Dear Editor:

I am generally dismayed to have to write this letter, but am nonetheless compelled. The tactics of those opposing the mill levy worsen daily, and it seems there is still plenty of misinformation being passed along. This is on top of the insults and other attacks on our Boards (MD and MA).

The latest, by Kathy Tourney this weekend, is "robocalling" residents. Robocalls are the automated, recorded voice calls used to contact voters or residents over and over again - without directly interacting with them. I was called, many others were too, and I consider it harassment. I have to believe many of our residents feel the same way.

Here's what we keep hearing, or seeing, from the opposition:

o Our Boards are incompetent or deceitful, or we just need to make them "do their job"

o Legal expenses and lawyers are responsible for it all

o There is a "better way" to make things right

o Who cares about a little brown grass, or fewer services

o Transparency will solve it all

o We need better accounting

We will not stand for our neighbors and friends being insulted, and the real facts obfuscated. The unfortunate political reality is that silence is often taken for agreement. We feel a responsibility to our fellow residents to not let misinformation, ad hominem attacks, and insults go unanswered. And we don't use external consultants, robocalling, or similar tactics to get our message out. This weekend, we walked neighborhoods, greeted our fellow residents, and offered them information about why Ballots A+B are so critical.

The real facts are quite simple:

o Ken Caryl Ranch amenities are aging and falling into disrepair

o Costs for upkeep have gone up year over year, and will continue to do so

o Many residents find great value in Ken-Caryl's amenities, features, and services

o Most residents will see a minor increase (see www.investinkcranch.org for details)

o The pools will close and services will get cut if we don't act - now

When the only response to a very concerning community issue is what we have seen so far, it calls into question the motives of those in opposition. It is disturbing that they seem so willing to ignore the situation of most residents. Why would they be so ready to sacrifice so many resident's property values and enjoyment of their community for what for many is $8.00 (eight) dollars a month, or less?

We will continue to act if these tactics continue. We're passionate about ensuring all residents get the facts - all the facts. If would be nice if there were no attacks to defend against, or misinformation to clarify, but it hasn't stopped yet.

Nor will we.

Respectfully,
Brad Richards
Ken-Caryl