Potent Politics takes on Longboat Key
DAN DOWD
Guest Columnist
opinion@lbknews.com
So much has been written about the so-called hearings as witnessed by the Town Commission and the Key Club that to carry the subject forward would be excessive information meaning little or nothing. When the final decision is rendered, I believe little will come of it. I think it is more valuable, if not interesting, to render a brief review of each of our seven commissioners. We read commentaries about movies, theatre, TV shows, etc., why not elected officials. I’ll go over each, alphabetically. You may not agree, depending upon your personal likes or dislikes, but I plan on stating my opinion.
Jim Brown is a likeable guy. He doesn’t speak out often, but when he does, he will generally spout words reflecting the view of the Planning and Zoning Board. That’s where his past history originated. He relates to the P & Z too often for comfort. He will also state facts emanating from his architectural and/or engineering background. His expertise in architecture may be there, but he should not be overbearing with its presence. Jim is not eligible for election this year.
Gene Jaleski is an enigma. He talks too much; just about everything. Gene gets involved with every subject, and all too often, the subject hasn’t even become a question yet. He has opinions about everything and is the world’s greatest authority on the most minute details. Jaleski can be counted on to voice an authoritative thought and conclusion on any item that comes up. In fact, he will bring the item up for discussion whether of interest or not. A little less Gene Jaleski is a little more progress.
Hal Lenobel has the final word on any subject brought before the commission. It’s funny how the other commissioners look at him to wrap up a discussion. He is the backbone of the commission. Perhaps his length of service has presented him with that authority, since seniority does have its incorruptibility. If you want to solve a problem, call on Hal. He seems to be able to wiggle when he has to wiggle, and waggle when he has to waggle. Lenobel is a vital cog in the mechanics of the commission.
Peter O’Connor is the foot soldier of the commission. He can always be counted on to give a little jolt to any discussion. He is able and takes his position seriously. If a final explanation on a subject is needed, Peter will supply it. His personality and demeanor is required in any legislative body. He is inquisitive when inquisitiveness is mandated.
Lee Rothenberg, our esteemed mayor, is a hard worker. He has devoted so many years to the Town that the commission might be lost without him. That, hopefully, will not happen this year. We have had many more able presiding officers, but fewer with the zeal of Lee. He has a tendency to speak on any subject, too often. Rothenberg would be more valuable if he opinionated less often.
Bob Siekmann is a charming fellow. You never know on which side of the issue Bob will emerge. He is too volatile for his own good. He has a keen sense of what to say and when to say it. I wish Siekmann would be more predictable, and then he would be more valuable. I like the way he does analyze a subject, but his eventual decision on a subject is sometimes cause for wonder. Bob is important to have on the commission.
Geroge Spoll is the epitome of braggadocio. He can be swaggering and even bullying at the wrong times. His voice lends strength to his personality. Sometimes his strutting is on the wrong side of an issue. George wants to be more than he deserves and often suffers by comparison with others. It may be considered by a few, that having George Spoll on your side is important. I don’t think so.
That concludes my snapshot personal judgment. The reader is entitled to his or her impressions and opinions.
Why would anyone run for a commission seat on Longboat Key? It rewards the elected person with no perks, no money, no adulation and no standing. Despite this, there are three contested elections this March. The first has already blown an ill wind over the Key. One candidate has bitten the dust despite the expenditure of his own money to the tune of more than $10,000 dollars. What a waste. Mr. Pokoik erred without caution and has suffered a fate that very few politicians have ever experienced here. What was he looking for? What did he think he would accomplish? Bluster is not a trait that Longboaters appreciate.
Two candidates remain in a contest for District One. One, the present mayor, Lee Rothenberg, has worked in behalf of the community for 10 years. His efforts have been recognized by his peers and the citizens of the Key. Nevertheless, PIC (Politics in the Closet) has chosen to reward his efforts by accusing him of the dastardly deed of seeking to serve an extra term. This in accordance with the town attorney’s decision and the vague wording of an ordinance. PIC, staffed by members with an agenda, cannot learn how to be impartial and constructive. It just can’t happen. The mayor’s opponent is a young lady who has never been heard of nor has done little, if anything, to gain a solid reputation. She has been selected by a caucus of disgruntled politicos who strive to make one of them the next mayor. The good citizens of Longboat know better.
Let’s move on to the next selection process. The race features Peter O’Connor, a veteran of four years on the commission. A hard working advocate of the people. He is opposed by a man who is discontented because he was voted off a Town Board by his peers because they thought he did a poor job. They accused him of favoring business over the rights of the voters. That is not the nature of Longboat. We respect and reward men and women who work in our behalf and do so, tirelessly.
Finally, the final elected position is a cinch to predict. Hal Lenobel has served on the commission for ten years of the last 13. He has been elected mayor three times. He is a servant of the people and his record is impeccable. He has come to the rescue of the legislative body on more than one occasion. He has always been the voice of reason. He brings history with him, having served as President of Kiwanis, President of the 700 member Tiger Bay Club, Board member of Children’s Haven. The list goes on and on. He is the most respected legislator we have and the most knowledgeable. His opponent…I can’t recall his name.
