At the Indian Trail Improvement District meeting on Sept. 10 during the presentation of item number 7.2 (the 60th Street permit), I heard Supervisor [Michelle] Damone and President [Carol] Jacobs say the Minto West project’s access to 60th street is a reality.
Their statements were like an expression of faith to the certainty of God’s existence. Supervisor Damone is already on record against an ITID resolution in opposition to the Minto West changes. Supervisor [Jennifer] Hager challenged President Jacobs’ change of stance from opposition to one of support for Minto West. President Jacobs’ reply was she has had more time to think about it. Presently, these are two ITID supervisors who have crossed over to the foul side.
Supervisor [Ralph] Bair was still asking questions during the agenda item. He did support the resolution opposing the Minto West changes. However, after the agenda discussion was over, I couldn’t determine if he was still opposed to the Minto West changes. Apparently, he wants more time to think about it and reconsider his stance.
Lets be clear: Minto West is a johnny-come-lately transformation threat to the western communities.
Supervisors Hager and [Gary] Dunkley have consistently opposed the Minto West changes. They don’t have to be polished speakers or promote themselves at the expense of others. All they do on most issues and need to do on the Minto West transformation is to vote correctly to protect the people of The Acreage and the district.
Later in the meeting, Supervisor Damone self destructed and gave Supervisor Hager an undeserved tongue-lashing. This was a bad decision for three reasons:
First, It was obvious to me that Supervisor Damone was attempting to cast doubt on Supervisor Hager’s qualifications for re-election in front of all those attending the meeting. This is not acceptable behavior of a supervisor.
Secondly, the tongue-lashing was an emotional outburst that showed me Supervisor Damone’s decision to do so is suspect. Why would she make a decision that would shine a light on unprofessional behavior? What caused Supervisor Damone to make a hasty decision and self destruct? Could it happen again? Perhaps the cause could poke its head up again on an important issue up for an ITID approval.
Third, what was the ITID staff thinking when the tongue-lashing was occurring? We could be home with family instead of at this meeting? Maybe we should look for an employer that has more civility in the meetings.
At an earlier time of the meeting, Supervisor Damone caused President Jacobs to stop what she believed to be verbal abuse directed her way from a person attending the meeting. President Jacobs stopped the confrontation.
President Jacobs didn’t make a serious effort to stop Supervisor Damone’s bitter words directed at Supervisor Hager. President Jacobs let the activity play out. Why would President Jacobs be intolerant of supposed verbal barbs directed at Supervisor Damone, and then condone Supervisor Damone’s self-destruct attack on Supervisor Hager?
The coming election is critical for the future of ITID. We need ITID supervisors who believe and have the faith of a mustard seed in the reality of beating back the Minto West johnny-come-lately transformations of our community.
Are you going to know the candidates and vote for the best candidate or are you going to move away? Which action is less work? How many times are you going to move away from Broward County?
Bob Sommer, The Acreage
