[TitaniumTT]

David, I like the letter very much. I would however like to offer my opinions on it for anyone else that would like to write in. I deal with people personally, face to face, with difficult personal situations and with many years experience, I can basically run a meeting however I want with whoever I want.

First - very well written, proffesional, courteous, generally non-confrontational. Things that anyone who wants to write in should consider. Don't attack, threaten, say WTF are you doing you tard.... these will get you no-where.

I REALLY like this phrase, point, everything about it is phenomenal

I am sure during these difficult economic times you will review your position on the matter and do everything in your power to keep the economy of the area vibrant and growing.

The three things that I would change are

1) - the word enthusiast. I would say club members. Enthusiast has a certain conatation that we want to avoid. We want to sound like tourists, not like people that want to tear ass down the rd. That's the reason I believe the dragon is closed to the border.

2) placing many jobs at risk. While true, it might be viewed as a bit of a stretch and it's an assumption as well. I would site the motorcycle lodge by saying,

The Tail of the Dragon is of significant importance to tourism in both TN and NC and your decision to close the entire road is adversely impacting the economy of the region; the rest area/gift shop in NC has already significantly cut back thier hours of operation due to the road closure.

3) unacceptable - I wouldn't use this at all. As soon as I read that word the entire tone of that sentence was changed. It felt a little too aggressive. Not knowing the personality of the TN govenor, we should treat it as worst case scenario. For all we know he wanted to be govenor to boss people around. Hearing a word like that could provoke a response such as, FU, I'll keep it closed as long as I want.

I am part of a large gathering of over 250 rotary enthusiasts gathering from around the nation that will be in the Deals Gap area April 15th through the 18th and your current plans to reopen the road on July 31st are unacceptable to us as I am sure it is to the businesses that depend on the road for their income.

I would say
I am part of a large gathering of over 250 club members gathering from around the nation that will be in the Deals Gap area April 15th through the 18th. The current plans to reopen the road on July 31st are causing us great concern. This is an annual gathering that has been in planning since last year and we would love to see the road open in time for our gathering. I am sure the local businesses that depend on the road for their income would love to see it open as quickly as possible as well to take advantage of the near weekly gatherings of clubs/tourists that beautiful region brings.

I would also go on to say, I understand your concern with allowing NC to maintain and protect the road until your officials have unrestricted access to it, however I urge you to please reconsider the offer. Surely something can be worked out that is in everyones best interest.

Just me, but that's how I would, and plan to approach it when I write in. This is of course assuming that these are being read and not just tallied in an In-box