Potent Politics: Blair, PIC and the challengers
DAN DOWD
Guest Columnist
opinion@lbknews.com
Kudos to Betty Blair, who is a veteran of Longboat politics and now resides in Sarasota. Betty was formerly the head honcho of PIC. Recently Betty sent a letter of resignation to that organization due to their admonishment of Mayor Lee Rothenberg for running for office, without her knowledge, and withdrawing support for his candidacy. Betty’s letter went on to strongly support the mayor’s attempt to be reelected. Her conviction is most admirable and certainly continues to debase the value of PIC.
My distaste for that group is natural, because supporters of the three candidates opposing the three incumbents consist of people either directly on their board or strong adherents of Larson, Brenner and Younger. Unbiased and unprejudiced are not words that form the basis of their character. PIC has decided to support the candidacy of the three people who oppose the three incumbents.
Just a few notes on the candidates for Town Commission… Take David Brenner who is opposing incumbent Peter O’Connor. Brenner was removed from the Planning and Zoning Board, more precisely, not reappointed, when his name came up before the Town Commission. His presence and actions on that board were not only unappreciated, but also he acted in opposition to the commission when he was supposed to be advisory in nature. I got the strong impression that his services were detrimental to the town. Now Brenner wants to actually overthrow the existing commission to repay his removal from the P&Z Board. He actually inquired of the Town Clerk whether he could form a slate of candidates to oppose the existing incumbents. He was informed that was illegal according to Florida law. That sort of anger and retribution cannot possibly satisfy the voters in our fair town.
Phil Younger has appeared on the scene without any credentials to becoming a commissioner. His one attempt to appear in the public eye was totally declined by all parties in the Key Club’s hearings. He presented recycled ideas for solving the impasse between IPOC and the Key Club, and his ideas were belittled. The ideas bordered upon being silly. Younger may one day become a viable candidate, but that day is not here now.
The same case can be made for the candidacy of Lynn Larson. Her experience in town matters is totally lacking. I would assuredly prefer to have the hard-working, experienced Lee Rothenberg serving as commissioner then the novice, come-lately Larson. She, too, may one day, after serving more time on a town board, make a feasible candidate to be a legislator on the commission. That time has not yet arrived.
Yes, I have strong opinions based on my witnessing of commission proceedings and years of following Longboat’s politics. I also admire those citizens who serve the voters and residents of Longboat in any civil service capacity, and I respect the views of my readers and their opinions. I fully realize it is the voters who will frame and control the future of our fair town, and I hope my judgment plays some part in their eventual decision. The three incumbents, namely Rothenberg, Lenobel and O’Connor, form the foundation for a viable, fine commission. They deserve reelection.
