More clarity needed
To the editor:
The Fort Myers Beach Civic Association tried its best to give all candidates for the FMB Fire Board an opportunity to give their positions and view on relevant issues to an interviewcommittee before the Civic Association boardmade a decision on endorsements. We invitedeach and every candidateto meet with the committee.
Al Agathen said he was unable to meet the first week and scheduled his interview forWednesday of thefollowing week. Meanwhile, with the deadline for the Tidelines loomingand other interviewscompleted (other than Flip Harby, who declined to interview), I called Al to see whether it might be possible for him to meet for the interview somewhat sooner. There was no response to that call.Therefore we expected Al to meet as originally scheduled, and waited 30 minutes for him at the appointed time and place. He neither appeared norcalled. Those are the facts and the candidate knows it.
His personal attack on Lee Melsekwas both unnecessary and contradictedhis alleged contempt for “low tactics” and “cheap-shot politics.” Rather thanchallenging the basic facts cited in the board’s endorsement, written by Lee,he chose to attack the messenger.What tends to get lost in these sorts of dust-ups, unfortunately, are the very serious issues involved in operating a fire district – such questions as how much money is actually required to provide superior fire and emergency services in the district, where are the sources for fundsin a period of declining property values and stagnant economy, and how can the resources be most effectively utilized.That’swhat we should be discussing.
Mr. Agathen has presented not one idea to Lee for making our fire department better and more efficient.The voters deserve much better.
Pat A. Smith
Fort Myers Beach