Resident says thanks to Herb
To the editor:
Vice-Mayor Herb Acken’s term on the Fort Myers Beach Town Council will end next week and there are some former and present council members as well as some citizens who will be glad to see him gone.
I’m not one of them.
Acken joined the Council when it was under the control of the three-headed anger spewing monster “Bo-Shen-Dor” and immediately became a voice of opposition to some of their most destructive ideas. He assumed the role of “contrarian” and quickly became a thorn in their sides. Good for him!
Since that dark time, things have quieted considerably but Acken has continually voiced his opinions with the full knowledge that they would probably not be accepted by the majority. Good for him!Holding an opposing point of view and sticking to it with passion is good for the democratic process. A council which agrees unanimously on too many things is probably screwing one part of the citizenry or another.
Acken has consistently been a voice of support for the business community. I’ve never understood why anybody wouldn’t be a supporter of the business community. Island residents who think all the empty store fronts are a good thing for the town don’t seem to understand the reason the town exists.
Acken has been to our Town Council what Brian Bigelow is to the Board of County Commissioners and Bob Chilmonik is to the School Board the “aginner.” It isn’t always an endearing job but it’s an important one.
Farewell, Herb, and thanks. Ya done the Town a lot of good and I’m going to miss you.
Jay Light
Fort Myers Beach