OPEN
ALLEGANY
Frequently asked questions
Q1: Is this a political party?
A2: No. Allegany County has those already, and while additional parties are
welcome, our principles are larger than any party. Rather than run our own
candidates, we’d love to see all candidates from all parties, and all their
appointees and agents, endorse our principles in word and deed.
Q2: Why are you recruiting non-residents as well as residents?
Non-residents can’t even vote here.
A2: You’re thinking like a political party. We’re thinking bigger than
that. Government actions and community attitudes don’t affect only the 29
percent of Allegany County residents who voted in the 2014 general election.
They also affect the majority of residents who are non-voters. They also affect
people who live elsewhere but work here, attend school here, own property here,
or visit family here. Our county must be open to all these people as well.
Q3: By “outsiders and minorities,” do you mean even those [insert epithets of your choice here]?
A3: Yes, even them. We mean everyone, because Allegany County needs
everyone. If you disagree, then don’t sign our pledge.
Q4: Who are you?
A4: See the names on the pledge. We’re your friends, neighbors, classmates,
relatives, co-workers.
Q5: Why do you want contact info from people who sign the pledge?
A5: We want to confirm people’s interest, and we want to stay in touch with
individuals over time, for example to make sure they still have ties to
Allegany County. We also want to update people on the movement occasionally. We
pledge never to spam the group, nor to publish the contact info, nor to sell or
give the contact list to other entities.
Q6: This sounds great. How can I give you money?
A6: Please don’t! To receive financial donations, we’d need to file for
non-profit status, which would require us to have a treasurer and a lot of
other things that would make us, in effect, a political party. That’s not us.
Q7: How can I help, then, if you don’t want my money?
A7: Lots of ways. Sign our pledge, and recommend it to others. Flood the
media with the message, especially social media, always with a link to the
pledge. Speak out in opposition when you see the principles of Open Allegany
violated, and speak out in support when you see them honored. Be a force for
openness in all your communities. If you have additional ideas, please share
them with us. We’d also like our website eventually to be a clearinghouse of
links to legally available public information about all aspects of life in
Allegany County, so please send tips, requests and forwards.
Q8: How do we contact you?
A8: At openallegany@yahoo.com or openallegany.blogspot.com.
