It’s time for Palmetto Bay residents to reject bogeyman
politics. Palmetto Bay has two bitter residents who call themselves “Concerned
Citizens” and send out e-mails, acting like they’re the Miami Herald endorsement
– when it’s really just two individuals with nothing much to do except complain.
The name “Concerned Citizens” shouldn’t give
them any more credibility than they deserve, nor should it give them the right
to misstate the record and achievements of those running for or holding office
in Palmetto Bay.
I can take it. I am not running for office and my record
speaks for itself, but these two are simply making s**t up at this point. Now,
apparently, I am somehow
"pro-bridge" when, as an elected Palmetto Bay official, I successfully fought off the 87th Avenue
bridge for my entire time in office, and even while not in office from
2010-2018. This includes through quality negotiations and partnership agreements
with the County. Only when our current mayor took office did that fall
apart. She chose to avoid a critical meeting at County Hall, and instead,
publicly posted on social media that she was engaged in making exercise videos
at Coral Reef Park. The council feigned ignorance of this County meeting even
though it was discussed at length at the Palmetto Bay council meeting held the
day prior.
But that is water under the bridge, as they say. This
mishandling of the issue is symptomatic of the general problem with the current
council – including the council candidates up for reelection. They change their
position based upon whom they are addressing, and they don’t want to take a
stand. I have never changed my position on the bridge. I only point out how
badly the current group had screwed up the situation, but they won't accept
accountability. Unfortunately, it is always someone else’s fault.
Let me be clear: These two individuals support the incumbents
because they know they will vote in lockstep with the mayor – having a three
vote majority on every issue with no need for discussion – and the ability to
shout down the other two council members from Districts 1 and 3. That’s not why
Palmetto Bay was formed, and it’s not why we have a five member council, with
members representing each individual district. The idea is for there to be discussion and
representation of several different opinions.
You have to ask yourself why Gary Pastorella and Shelley Stanczyk
don’t want that.
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