A new book offers a practical introduction to the politics of preservation for activists hoping to save their community's historic charm.
"The book, 'The Politics of Historic Districts: A Primer for Grassroots Preservation,' could make good reading for anyone interested in politics, advocacy, group dynamics or the media.
Author Bill Schmickle said that he wrote the book because "preservationists don't deal in politics at all, or don't do it well." Proprietor of the Flag House Inn and a retired political science professor from Guilford College in North Carolina, Mr. Schmickle was co-founder of the Oak Ridge, N.C., Historic District in the early 1990s."
"There are two points Mr. Schmickle makes repeatedly in his book:
First, no matter how worthy your goal, no matter how pristine your heart, regardless of what it is you want to accomplish, you will not succeed unless you learn the 'practical politics' of the situation and outmaneuver your opponents.
Second, develop rhino hide - you'll need it."
FULL STORY: When history, reality collide
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