There is a technique in writing, particularly in novel writing, called foreshadowing, by which the author plants signposts for the reader as to the eventual ending of the story.  I should have realized the cold wind blowing across Good Shepherd Plaza one day recently was warning me that I might as well stay home.  But the bright sun had lured me out and so I went to what was labeled a President's Report meeting called by Jerome Blue of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, who had invited what at first appeared to be almost 100 people to the session.

On closer inspection, however, the list of invitees was considerably shortened when one realized some names there were included as many as three, four or even five times.  Apparently an outdated list was mixed in with recent additions; it might help if members of the RIOC staff sometimes would mingle with the rest of us.

The agenda said that discussion would focus on the Budget, Library, Rivercross Privatization, and Counseling in Schools.  And eventually all of those items were raised, with budget figures, as might be expected, getting most of the attention, especially from some very sharp members of the audience, who asked pointed questions despite having had little time to absorb the material since it was distributed only when the meeting opened.  (See news stories on this and a subsequent RIOC meeting.)

However, the session soon turned into one that we all have come to expect when Blue is queried closely about his or RIOC's actions.  Stalling.  A request that questions be submitted in writing, which never are responded to.  Or "We'll have to get back to you."

And, as usual, for the rest of the meeting, Blue was the target of enmity and, in some cases, outright insults, from several members of the audience.

Afterward, someone asked me: "Why does he continue to take this?"  I explained that it was his job and that he was being very well paid for it; some $125,000 a year plus benefits, as I recall.  At least that was the latest salary reported to us.  When Blue first came here in June (13th!) of 1996, his pay was set at $115,000; that of Jean Lerman, the previous RIOC president, was about $92,000 when she left the job.

Now, did you learn your writing lesson, foreshadowing, for today?  Remember that I started out by telling you the sun had tricked me.  Then, that the meeting I was headed for was called by Jerome Blue, who arrived here on the 13th.  You should have known that not much would be accomplished there and that the session likely would have most of the attendees from the Island renewing their vows to work for Blue's replacement here.

The only thing is that I still don't have a happy ending for this tale.  I suppose that it will have to be continued another day.  Watch for: MEETING 2!  Opening soon in your neighborhood!  Gee, do you suppose it might star Sandra Bullock?!!!

Jim Bowser