Ad casts a dark cloud over county officials
Letters to the EditorPublished November 1, 2004
EDITOR'S NOTE: This letter written to Linda Daly, Citizens for a Better Citrus, is printed at the author's request.
I received a political advertisement in the mail titled, "Who's watching out for YOUR pocketbook" from Citizens for a Better Citrus. While I have the highest respect for individuals or organizations to express their political views, I believe very strongly those expressions should be factual and honest. I was taken aback when I read the claim in the advertisement that Commissioner Josh Wooten "took steps to end abuse and fraud within the county, so the budget process is open and accountable to Citrus Citizens."
First, let me assure your organization that during the 14 years I have had the pleasure and honor of serving the people of Citrus County there has never been, to my knowledge, abuse and fraud in Citrus County government. Furthermore, citizen participation has always been encouraged and appreciated. If your organization has evidence to substantiate your claim, it needs to be brought forward to the appropriate law enforcement agency rather than make unsubstantiated allegations in an electioneering mail piece. May I direct you to the Clerk of the Court who provides the check and balance and is responsible for both internal and external auditing for verification? These audits can be viewed at any time by concerned citizens and any evidence of fraud or abuse would require that it be taken to the office of the State Attorney.
In closing, while I realize you are not personally responsible for the inexplicable actions of your organization, someone needs to take responsibility for this mass media campaign that has maligned more than 500 county employees, four county commissioners, and the Clerk of Courts; all to promote one political candidate.
I appeal to you as president of Citizens for a Better Citrus to lift the dark cloud your organization has cast on Citrus County government.
-- Gary Bartell, Homosassa, Citrus county commissioner, District 2
Apology for misunderstanding
Editor: I would like to apologize for the misunderstanding created by a statement in one of our mailings. Our intent was to praise Commissioner Wooten and the entire County Commission for being good fiscal stewards and keeping a watchful eye out for waste, fraud and abuse in the county's budget. We used incorrect words to communicate that message and we apologize for the misunderstanding it created. We did not mean to offend the members of the current County Commission or county employees because we believe they are doing a good job.
Citizens for a Better Citrus has attempted to inform and educate the voters of Citrus County on the positive things that have occurred under Commissioner Wooten and the present County Commission. We feel we have accomplished that purpose and now are standing down. We do not plan any further electioneering communications during this election cycle with the exception of newspaper advertising that explains the mission and purpose of the organization.
-- Linda Daly, chairperson Citizens for a Better Citrus
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