Our new Chief of Police, Gerry Neville, is now on board. He was the evening speaker at the Aquia Harbour Host Lion's Club meeting on August 15. Gerry is making the concept of "community policing" a reality ion Aquia Harbour. We are already experiencing the positive effects of his leadership. Some hard questions were asked and he answered them all with directness and diplomacy. After a few of these hard questions, one non-resident stood up and spoke with thinly disguised envy, about Aquia's low crime rate and tranquil streets. I believe we are lucky to have Gerry join us. If you see him or any of our police and security staff, please encourage them. They are truly serving you.

I got more questions about our "change" in the Aquia Harbour yard sale policy than anything I have written about in the past year. The issue here is not to "stop yard sales", but rather to maintain the security we consider so essential and we pay for. Non-residents need to have a sponsor (obtained by calling from the front gate). We cannot have open access and security at the same time. Please call the front gate when you anticipate visitors. This is good security and it will help solve one of the major issues.

It is not too early to start thinking about the October elections. Yes, sometimes being a Director means that your phone will ring and you may need to listen to a complaint. But, there is no better way to serve your community. I believe several incumbents and or former Board members may run this fall. I recommend you give these candidates serious consideration. It is certainly possible for a person to stay in an elected position too long. However, longevity and consistency of Board leadership is one of the best ways to develop and maintain programs that are important to Aquia. The most important element is to elect Directors that you trust and that you feel will do the things that are in the best long-term interest of Aquia Harbour. I invite you to come to the town meetings and speak with each of the candidates as we approach the election.