February 24, 2011 I was informed this evening that there continue to be people in Winter Park who disparage me personally, apparently because they disagree with my political positions. Ah, Winter Park, where character assassination is the political practice of choice. It seems some in Winter Park consider me a “nut job” and a rumor spread about me three years ago has resurfaced. Did you know that I was “a trust fund baby whose family paid him not to be involved in their family business?” Funny, neither did I. The lack of character and quality of such people continues to…
Year: 2011
Herb Weiss Speaks (but what is he saying?)
(Be sure to check out this follow-up post from March 1.) Herb Weiss authored the six page mail piece Winter Park residents received recently that details his concerns about Fleet Peeples Park. The following is my letter to Herb on the subject after speaking with him at length about these issues. February 24, 2011 Dear Herb, First let me thank you for investing so much energy into something you believe is important and for your time on the phone discussing these issues. As you have likely noted, I have been at it for several years and appreciate those willing to…
Vote NO on Amendment #1
February 18, 2011 You will find an Amendment on the ballot for the March 8 election. The language of the Amendment (see below) offers no insight into it’s consequences. Our current mayor and six former mayors are recommending a NO vote on this Amendment for the following reasons: A NO vote protects against electing a majority “slate” of three members at one time who would serve four years without challenge. A NO vote protects our current right to change the majority view on the City Commission annually, assuring governance is responsive to the wishes of the citizens. The Charter Review…
When is something true?
February 16, 2011 Winter Park citizens take their elections seriously and several of us send out letters and emails claiming to understand the nature and positions of the candidates, and make recommendations. How do you know any of these communications have any elements of truth? The answer involves doing the work necessary to corroborate evidence and getting input from others who have also done their homework, looking for consistency of fact and viewpoint. Shortly after I published my recommendations for the upcoming March 8 election the Orlando Sentinel also endorsed Sarah Sprinkel and Steve Leary. For those looking to decide…
Election 2011 – Lawyers or Leaders?
February 15, 2011 We have two lawyers and two leaders running for city commission. Bonnie Jackson, a lawyer, is running against Sarah Sprinkel, an educator and administrator. Scott Callahan, a lawyer, is running against Steve Leary, a businessman. While the candidates have credible resumes, two have demonstrated the leadership skills and independent thinking that will move Winter Park in a responsible direction and fairly represent the full breadth of constituencies in our city. I believe Scott Callahan would be a good commissioner but he clings unnecessarily to positions of the “Dillaha” camp, positions that have proven to have negative consequences…
I am voting for Sarah Sprinkel
February 15, 2011 Below is my letter to Bonnie Jackson noting that I am voting for Sarah Sprinkel in the March 8th election. Bonnie, I watched the Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board candidates’ interview and will be supporting Sarah Sprinkel. Your interview and your candidacy concern me on many levels. In your interview you monopolize the time by speaking without ever stating your position on several important issues including commuter rail. You also make a point of questioning our current Mayor’s integrity while acknowledging you have no basis for doing so. Your assertion that you are supported by “a lot of…
I am voting for Steve Leary
February 15, 2011 Below is my letter to Scott Callahan noting I am voting for Steve Leary in the March 8th election. Scott, I viewed the Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board interview and will be supporting Steve Leary. I doubt my decision as a single voter is particularly meaningful to you or to Steve but I wanted to share my thinking with you as you were generous with your time and attention when we met and spoke about your interest in running. You say the Mayor has done a “mediocre” job. You equate leadership with accommodation in your critique. This can…
Whose money is it?
February 2, 2011 On January 24th three of five Winter Park commission members voted down a proposed 50 year commercial lease on the five acre parcel of land owned by the city at the corner of Denning Avenue and Morse Boulevard. The short form of this long story is that two commissioners wanted you to steeply subsidize a 50 year lease of city owned land in order to “refurbish” a dilapidated building that utilizes 60 percent of the land’s capacity, to “retain” a long time employer who offered an unenforceable commitment to stay in Winter Park, and to “save” trees…