From the American perspective, but probably some lessons for us as well... Thanks to www.planetizen.com for posting this on their excellent site - newsposter
How To Advocate For Historic Preservation
Posted by: Christian Peralta
27 December 2006 - 9:00am
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.
In Chapter 13, "Sticks and Stones," Mr. Schmickle listed 109 pejorative terms, including "hysterical," "arrogant," "comical," "un-American" and "rat bastard," that preservationists can expect to be called."
Source: The Capital, Dec 26, 2006
Full Story: When history, reality collide
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bi ... _26-11/CAN
Amazon listing:
http://www.amazon.ca/Politics-Historic- ... F8&s=books