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Commissioner responds
Article published on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006 |
Re: Kevin Connolly’s letter, “Commissioner has removed sheep’s clothing”
Editor:
Mr. Connolly’s article is pure embellished fiction. I have not changed at all from the time I decided to run for office a year ago. What he should have said is that the small radical group that he is associated with has not been able by threats or pressure to make me come around to their way of thinking.
This group’s main core consists of Kevin Connolly, his mentor Bob Shaw, Pat and George Shontz, Karen Martin, Steve Truels, Len Piotti, Art and Carol Broaderick, George Gonzalez and Marilyn Maginley. They claim that they are so interested in Madeira Beach, but the truth of the matter is that as I have come to know them they are only interested in their own self-interest not the city as a whole.
The traffic studies he addresses on 140th Avenue which was done by the sheriff’s department speak for themselves. As for the BelleArte, this PDD was approved by the planning commission on which Mr. Connolly sits and was passed by the Board of Commissioners 5-0. No commissioner has control over motel owners selling their property to a developer. The best we can do is to manage that development. The BelleArte will be a beautiful addition to our skyline.
The real reason Mr. Connolly is disgruntled with me is because I would not go along with his idea’s on how to conduct my campaign. When he and the rest of his associates offered to help me run for office I told them that I wanted to run independent from any group, and welcomed their help as long as they agreed not to tell me what to say, what my platform would be, and how to vote if I was elected.
As far as being in touch with residents of Madeira Beach, I think that most would agree that over the last 12 months I have had that privilege more than anyone else in the city. I have personally witnessed Mr. Connolly’s bad temper, his rudeness, and his attack on people’s character. I can state that I am my own man, an independent thinker, and not governed by a political action group as he is. In casting my votes I feel that I truly represent all the citizens of Madeira Beach. At best Mr. Connolly and his self-interest group are devisive and their actions are detrimental to Madeira Beach.
In the nine months that I have been your commissioner I have worked to reduce expenses, recover monies for the city, worked to pass good legislation that provided a sound swimming pool ordinance, reduced the millage rate, providing protection of existing nonconforming structures, and providing an additional $25,000 Homestead exemption to qualifying seniors. I have been told by many people in the city and the county that I have accomplished more in nine months than most commissioners have in a full term.
It is not what I have done that gnaws at Mr. Connolly and his group. What bothers them is the fact that they cannot control me. Citizens have expressed to me their fear of running for office because of being smeared and their reputation ruined. This is a tragedy if we let it happen and a loss of talent that our city can utilize. So check out every article and anything hung on your doorknob to make sure that you are getting the true story. I have faith in the residents of Madeira Beach to see through the smoke and mirrors of those who seek to divide us. It is the only way radical groups, developers, restaurant owners and real-estate moguls can succeed against the silent majority.
Since taking office I have fought against these pressure groups and intend to continue doing so for a better Madeira Beach. With your help I know that I will succeed.
Have a prosperous and healthy New Year.
Art Thomas
Commissioner, Madeira Beach
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Article published on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006
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