Election day is a tad more than 4 weeks away here in Gateway (and everywhere else) and you can start to see the strategy unfold of the 4 candidates running for 2 open seats on the board. We sent out an invitation to all the candidates to participate in a candidates night forum September 12th or 19th and only one, David Lethem, showed any interest.
That means the strategy of the candidates is to prevent voters from questioning them on the issues, asking them about their vision for Gateway and hoping voters will see their sign at the voting place on their way into the booth. 2 candidates have a website, including David Lethem. 1 candidate doesn't have a site another has one that is so pathetic it's not even worth sharing.
This lack of campaigning by the candidates, their refusal to face questions from the voters, will leave Gateway residents scratching their heads on election day. And, as you know, this current G.S.D. board of Supervisors, led by Bob Nielson, features several people who snuck on the board because they were appointed, not voted in. Too much is at stake for residents to allow candidates to sneak in this time.
So what is a voter to do? Here are some suggestions:
- Over the next several weeks, we will give you the opportunity to hear what candidate David Lethem has to say. Lethem has been more open to questions and has agreed to answer the important issues facing Gateway.
- If you live off Griffin Drive it's important you find a way to get in touch with the candidates and get their opinion on the landscaping. Many of you have told me repeatedly you are a "one issue" voter this year. And that issue is the landscaping. Sue Doiron is attempting to get something on the record from all the candidates about that issue for all of you to have. You should reach out to her.
- Send an e-mail to Ed Sichel and Gary Neubauer and ask them for their thoughts on the current candidates. Ed & Gary are taking the board in the right direction. They are more conservative when it comes to spending and have a smart vision for Gateway.
- Call me at 225-7376, stop by Fort Myers Fitness or send me an e-mail. I will tell you who I am voting for from my years of covering this current board adding in what I know about the current board candidates. You can take it for whatever its worth, which is probably about six cents.
- Do not be swayed by a candidate handing you a piece of candy or chocolate bar on the way into the voting booth. They will try to get you to remember their name as you go in to pull the lever.
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Hiding as a candidate is being and absolute chicken. If you can't or will not face your voters don't run for office.
ReplyDeleteI find it absurd to say that Gary and Ed are taking this board in the right direction. There is not a master plan or even a strategic long term plan for Gateway. The Griffin landscaping should be part of such a plan. With all Gary's "management" experience, he should know first hand the importance of a long term plan. Gary and Ed have had two years to insist this board develop a strategic and long term plan for Gateway! So, where is it?
ReplyDeleteI too was disappointed that the forum will not be held. I understand mr. sardo had a family committment planned earlier where he is out of town. I have been talking to many gateway residents individually..which is great. Feel free to call me at 940-8889 or email at dslethem@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. David Lethem
ReplyDeleteDenny Whitworth resigned from the Board at Gateway Greens.
ReplyDeleteEd - you have done (and continue to do) some great things in the Gateway Community, but you have to accept that not everything will go according to your plan.
ReplyDeleteYou can't force candidates to participate in a forum - last time I checked, it's a free country. Candidates have prior commitments / plans. Why bash candidates who have stepped up to the plate with the hopes of wanting to help lead the Gateway community?
From what I understand, three of the candidates running for the GSCDD Board have websites. Mr. Lethem has a decent website (www.votedavidlethem.info), but I think Mr. Sardo has the best site (www.vincesardo.com) - he's provided lots of information that Gateway residents can read and digest at their own leisure. Mr. Guy's website (www.williamaguy.com) is basic and doesn't really tell me much about this candidate...
Out of the four candidates, my vote will be for Lethem (Seat 5) & Sardo (Seat 4).
Ed - Why not put the candidates' websites at the top of your Gazette, so that readers have the chance to digest information and contact the candidates if they have questions?
Great letter!! I too would like to be able to tap into the websites from the gazette. My vote also goes to Sardo and Lethem..
ReplyDelete