To: Members of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association
Re: Open Meeting About Ward 3 Fires
From: Jerry Budgar, President

The board of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association will be holding an open meeting for residents of the ward regarding the recent fires on Tuesday night, December 29, at 7 p.m. at the World War II Club on Conz Street. The club has donated the use of its main function room for us to hold this meeting, and for this we are very grateful.

There are a number of topics we would like to raise and hear residents' thoughts. In some cases we might be able to begin implementation of ideas and proposals on Tuesday night, and we hope folks will volunteer to become involved. Among the items on the agenda are:

• Ways to assist the victims of the fires
• Organizing a Ward 3 Watch. (Member Arnie Levinson has information to share).
• Pursuing some type of group discount program for purchase of motion detector lights. Arnie has info on this to share also.
• Discussing an increase in the reward fund. (I've already had people asking to make additional contributions to get it beyond the $5,000 initially offered).
• Discussing protective measures residents can take.

While these have been stressful and difficult days for Ward 3, one positive element is the willingness of our residents to come together in time of crisis. I've had an incredible response from the ward. My phone hasn't stopped ringing. State Rep. Peter Kocot called to ask what he could do to assist, and he will come to the meeting to see what resources he might be able to access for us. Several city councillors have asked what they could do and said they'd back the use of every appropriate city resource to bring this investigation to successful conclusion. Many people have called or emailed suggestions and ideas and volunteered to help in any way necessary. It's been this way for the past two days. When the chips are down, Ward 3 comes through, folks, and we want to channel the resources and talents of our people into constructive programs that enhance our safety and security.

If you have comments or suggestions, I can be reached at: gbudgar@rcn.com or at 584-2964. Thank you for all you've done and all you will do for our friends and neighbors in this difficult time.

Jerry Budgar,
President