Page and Kinney officially resign posts with CCW

Date: 11/10/2009

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



WILBRAHAM -- The founders of the Concerned Citizens of Wilbraham (CCW) are officially stepping down as the grassroots organization's leaders.

Robert Page and Allan Kinney, chair and vice-chair of the CCW, respectively, signed their letters of resignation on Oct. 21.

"CCW is now officially in a state of limbo and will be so for the next 365 days," Page wrote in his letter. "If, in that interim, no individuals come forward to assume the leadership of CCW then it will fall to Allan and myself to officially close the books on the Concerned Citizens of Wilbraham."

"We've been at it for six years. We're getting old and tired," the 93-year-old Kinney said. "It's time to step down."

Page explained that the group was formed in 2003 after voters in Wilbraham approved a Proposition 2 1/2 override. "Our government was spending more than they had," Page explained. "Because of that, we tried to do one thing accurately inform the public."

Page believes that the better informed a person is, the better his or her decisions will be.

In its six year existence, the CCW has hosted general meetings, forums and meet the candidates nights, which Page called "public services." Even though he and Kinney are stepping down, they want to see those services continued.

"We'll still be here, and we're waiting for somebody to step forward, either an individual or a group, to take over," Kinney said. "We'll assist them in any way we could. I'd like to have them continue on in the same vein we have."

"I think the CCW is a wonderful organization but it's time for some new blood," Page added. "Fresh ideas and new faces would be helpful."

As the leaders of the organization, Kinney said he and Page put in about six hours a day, seven days a week doing research, talking to people and attending meetings throughout town. Page said they are looking for someone who is active in the community with an interest in research and keeping voters informed to step up and take the helm.

"CCW will now go into hibernation for the next year," Kinney wrote in his letter. If no one steps forward to continue its work, the CCW will officially disband on Oct. 20, 2010.

"It's been a lot of work, but I've really enjoyed it," Kinney said. "If I was younger I'd keep going."

Those interested in learning more about the CCW and its leadership are invited to contact Robert Page at 596-8719 or Allan Kinney at 596-3732, or visit the organization's Web site atwww.concernedcitizensofwilbraham.org.