Give integration a chance

HI Val

 I met with Marcia Scott this morning to talk about the meeting on Wednesday 21^st. Marcia expressed to me some anxiety that the non-French community in the Commune might not turn out in force. I think this would be a huge shame. There are apparently approximately 70 houses in the Commune owned by non-French, of which half are occupied full time. Having been elected to the Council, presumably with the votes of many of us non-French residents, Marcia has worked hard for this meeting,. The initiative is also supported by M. Massat and he should certainly be credited for encouraging what many other French mayors might not have sanctioned.

It seems to me that if our guest community here in Varen and the other villages fails to show its support for this initiative by simply not turning up, none of us will any longer have the right to claim that there are no efforts being made at integration. I also hope that people come together in a positive frame of mind to put forward constructive suggestions and do not use the opportunity to complain about the past or other issues not specifically connected with the subject.   

 Best wishes

 Chris Barlas

Val says  Like you I hope we have a full meeting but I know from delivering the invitations many of the houses which are supposed to be full time residents were closed up. So maybe we should not be expecting huge numbers. I have not heard any " unpositive" comments about the meeting from the non French community so I am sure these fears are unfounded.

Whatever the numbers we must have positive views to put forward and appreciate the big step the Maire is making.

 I also agree we must put  any past slights behind us and give this initiative a chance. By all working together we can make our lives more interesting and fulfilled and having Marcia as our voice on the council is an excellent step forward. 

Malc and I are  doing our bit by organising with a mixed nationality group " Salon du jardin d' été " in August in the salle des fetes and would welcome any help from any person whichever nationality will offer. It is going to be a big task but very worthwhile and a lovely day for everyone in the village and beyond.

The meeting  is on Wed May 21st in the Mairie at 8pm. Maybe if you cannot go for any reason you could send apologies to Marcia.   mmscott@orange.fr

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