Sometimes politics goes too far. First Budget Hearing Speaker - Fact Checking Gary P and CCOC

What was Gary watching? Significant fact checking is in order concerning a missive sent out which seriously misrepresented an occurrence held at the first budget hearing. Watch this video. This is one of those "Palmetto Bay checks the record" moments - a line used stated by others. This video speaks volumes and clarifies the record and serves as a warning about the "opinions" you may be receiving in your email. Fact check.  Don't rely upon third hand inflammatory fake news.

I usually do not respond to baseless unsubstantiated attacks. It just gives them attention they crave, but then there are times where the 'opinions' are so egregious, that a response is required. The video above if posted in order to allow you to fact-check the caustic inflammatory comment from Gary Pastorella in one of his e-mails where he once again goes off into a personal misleading attack. This e-mail was circulated by Gary Pastorella on October 17, 2017, with the subject line "Budget Vote: Services Maintained? Business Committee Funded? Were you flooded? Dover Speaks @PBBA,"

Please, after you watch the video above, explain to me how he could possibly write what he published in his e-mail.  The text below is taken verbatim from his e-mail:

During public comment a gentleman who volunteered that he had never attended a meeting before attempted to ask a question regarding the budget. His opening comment allowed the Mayor a great point of attack. The resident began with telling the Council he wanted to ask a question but was unsure how to do it instead of just jumping in with his comment. This gave the Mayor an opening to embarrass the resident. The Mayor, it seemed, did not allow him to finish his statement but instead informed him that the time to ask a question was during the budget workshops held June 27, July 12 and July 19.

I cannot let distortion go unchallenged.  What is important is that we do not begin to let their continued distortions go unchecked.  We cannot allow this to become the norm.  The facts do require checking - and correcting.

Comparing the e-mail with the video causes wonder as to whether the author was even present to view the exchange that he so missed the mark on reporting or was this part of a "committee effort" at just presenting distorted facts, hoping to state them loud enough and often enough that the misstatements become the truth, assuming that fellow residents who hadn't attended the hearing would believe him when he so wrongfully alleged that I "attacked" and embarrassed the speaker?

So why argue?  I have posted the 'exchange' for all to view and determine for themselves.  The speaker presented without interruption and the record reflects that 4 out of 5 members of the council - myself included, RESPONDED positively to his questions and concerns, offering helpful comments.  

I am pleased with how the council interacted with this speaker.  I remain at a loss as to why the helpful exchange, as evidenced in the video above, between 4 members of the village council and a first-time speaker evokes such a negative and destructive e-mail blast.

I thank everyone for their positive efforts in our village.  We are a family.  Families argue at times and I believe that through conflict comes resolution - but when that conflict is on an honest level.  Comparing the video with the e-mail attack illustrates why I ask everyone to fact check and be careful when reviewing comments made by Gary Pastorella - I am always available to discuss any issue or correct the record.

Thank you to those who took the time to 'check the record.'