Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Times should share blame in Dunedin manager search

By Times Staff
Published June 21, 2006

Re: Dunedin to start new search for manager, story, June 17.

It was good of you to quote one sentence from my remarks to the Dunedin City Commission at its meeting June 15. Along with shaming the commission for its procrastination, which resulted in the loss of a valued employee, I expressed my belief that the St. Petersburg Times should share in the shame for causing this to happen.

By your slanted reporting and biased editorializing, you have encouraged the delaying tactics and the innuendos of commissioners who opposed appointment of Assistant City Manager Maureen Freaney as Dunedin's city manager. You assume that you have earned the right of a "hometown newspaper" to participate in the city's governmental affairs, but you constantly ignore the views of our residents and don't seem to know the facts.

You have promoted the "agents of change," who seem not to understand that our city charter provides for a commission/manager form of government as opposed to a strong mayor form. It seems obvious that our new mayor and possibly a new majority, and the St. Petersburg Times, are intent on hiring a city manager that they can control, rather than direct through policy decisions made by the commission.

Let me repeat: Shame on you!

Dave Pauley, Dunedin

Freaney served Dunedin with integrity

Re: Change is right for Dunedin, editorial, June 18.

In reference to the comments made in the editorial, let me make myself perfectly clear and set the record straight once and for all.

As I would have expected, from the beginning Maureen Freaney fully disclosed that she shared a home with another city employee. Furthermore, prior to entering the race for city manager, she fully consulted with the city attorney on this issue.

Make no mistake, Ms. Freaney is a person of the highest personal and professional integrity. Do not for one moment misconstrue that fact. She has served the city of Dunedin with the utmost professionalism for 22 years and can look back with nothing but pride.

Dunedin has enjoyed many years of progress, stability and civility, in large part because of the leadership of the last two outstanding mayors and employees like Ms. Freaney. Now, unfortunately, Dunedin has entered a phase of mistrust and dirty politics by the hands of a few. Let's hope this passes soon for once "Delightful" Dunedin.

Pinellas County's gain is truly Dunedin's loss. Congratulations, Ms. Freaney!

John Lawrence, former Dunedin city manager, Powder Springs, Ga.

Let city of Dunedin handle its own affairs

Re: Change is right in Dunedin, editorial, June 18.

Enough is enough!

Our elected mayor and commissioners, together with the citizens of Dunedin, are capable of governing our city without all this outside commentary and suggestions.

Maybe the last process used to select a city manager could have been better administered, but guess what? Our citizens had an opportunity to express our opinion and I believe our message was loud and clear. It didn't work out that way, but so be it.

As one of our commissioners put it, let's move forward in unity and do what is best for the city. I certainly hope you will allow our delightful city and citizens to proceed with the new process.

Ted Napp, Dunedin

It could be Howdy Doody time in Dunedin

Re: Dunedin city manager search.

With the current makeup of new leaders (?) on the City Commission, and the way they botched the search for a city manager, why not just appoint Howdy Doody?

I think he'd fit in real well with the inept mayor and some of the commissioners.

William Alexander Martin, Dunedin

New rec fields are absolutely necessary

Re: Folks like rec fields, just not so close, story, June 16.

I can sympathize with the homeowners that are leery of the new rec fields behind McMullen-Booth Elementary.

It is unfortunate, however, that there is probably no other place to put the rec fields that will alleviate the overcrowding at the Countryside Sports Complex, which is a major concern. Last soccer season, my son's team was unable to have timely practices because there was no open space left at Countryside. That's not right, either.

The new soccer complex is desperately needed. And I am sorry that the homeowners feel that they have to take legal action.

But you can't escape traffic here in Pinellas County and everything that goes with it. Pinellas County is just too populated.

Remember when McMullen-Booth Road was just two lanes? Now it's a travesty of a "scenic road."

Thalia Morgan, Safety Harbor

People who litter should be punished

There are many signs around with the slogan "CLICK IT OR TICKET." It is a popular slogan, especially in this time of road rage.

Can we add this message: "FLICK IT AND TICKET" in regard to cigarettes and other trash? Our beautiful tourist state is being seriously polluted by selfish, uncaring individuals.

Just open your eyes and look at the interstates, roads and storefronts as well as our treasured beaches. I am already fretting over the deluge of trash and filth that will be left on our beaches on the Fourth of July.

Cheryl Mogul, Gulfport

YOUR VOICE COUNTS

We invite readers to write letters for publication. To send a letter from your computer, go to www.sptimes.com/letters. If you prefer, you may instead fax your letter to us at (727) 445-4119, or mail it to Letter to the Editor, St. Petersburg Times, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756.

Letters should be brief and must include the writer's name, city of residence, mailing address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length. We regret that not all letters can be printed.

[Last modified June 21, 2006, 07:04:05]