Letter From The President

If someone told me five years ago that I would be the President of French Quarter Citizens, I would have laughed. I had been very content with just residing in the Quarter. Last March that changed. I started to realize that there is a huge difference between residing in the French Quarter and living in the French Quarter. I used to be blissfully happy not knowing about condo expansions, short term rentals, the predominate height of the block-face, the zoning ordinance, or anything else related to how the Quarter functions. That was when I was just residing in the Quarter with hardly any cares or worries.

Over the past year, I have started living in the French Quarter and caring about what happens to it. The Quarter is so much more than just a place to live . . . it's a piece of history. That history needs to be taken care of and we, the citizens, are the only ones who can do it. I have come to realize that being a resident of the Quarter is like going to the theater. Many of us are perfectly content with watching the play and enjoying it, but we easily forget about what goes on behind the scenes to make it enjoyable. Life in the Quarter is very similar; we don't always realize all the hard work people do to make the Quarter livable. I joined French Quarter Citizens to try and make a difference, to work behind the scenes to make the French Quarter a better place to live. I never expected it would lead to being President. I must say that Lyn Reed has set a new standard of how to be an exemplary President. I will not promise that I can do the job that she did, but I will promise to make my best effort.

We have an outstanding Board again this year and I am thrilled to be a part of it. I know that we can make a difference; we have in the past and will continue to do so in the years to come; but we need everyone's help. So if you are asked to contribute, remember that you aren't doing it for French Quarter Citizens, you are doing it for yourself and the community. Also, I am always open to suggestions, questions and comments. Please feel free to drop me a line.
Warmest regards,

Michael W. Murphy II

Michael@themansion.net
523-5468 home
883-0307 work