The following excerpts are from an e-mail sent to the town manager from Loxahatchee Groves Town Council candidate Todd McLendon dated Feb. 15, 2013.
Todd was questioning the town staff and manager on the release of public documents pertaining to the college petition at the request of a town resident. “Members of the public should not be allowed access to information until it is processed and copied,” he wrote, adding, “I am furious that this was allowed and that all documents and information be guarded and kept in confidence from here on out.”
As most of us know, anytime a municipality receives a letter, receipt or other documents, those e-mails or pieces of paper are open to public scrutiny and, at the request of the public, can be copied. Todd’s campaign platform is, “I’ll listen to the public,” but it is clear that he might listen, but will object to any release of public records.
Todd goes on to say that, “since this is a $4.5 million issue, it should be handled with the utmost confidence.” Todd now admits that the state college issue could cost the town more than the $300,000 that he and his petition committee have been advertising since this petition began. How would the town pay this massive debt? Well it’s really simple — our town’s ad valorem taxes would soar 990 percent and this would be with us for many years to come.
If you want higher taxes and a clandestine town government, then vote for Todd McLendon. If you want the lowest possible taxes and an open and transparent town government with a proven leader, then vote for Jim Rockett. That’s who I’m voting for.
Todd’s entire e-mail is available at the town office for the public to view, since it is a public record.
Frank Schiola, Loxahatchee Groves
Editor’s note: Mr. Schiola is a supervisor of the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District.
