In the latest Habitat for Humanity newsletter, Jim Brannon has his regular executive director message on Page 2, beginning with "Dear Friends." Brannon, of course, was laid off/fired as executive director a coupla weeks ago, triggering a controversy. In a message below, Chairman Rick Shipman Brannon's message explains the situation: "This month the board voted to eliminate the executive director position. For budgetary reasons this decision will allow us to keep building homes. We could no longer afford to fund this position. Originally we received a large grant which was spread out over several years to hire an E.D. That grant money was exhausted last year. Revenues have come in lower than our projections. We have been affected by the economy just like all other contractors. ..." You can read the messages by Brannon and Shipman here.