Your misinterpretation of my letter is unfortunate because there are a few key components of your response that can be construed as an attack towards a particular group of individuals or demographic.

First, I appreciate the response because that was the very basis of the letter. Dialog with our young citizens of Sarasota who don’t necessarily have the time to be chanting in commission meetings and debating over every ridiculous debate that surfaces in our city. However, your letter is also insulting if you’re insinuating that our demographic (ages 21-40) doesn’t understand government and the importance of citizen participation. As a demographic, we represent many forms of leadership throughout this country both publicly and privately. Many of the businesses in Sarasota are ran by individuals demonstrating leadership everyday and because of their 60-plus work weeks, don’t have time to debate the various topics regarding Sarasota. Instead, they are looking to young leadership to be their voice in this community. 

I’m still pondering the notion that my organization, assuming you mean the Young Professionals of Sarasota, has close ties to the change of the city charter. Our organization has not and will not take a position on this particular issue. The goal of our organization is to begin dialog and engagement, no matter what side of the fence you’re on. Our members are far too diverse for our organization to take a stance on an issue. We believe we have a voice in our community and are simply requesting the opportunity to be that voice for our individuals that lack opportunity to sit with groups of people and share their thoughts.

Lastly, your suggestion that there’s a prejudice against our seniors in this community is despicable. If you recall in my letter, I openly state the importance of our older generation and the wisdom they bring to this community. However, I share the thoughts of many when I say how unsatisfied we are when it’s the same 5-10 retired individuals who have taken it upon themselves to be a full-time community activist because they have nothing better to do. Unfortunately, since we are working and managing families, we don’t have the manpower to sit in on “every” debate that affects Sarasota. We have many great individuals who serve as mentors to many members of our demographic, including myself and we take their wisdom, direction and understanding of life very serious.

The point of my letter was to engage us in a conversation on issues that affect the future of Sarasota and not consider us an after thought. 

Chris Laney, Sarasota, responding to the letter "Nay, Future is Only Concern" letter in the July 5 edition of SRQ Daily