Other than Mary Lindsey, no one from the opponent's side showed their heads. This is the group, as you know, that has stated that we can sit down and hash things out. I heard this constantly last year from Loretta Sharpe and even this year Jack Simons said something similar at the Murry Hills Meet & Greet for Blockson and Maxwell. The vision for Lake Worth is too divided--small town charm versus more Lucerne Condos as an example.
Jeff Clemens, who originally was to be sworn-in, canceled his appearance at City Hall. Can you blame him? His supporters lost and the reception would have been less than enthusiastic. Commissioner Maxwell was as gracious as he could be in his remarks to the newly elected and Mayor Varela had an excellent speech telling the commissioners that they are there to serve everyone, that the title and office is owned by residents in the City..."you are just borrowing the space." He further stated that there is no room for selfishness.
Although this night was about McVoy and Mulvehill, former Commissioner Cara Jennings stole the stage with her Power Point presentation of her achievements during the course of the last 56 months, 243.57 weeks and 1,705 days. She said as she was an anarchist, it was not her role "to fall in love with positions of power." I have challenged her about her claim to be an anarchist as it is totally incongruent as an elected public official. However, she insists that she is just that and that is what is so endearing about Jennings. She summed up politics by saying, "if you want a friend in politics, get a dog."
In spite of all odds and reprehensible slurs and obstacles in her path from her political enemies, she will be remembered as one of the best commissioners in Lake Worth. We did not agree on everything but Cara is a humanist first, always thinking about those worse off than herself and trying to better their lives as much as possible. This sometimes got in her way of doing what was right for Lake Worth when it came to implementing immigration laws. I was reminded of this when she said that elected officials represent all of the residents, not just some.
With numerous standing ovations and applause throughout the evening, Commissioners McVoy and Mulvehill both gave speeches that were excellent along with accolades to former Commissioner Cara Jennings for all her achievements.
Sorry to miss all the fun. I had to shampoo my hair.
ReplyDeleteOh Mr. Blackman!
ReplyDeleteThou doest protest too much!
What you missed was inspiration and, as stated, the bar set very very high.