Trading Warm & Fuzzy for Nitty-Gritty
Two years ago our community bought into the idea of “congeniality” on the commission. The majority opted to install candidates who promised us “no more chaos.”
With all due respect, the two candidates who won the two open seats in March ’07, Commissioners Valery and Wollin, have certainly lived up to that promise. The current five commissioners all play very well together. But how much has that camaraderie cost us and did it truly contribute to better operation of the city?
In retrospect, would you have opted for congeniality if you were told that you were also signing up for:
-A substantial increase in your millage rate?
-A 60% hike in your sewer and garbage rates?
-The repayment of an unauthorized million-dollar loan?
-Footing the bill for a consultant to teach at least one of these candidates to read a budget?
-Mistake upon mistake costing our taxpayers thousands?
If those were the choices, I say pass out the boxing gloves, let the commissioners go to their corners and, when the bell rings (ding-ding), come out swinging.
In the upcoming election on March 10, IRB voters need to get beyond the campaign rhetoric. Trade “warm and fuzzy” for “nitty-gritty” and focus on the serious issues the coming years are certain to bring. It is more important than ever that our voters make their decisions based on each commissioner candidate’s qualifications for the job, past track record in serving the city and how they stand on and approach crucial issues.
And, above all, make sure that you and your neighbors attend "Meet the Candidates" Night next Wednesday, February 18th, 7 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium. The turnout for this event, sponsored by the IRB Homeowners Association, always makes one feel fortunate to live in IRB where so many folks are actually interested in the future of the community. Given the significant challenges IRB faces, financial and otherwise, I am certain that our residents will walk through the auditorium doors with an open mind and really LISTEN to what each candidate brings to the table before casting their ballot.
Nancy Obarski
Beach Trail/IRB
(Note: If you'd like to comment on this posting, simply click on the "Comments" link at the bottom of the article and follow the prompts. You may comment anonymously if you'd like. Or, you can always e-mail your comments to irbeheard@cmdinc.net and we'll post them for you!)
Two years ago our community bought into the idea of “congeniality” on the commission. The majority opted to install candidates who promised us “no more chaos.”
With all due respect, the two candidates who won the two open seats in March ’07, Commissioners Valery and Wollin, have certainly lived up to that promise. The current five commissioners all play very well together. But how much has that camaraderie cost us and did it truly contribute to better operation of the city?
In retrospect, would you have opted for congeniality if you were told that you were also signing up for:
-A substantial increase in your millage rate?
-A 60% hike in your sewer and garbage rates?
-The repayment of an unauthorized million-dollar loan?
-Footing the bill for a consultant to teach at least one of these candidates to read a budget?
-Mistake upon mistake costing our taxpayers thousands?
If those were the choices, I say pass out the boxing gloves, let the commissioners go to their corners and, when the bell rings (ding-ding), come out swinging.
In the upcoming election on March 10, IRB voters need to get beyond the campaign rhetoric. Trade “warm and fuzzy” for “nitty-gritty” and focus on the serious issues the coming years are certain to bring. It is more important than ever that our voters make their decisions based on each commissioner candidate’s qualifications for the job, past track record in serving the city and how they stand on and approach crucial issues.
And, above all, make sure that you and your neighbors attend "Meet the Candidates" Night next Wednesday, February 18th, 7 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium. The turnout for this event, sponsored by the IRB Homeowners Association, always makes one feel fortunate to live in IRB where so many folks are actually interested in the future of the community. Given the significant challenges IRB faces, financial and otherwise, I am certain that our residents will walk through the auditorium doors with an open mind and really LISTEN to what each candidate brings to the table before casting their ballot.
Nancy Obarski
Beach Trail/IRB
(Note: If you'd like to comment on this posting, simply click on the "Comments" link at the bottom of the article and follow the prompts. You may comment anonymously if you'd like. Or, you can always e-mail your comments to irbeheard@cmdinc.net and we'll post them for you!)
7 comments:
Warm & Fuzzy has been a disaster for our city. We have spent more money on studies and consultants (Budget Tutors) than we should have. I see Warm and Fuzzy (TW) has an election sign on the Armstrong Property (Publix Site). I guess we know how she would vote. It surprises me that she had nothing to say at the A2K/USF presentation the other night.
Terry had nothing to say during the USF/A2K study? That’s hard to believe, unless the meeting was crowded. I’m sure she was hoping to avoid the continued embarrassment she brings on herself every time she opens her mouth. Here is someone who had admitted that they are lost up there, why in Heavens name would she rerun? Idiots in power; when will the madness stop?
Terry will win reelection.
Yea, she will win because she has been bought. Her cronies at A2K and various other selfish self interested special groups will make sure to campaign for that dragon lady. Lets just see how she responds to real questions in a public forum.
Question:
Terry, can you name two major contibutions of your term over the last 2 years?
Answer:
Ummm, I raised your taxes and that was really hard. I spent more of your money and I gave everyone a stupid look when they spoke. I also stole my wordrobe from Mrs. Roper from Threes Company.
Mrs. Roper, that's funny.
This is the problem with politics in IRB---snarky people. If you address the issues, I'd be more than willing to listen, but it always ends up with personal assaults. Grow up people!
The issues are articulated in the cover piece.
The other issue is why don't these commissioners, any of them, care about people in IRB, other than the developers, and know how to help them
Case in point is the Kooky Kokonut issue on the last agenda. Obvioulsy there was confusion but no one on the Commission said lets table this until we have all the facts. Nope, just a denial in the face of confusion and chaos.
Does anybody want the Kooky Kokonut to go out of business? The developers would love to have his land to put with the other pieces being assembled in the 800 block of Gulf Blvd. Wake up people, the study being presented to the Commission and Comp. Plan amendments they are processing will put the developers on easy street.
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