(By Jill Dicke) As a property owner, I’ve recently taken time to better understand the push to recall council members John King and Karen Woodson. Even before digging deeper into the details, it felt personal and was a direct result of the Seagate vote. After watching both sides speak and in reviewing the recent emails that have come to light on Beach Talk Radio, my concern seems to ring true as the proponents offered no proof to support their allegations levied against Karen and John.
It is troubling to me that the recall process doesn’t require any actual proof to move forward. It seems to create a dangerous precedent that others may attempt each time they are unhappy with a council vote and it will continually cost taxpayer’s money and time. I can’t support that initiative, and I encourage others not to either.
Whether you agree with John and Karen on these issues or not, we don’t gain anything as a community from division and personal unproven attacks. Disagreeing with a vote and using unproven accusations of violation of law with the sole purpose of a recall effort is not the way our government should work. Further, by the time the recall will play out, won’t the new elections will be upon us?
Let’s focus on continuing the efforts of our entire community in rebuilding Fort Myers Beach, not tearing it apart with baseless recalls and wasted tax dollars.
We aren’t always going to agree as a community…but this is not the way to fight a decision. Instead, attend council or planning meetings, share your views, and stay involved and provide feedback.
John and Karen and the rest of our council have worked tirelessly in trying to put our community back together after Ian. As repayment, they have faced violent threats and unfounded accusations. To agree or not agree with their vote in question is simply not the basis of a recall…and I hope others feel the same way. If you disagree with their decisions, let it play out in future elections.
My thanks to our Council for all their efforts and their courage to make decisions they feel is best to move FMB forward. It’s sad for some to think that by asserting threats and making unproven allegations are somehow helping our community. It’s not. Rather, let’s work together—respectfully—as neighbors.
I agree. Im a registered voter on Fort Myers Beach. I will not sign a recall petition.
Well said Jill, unproven allegations and constant messaging about the Seagate decision (which isn’t a legitimate reason) make this recall a no vote for me as well. That’s the purpose of elections.
And Ed
Dean:
I am a Ft Myers Beach resident and a property owner and registered voter and I vote.
And I agree with Jill, James and Beth.
Thank you for your opinion. Now I await Jill’s reply.
Very opinionated and that’s find but definitely not fact based. Many do believe removing John and Karen is moving on so there’s a difference of opinion there. And please share the “violent attacks” towards council. Any police report, no, any proof of your claim, no, it doesn’t exist. And if you understood the Florida recall laws, proof isn’t needed, like it or not, that’s the law. Are you attempting to interfere with this recall? Appears that you are. Do you understand how illegal that is? Perhaps you should do more research on the Florida recall law including interfering with a recall.
Jack: Maybe you should get your facts straight. Right now, there is NO recall. You are lobbying for one and others are lobbying against. That’s the way the political process works. There is no law that says those opposed to a recall campaign have to sit silently while those of you in favor get to preach for one.
Ed
You’re right no one has to sit silent BUT you can not harass, bully, influence, coerce or intimidate anyone into either signing or not signing the petition, in any way shape or form. That’s considered interference and that is illegal.
Jill, nicely said.
Former councilor Bill Veach is supporting this. He is not to be trusted. If he is for it, it cannot be good. Don’t fall for is antics.
Help me make an informed decision. Why is it Bill Veach cannot be trusted in your opinion.
“Instead, attend council or planning meetings, share your views, and stay involved and provide feedback.”
Residents did this for three hours, on multiple occasions, and were completely ignored by the council. Bottom line is, if the town council is going to do exactly what Lee county would do, don’t recall two, get rid of them all, return to unincorporated Lee county, and at least save the residents from having to pay taxes for a government run more poorly than Lee county would.
Jill, wanting do better understand others opinions, are you a resident or property owner?