We are willing to ignore, twist, bend and break our rules for certain VIP applicants, while the bottom feeders get treated as if they have no standing or significance — they are the Rosa Parks of our business community.

A longtime friend of Longboat Key, a loyal and loving wife of more than 60 years, and a mother to two loving children, Hazel Lenobel, passed away Thursday evening.

It is usually a simple ritual — our Year in Review edition. We scan the stories, make some judgments based on impact of the events and weave together pictures and narratives. But 2011 was an intense and beguiling year. It is as if all the sands have shifted metaphorically speaking, and yet we have not had a hurricane. Take the encouraged resignation of Longboat Key Town Manager Bruce St. Denis after it came to light that five of seven commissioners wanted him replaced.

While St. Armands Circle celebrated its tree-lighting gala, my family had its own humbling and bizarre tree ritual. As Christmas approaches, my wife’s eyes take on a maniacal glint. Her children, her husband, the house and the pets are all pawns for helping set up the house for the holidays.

You could take James Taylor at his insipid mellowest and hand him an acoustic guitar and force him to play “Kumbaya” — even that could not get the Colony dispute resolved. And we should not be naïve and take the words and actions of those involved as literal and at face value. Everyone is angry, everyone is frustrated, and everyone is all fingers and no ears.

Commissioners Jack Duncan and Dave Brenner should be applauded along with the many other residents, board members and staffers who fashioned a Vision Plan and mission statement for Longboat Key

The recent actions by the Town Commission have shown an utter contempt for the voters on Longboat Key as well as the very form of government that is supposed to operate in the sunshine. This commission is also pushing us head-long into liability and possible lawsuits in its handling and circling the wagons around Monica Simpson

Too fast, too slow, just right. It is a Goldilocks dilemma of timing for the Longboat Key Town Commission when it comes to selecting a new town manager. And as in all uncertainties — it causes fear, vacillation, criticism, self-doubt and worry about doing what is right

I called the town manager after the resignation agreement was signed, after he stepped down, after his 14-year career on Longboat Key was over. And he asked if I was looking for a quote. I suddenly realized that I had to stop working. I found myself attempting to be fake and do my job while a decent man that I have known for 14 years was driving home from work for the final time

There is no posture, position or argument that justifies the support of a cell phone tower at Longboat Island Chapel on our island. Dropped calls, economic bleakness, a church