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Boat-slip vote merits undivided attention

Re: City's reversal on boat slip vote raises questions, editorial, Aug. 24.

My pastor asked a question a couple of weeks ago: "When making a list of priorities, do you take tough things first or easy? No, you take first things first." In the case of the Clearwater downtown boat slips, the city's first priority is garnering the support of our citizens.

Recently, the City Council unanimously voted to move a referendum on the subject from November to March. The question was raised, "Is the city prepared?"

The answer is, we are fully prepared, but this is an important issue and deserves to be the focal point of an election, with ample time to discuss it. Unfortunately, the November election is extremely congested with candidates and issues on the state and local level. Not the least of these are county charter amendments that the city of Clearwater and the rest of the cities of Pinellas County oppose.

This question of downtown boat slips deserves the undivided attention of our citizens, and that is what we are committed to encouraging.

Since the City Council directed staff to explore the possibility of building boat slips on the downtown waterfront, the city manager and his staff have worked tirelessly to collect engineering, design and financial information to help your City Council make a decision.

What we've learned from previous efforts is that our citizens demand comprehensive information on any proposal brought forward for approval. This is their right, and our obligation.

We feel comfortable that we have a proposal that makes sense and the citizens of Clearwater will see that fact.

There are many people in this community who would agree that building boat slips on the downtown waterfront is a positive step toward the revitalization of downtown and a way to address the dwindling supply of public boater access.

What you can expect from us is full and accurate information and a clear indication of what this proposal will include and what it will not include. You'll know exactly what the investment will be, and how it will be funded. You'll have the chance to see what the slips will look like through animation, and determine for yourself whether or not it's a positive addition for our community.

This project will provide greater interaction with the waterfront for land-side visitors and boaters alike. It will be open for the public to stroll along the docks and enjoy the activity. Associated facilities will be tastefully designed and incorporated into the existing building at the Drew Street pier. And we've required that the boaters who use the facility will bear the cost of the project.

I am not always a patient person, but I have learned that patience pays off and good things must not be rushed. The decision to move the referendum to March gives us the opportunity to ensure that the ballot language is crystal clear and that voters going to the polls are focused on the question at hand. It provides the time to have the kind of extended and meaningful dialogue that our voters deserve.

In short, it's the right thing to do for the future of our city. The council and I invite you to be a part of the process and look forward to the day when we can all enjoy this added amenity to our great city.

Frank Hibbard, mayor of Clearwater

County should use these funds to educate, not decorate

In a county with shrinking green space and existing green space under attack, Dr. Bruce Rinker, manager of our Pinellas environmental preserved lands, wants $750,000 of Penny for Pinellas funds for a tree canopy walkway in Brooker Creek Preserve.

If the county were to spend $750,000 on educational programs for the public instead of a canopy walk, just imagine how much better informed about environmental issues citizens would be!

Jane Williams, Clearwater

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[Last modified August 31, 2006, 06:40:03]