Today's Letters: Why we stopped the recall process

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published September 20, 2007

When we started the recall process about six weeks ago, we spent a fair amount of time discussing what was best for Dade City. I remain convinced that our decision to recall was ethically and procedural proportionate to the objectionable actions of Commissioner Camille Hernandez. Response to date has been overwhelming. We've met all of our interim goals for fundraising and volunteer participation. Our mailers are generating a favorable response, our volunteers are encountering widespread support, and our Web site continues to attract hundreds of visitors per day. This issue resonates with the voters of Dade City who believe in responsible, civil discourse among our elected representatives.

That being said, Mayor Hutch Brock met with me on Sunday and asked me if the committee would consider terminating the recall process. He made several points in support of his position:

As an elected city leader, Mayor Brock feels that the many challenges facing the city deserve our complete attention. The recall process might dilute our ability to focus on and overcome those challenges.

Mrs. Hernandez clearly did not receive the response she expected from the governor's office and apparently has no intention of filing a claim with the Florida Commission on Ethics.

While Commissioner Hernandez has not apologized for her actions, she has positioned her letter as a request for guidance. Perhaps that is her way of seeking understanding and forgiveness.

The City Commission took a very public stand in firm opposition to Mrs. Hernandez's letter.

Mrs. Hernandez seems to have tempered her approach to commission business. She is familiarizing herself with commission matters and seeking information on items of concern.

And the commission must be committed to progress and civility to ensure Dade City's prosperity, and forgiveness and cooperatively moving on is in the city's best interest.

After speaking with Mayor Brock, I contacted former City Manager Harold Sample and Commissioner Steve Van Gorden to seek their opinion and guidance. They both agreed that the city would, at this point, be better served by terminating the recall. Commissioner Van Gorden, especially, expressed his hope that the city could move past this issue and focus on our immediate challenges. Next I spoke with the committee officers who, after much discussion, reluctantly agreed.

Everyone involved in this effort is a goal-oriented, competitive individual: we established a goal, developed a plan and then worked hard to achieve that goal. Sometimes it is important, however, to re-evaluate our goals in a broader context. We all stated very clearly that this effort was motivated not by personal issues, but rather by what was best for our town. Our town leaders are telling us that we will best serve the community by stopping the recall process. So, after much reflection and consideration, I have agreed to wind down the effort. We will continue to be involved and monitor our commissioner's actions and attitude. The commission needs to return to the open exchange of ideas while avoiding the distraction of divisive personal agendas.

We suspend the recall process in the hope that Mrs. Hernandez will not squander this fresh start. The effort has shown that the citizens of Dade City have high expectations of their leaders and won't tolerate irresponsible behavior. As Mayor Brock said, we have many challenges ahead. Let's strive for healing and forgiveness so we can meet our collective goals.

Curtis A. Beebe,Dade City

Dade City needs to work together

The recall of Commissioner Camille Hernandez is a simple matter of the good old boy system getting very angry. She did something without their permission.

A commissioner is elected by the people of the community. They have a right and privilege to think for themselves, not be bullied and appease others. Male commissioners have had their own way so long they don't want any changes or questions especially by Commissioner Hernandez. Why isn't Hernandez entitled to explore her concerns? The concern was for Dade City, not for herself.

Now, if the recall committee would work with the city manager, commissioners and mayor to bring some good-paying jobs, ways to produce more revenue and recreational activities for the youths and seniors, the entire city would benefit. Work together wholeheartedly to achieve the goal - a better city. When students graduate from high school, they have two choices: college or leave Dade City for a better-paying job.

Dade City does not need a recall. It needs leaders working together for the betterment of the citizens.

Celestine Bush Stephens, Lacoochee

[Last modified September 19, 2007, 21:12:54]