So just who are the members of ImagineAmenia? 
The members of ImagineAmenia have been identified by opponents as rich, overeducated, and above all, outsiders, looking to Amenia as their rural theme park. In fact, nothing could be farther from the truth! Almost all of our members live here permanently, and most have lived here for decades, if not generations. Very few of our members are rich, and we certainly don't regard education as a negative. We welcome all people to the group.

ImagineAmenia members represent all segments of the community. Politically speaking we are red, blue, green, and all shades in between. In terms of national politics we represent the full spectrum. Our members are Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, liberals, conservatives and moderates. Some of our members have college degrees, some do not. A few of our members are rich and a few work for minimum wage. Most of us are solidly middle class both in terms of economics and social values. We are a diverse group and by no means do we agree on everything.

What we do agree on is the vision of the future of the town, a vision which rests on a safe, pedestrian friendly small town atmosphere, a town where basic needs can be met, a town of smaller businesses which people can walk to, a town where economic and social diversity are treasured.  We want a town in which seniors can live comfortably, a town in which young people feel they have a future. We want Amenia to be a destination, not a pass through. We may have differing views on the details, but we all agree on the vision we don't want. We don't want our community to turn into Route 9 in Poughkeepsie, or Route 7 in New Milford. We don't want our town to become a reflection of Southern Dutchess.

We are grateful for the democracy in which we live. We believe in dissent and debate, but not division. We all pull together to seek a balanced future for our town, a PROGRESS WE CAN LIVE WITH. We accept that the majority determine the outcome, but we do not want to be the pawns of outsiders or of a few people who are in power.

We love Amenia and appreciate the generosity of its residents. It is a place where hard times are overcome by the help of neighbors, even if they disagree with you. We appreciate Amenia's incredible resources, all of which must be preserved and treasured. Its ecosystem is incredibly fragile, located in a valley where a huge portion of available village land functions as wetland. Future development must be carefully planned so that this fragile ecosystem is protected as our town prospers and grows.  This concern for the future of our town is what brought us together and what is keeping us together.  Won't you join us?

We respect and support the many volunteers who work to make this town better. ImagineAmenia works with them and local government to get done what needs to be done. In the end, we ALL want a “better Amenia.” We all want more business, more opportunities for our children, more services for our seniors, more affordable housing and jobs so our children, if they wish, can live in the same town in which they grew up.

Last updated 5/2/07