Listen to the people - Don't Rain on their Parade

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Regarding the editorial in the local newspaper, this commission is anything but sensitive to the people who speak before them unless, of course, it is someone who is complimenting them or agreeing with them or one of their constituents being allowed to call out another speaker using personal remarks, something this mayor is allowing.  It's pathetic to build up your ego this way at the expense of other residents. Word does get out.

I agree with Easton when he says it is not the commission's job to agree with everyone but to use sound judgment in the decision making process.  And that's the rub.  Easton goes on to say that anyone who disagrees with this commission will protest anything just to protest and then takes the opportunity to slap down Commissioner McVoy, something he does with frequency these days.  Candidate filing time is soon. Easton says McVoy panders to the will of the opposition but in reality, McVoy has voted with this commission 99% of the time. He doesn't "pander to anyone's will" but he is, however, one of the few that answers e-mails and actually gives a hot damn about what the people think--ALL of the people, not just some.

The Herald editor goes on to talk about the "vocal minority" and wonders why this commission even tolerates them.  But who is the vocal minority?  It certainly wasn't a "dozen or so people" as Easton suggests especially if you consider that the Heights Amendment was won by 57% of the vote?  What about all of those who voted against the money grab and defeated the commission's general obligation bond?  Are they a part of this mysterious "vocal minority?"

People had every right to speak out against making 7th Avenue South a two way street even if it was on the First Reading and even if the city had mass public meetings before this reading.  That is what public meetings are for. Many people have no clue as to what's going on in our city--Hell, some didn't even know about the Veterans Parade that the commission bragged and took the credit for bringing it back. We pay an events coordinator (a lovely gal) to ensure success of these events.  Where was the marketing on this parade?

People have the right to speak on any issue they desire in this city or country that may affect their lives. The Editor of the Lake Worth Herald disses that Constitutional right and wants them ignored.  This is not a dictatorship run by a bunch of fascists. The Commission already is in love with the sound of its own voice.

The city commission "can stand tall" by LISTENING to what the people have to say-- not by stomping on their words or allowing a deputy to stand behind a citizen who is speaking and intimidate him because they don't like what he might have to say. This is a heinous and shocking abuse of power. The commission needs to commit itself to hearing and comprehending what the people say and be attentive and then make decisions that will make life better for them, not just their chosen few.  Frankly, people are disgusted with government constantly raining on their parade.