done all that I could
have to prevent any destruction of personal property and will continue to do so
no matter the out come. I am very worried about  the autonomy of the FGS as this
will be a vote of those that  could grind progress   or reverse things to a
point of no return I urge you to be counted in your society's view of the
future! My opponent has rested his laurels upon a grant that was written by Tim
Horn!* and has done nothing himself including his clean up day for the last two
years!! what can this person do for you?
I need you to hear the argument live this will prove to be a fun event!
 
David St.Jean   
VP. of the Park

Whoa.  Right?

But there's always a silver lining.  I had of course, prior to this email, not been privy to the complete member contact list, and no one was forthcoming with it.  Now I had the whole list, in all its glory, and the perfect opportunity to send a message (BCC'd, needless to say) of my own, with the subject line "Make sure to vote in the Fenway Garden Society elections Dec. 4th!":

Dear Fellow Fenway Gardener,

As we head into 2011, we have many things to thank our outgoing board for: not least a new irrigation system and perimeter fencing, well-attended community events and increased programming. In running for the office of President of the Board of the Fenway Garden Society, I would like to build on the successes of the last two administrations by focusing on both the community and the gardening aspects of our extraordinary community garden.

I believe I bring to the job of President clarity of vision, commitment to communication, and consistency in administration at a time when our organization especially needs these qualities in its board. I am fired up about the possibilities of further improving our park, and helping our gardeners realize their personal potential while building a real community in which to do it.

In addition to gardening at the Victory Gardens for six years so far, and working intensively with the fundraising committee last year, where I wrote the grant that funded our July 4th BBQ, I have the skills and the understanding of non-profit administration required in an executive officer of the Fenway Garden Society.

A career in adult education, specializing in English as a Second Language, has honed my communication skills. I have also taught computer courses designed for learners with special needs pro bono at the Fenway CDC. I have worked for almost five years in the accountancy field, and as bookkeeper for the Franklin Institute for three years. In addition I have been working in development and fundraising, which I studied under David Gordon of MIT.

I understand the importance of not only cultivating relationships within the garden society so that we can realize our mission as a true community as well as a garden, but of reaching out to the wider community of which we are a part, developing new partnerships, and finding fresh ways to bring in new energy, all while remaining true to our unique identity and fundamental principles.

As an ambassador to partnering organizations ranging from BNAN to the City of Boston, I have a head-start. I completed my Master Urban Gardening (MUG) certification with BNAN the year I signed on as a gardener at the Fenway Victory Gardens. I have worked with the City of Boston on event programming, have worked with DCR on park rehabilitation in Dorchester, and have met with Parks to discuss exciting ideas for programming for next summer.

Building on the great work of the two preceding boards whose major lasting contributions to infrastructure have set us on a stable course, my hope is to bring members together, in accordance with the bylaws, to keep the Victory Gardens thriving as a true community of gardeners for years to come.

I have included a brief outline of goals that I am eager to discuss. Please feel free to contact me directly at mmennonno@yahoo.com with questions, comments, and suggestions!

Thank you for considering me for this position. I look forward to working with my fellow gardeners in 2011.

Mike Mennonno

My Goals for FGS 2011

· Capital Improvements 
    o Main path improvements (preliminary discussion with Parks underway) 
    o Completion of perimeter fencing 
    o Improvement of interior paths/fencing (avoiding “broken windows”) 
    o Introduction of “Teaching Garden” (exploratory/proposal phase)

· Community 
    o Renewal and dues-payment online 
    o Re-launch of website as dot-org with additional features for members (underway) 
    o Streamlining of application process/deadline/”class of 2011” orientation 
            § Community outreach 
            § Spring walkabout with Area Directors/Section Coordinators 
            § New Gardener Workshop 
            § Orientation packet 
    o Active and visible distribution of responsibilities among Area Directors and Section Coordinators, as laid out in the bylaws 
    o Open and transparent monthly board meetings with alerts and updates posted to website for all interested members 
    o Redistribution/reassignment of chronically derelict or underutilized plots (address “Broken Windows”) 
    o Increased visibility as an organization, raising our profile in the community 
            § Double the number of community events 
            § Summerlong park gardening/arts/educational programming (partly through partnerships) 
            § Media marketing

· Financial 
    o Tighten financial controls and increase budget transparency 
    o Explore new partnerships, opportunities for community participation 
    o Establish an exploratory Endowment Committee 
    o Direct Constitutional Committee to address 501(c)3 status in the bylaws

I, too, think the choice is clear.

Stay tuned!
________________________________
*This is the second time he has publicly questioned my role in the grant, and I have asked the outgoing President, with whom I worked intensively on it, to publicly clarify the matter, as it could potentially impact my professional life.