Guest: Mayor says efforts should return to Town issues
To the editor:
I had planned to write a letter to the Town regarding this incident after the dust had settled. As I was trying to formulate ideas thinking it would be almost impossible to explain how ridiculous some of the reactions have been to this bizarre and surreal media explosion. But the ex-Mayor came to the rescue with his letter to the editor.
This community has been under attack for almost two weeks. We have had no town ambassadors doing talk show interviews and trying to defend the actions of some folks that did the best they could with the information provided. This council did respond to every email and phone call one at a time. That could become another story.
No matter how the media portrays this event, how the story was told or what would have happened if the council did nothing, the world was coming at us in full swing. As one of the producers of the Today Show told me (yes, I received the same talk show invitations as Scott Janke), “Larry, there is only two key words that make this a story..politics..porn. The rest is sensationalism and, if you are lucky, another story will come along quickly and this too will be forgotten. There is nothing you can do about it.” She was right. So was Scott, he said the same kind of thing which started it all.
Now for the next and, perhaps most important step, what happens when the real story is told? Well, it has already. Here is one example. The original story was written by Steve Nelson from the Adult Industry Web site that broke the story. He has since written a follow-up story that was confirmed by both Janke and me regarding what really did happen (Steve felt bad for what was happening to this town and thought it was unfair). That story went out on the same media wires as the first story did. The Washington Post picked it up and called for an interview. I sent them more information and received no call back. So I followed up.
He stated that he had talked to Janke and he confirmed what I had sent him. So when did he want to do the interview? He didn’t. He thought this is now a local matter and perhaps some of the town newspapers should handle it. I didn’t care for the response, but he was right.
When Hurricane Charley hit, it was on the news. But when that story passed, the town had to clean up the mess and move on. I don’t believe we asked for that either.
Our local media has a chance to respond with stories that reflect the real desire of a community that wants this island to become even a better place to live rather than subject everyone to more of what we have experienced already. The world isn’t watching this episode as part of the story anymore; they never did. Only you and your neighbors will remember, which should give you comfort on how you react.
We have important matters that need all of our attention: ones that may change how Estero Boulevard may look; how successful Bay Oaks will be; and if water is available the next time you need a drink. The clock is ticking for setting the mil rate for your taxes this coming year. Where should we be putting our efforts?
If Dennis and other past leaders of our town want to have a conversation regarding how to heal this town through sound thinking and productive efforts, the invitation is always there.
It is my pleasure to serve with this council, and let me refer to them as citizens of a town that have volunteered for the most part. I am proud of how they have conducted themselves with professionalism and respect. It would have been easier to lash out in response. They have served you well and I am proud of them and this town.
Larry Kiker
Mayor, Fort Myers Beach