Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens to the surveys submitted?
A: They are tabulated regularly and twice a year the top issues are
re-set based on items voted "Important" or "Very Important" by at least
2/3 of the respondents who are also annual contributors of at least
$75.
Q: Who selects candidates that AdkAction.org
will contribute to?
A: The Steering Committee of AdkAction.org.
Q: What is the selection process?
A: One or more representatives from the Steering Committee interviews a candidate
using the survey-based top issues and completes a scoring report that
matches the candidates views to the most important issues as determined
by AdkAction.org's contributors in their surveys.
Q: How much will AdkAction.org give to a
candidate?
A: Up to the legal limit, which varies based on State and federal rules.
Typically the sums will be small, in the order of $1,000 to $3,000.
A: Yes! It takes very little money to introduce a candidate to a local constituency. $1,000 can buy a mailing or print brochures that can spell the difference for a candidate and may induce good people to run, knowing that the minimal sums needed are available.
Q: How is the Steering Committee selected?
A: An annual election is held. Candidates for selection are those who indicate a willingness to serve in the survey responses. The first election took place early in 2008. The current Committee will serve until January 31, 2009.
Q: Who is behind getting this started?
A: The idea for a citizen action committee arose at a series of meetings of a group loosely called the Tri-Lakes Coalition whose purpose was to discuss issues related to assessment, taxation, water quality, invasive species and other issues of common interest to both local and seasonal residents. Volunteers (see "About" page) joined an informal organizing committee to survey interested citizens on issues of concern to them (see Current Issues List) and to set in motion the process of creating a structure and electing a formal Steering Committee.
Q: What can this accomplish?
A: There are only 130,000 permanent residents of the Adirondacks and about as many seasonal residents. This is a tiny percentage of New York's population, yet the Park is a gem that belongs to all citizens. It is currently short-changed in money and attention due to its population under-representation. Influencing those who will determine future land and water use regulations, policies on invasive species management, tax policies, water quality management, and local governance will benefit all users of the Adirondacks, permanent and seasonal residents included. AdkAction.org will become the change agent for those of us who care.