- April 25, 2024
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Bruce Campbell, a truly local city manager, finally gets recognition
Dear Editor:
Thanks to all who continue to support of City Manager Bruce Campbell. Without your help a few years ago working to get petition signatures, attending meetings, etc., and supporting Bruce, the following would not have been accomplished.
Having such a qualified local person such as Bruce in this most important position, a person with long time roots to our community, is proving to be a tremendous asset to both our city and its residents — one which will hopefully continue to bear fruit for many years to come.
During my 15-plus years in the city, I have seen probably 10 or more city managers (circuit riders) pass through town without much improvement to show for it. A couple, of course, were a little better than others, but many attempted to use our small city simply as a stepping stone, often filling out resumes not long after their arrival, trying to move up to larger cities and bigger pay checks. Of course, others who for various reasons did not work out, sometimes got buyouts at your expense, simply to move on.
At last week’s commission meeting, Bruce received his first two-year evaluation (report card) since taking the position. He received an overall rating of outstanding, with a majority of our commissioners fully on board. Unfortunately for Bruce, however, this evaluation was presented later in the meeting as agenda item 25, and passed quickly into the sunset with little to no fanfare; as to his significant accomplishment, it all went under the radar, so to speak.
Shown below are just a three of his many accomplishments since he took office two years ago.
1. City taxes did not increase during the two years. In fact, the 2011-2012 tax rate was 4.2% below the roll-back rate.
2. During that time, $390,000 has been returned to the city’s general fund.
3. Our total operation of the downtown pier, including the bait and tackle shop, was in the red and costing you, the taxpayers, about $70,000 to $80,000 a year, and is now at long last under his guidance, and I am pleased to say is already showing a profit.
As residents, you can now clearly see that your decision to support Bruce Campbell, a local candidate with a strong business background, has proved to be just what we said it would be. This, despite those that dug their heels in, and wanted to stay with ever revolving range riders, the same group that so often failed to live up to expectation.
Yes, we made the right decision, and a great decision for our beautiful city, and all of its residents.
Arthur Woosley
Flagler Beach
We are not fooled by power company’s explanation of smart meters
Dear Editor:
In response to the Oct. 12 article, “Meter upgrade brings protests”: I found humor and “corporate line” by Elaine Hinsdale, a spokesperson for the power company. “We’re just joining the rest of the world in our upgrade” she stated.
Last time I checked online, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Europe, Asia, etc., are not on board or planning to incorporate these smart meters within their power grids. Additionally can Florida Power & Light go on record as to the planned installation and time lines within the Northeast, Midwest or Pacific Coast regions? I think not.
She further stated: “This technology is going to put the power back in the hands of the people by letting them measure their energy use.” Come on, man. Give us a break! A majority of us are fully capable of reading our own meters.
Are these smart meters going to provide the end user with messages like, “You left lights on in the bathroom or your thermostat is set too high for heating or cooling”? Don’t think so!
She stated “FP&L won’t know how many TVs you have ... just how much electricity you’re using.” So just what is different between current and smart meter? Both seem to me to be doing the same thing, except FP&L has the capability to read and bill from a central location or shut down power grid locations remotely. Looks a lot like job loss pure and simple! There goes the monthly meter reader in our locations.
Also another company line: She said, “The electric system we know today dates back to Thomas Edison, poles and wire for 100 years. ... Smart meters are the way of the future.” Give us a break! Unless FP&L, Palm Coast and Flagler County go to the major expense of submerged power lines and power distributions units, as other towns and developments have planned for and done in the past, guess what FP&L and Ms. Hinsdale — we all will be looking at the same poles and wires with or without smart meters.
Your article also stated that the power company allows opt-out until at least the middle of next year. We were provided with a phone number, which led to a specialist, then referred to yet another number. It was not a pleasant phone call.
As to the medical concerns, I share as the same. I, being advised by my cardiologist to “refrain or limit exposure to EMI/RF energy sources such as cell phones, operating auto alternators/generators, etc., lest it affect your Pacemaker,” cut many of my yard work and hobbies.
Outdated or inaccurate: that’s your problem, FP&L, so fix it without smart meters.
Edward C. Scott
Palm Coast
For shame, Palm Coast: Red light cameras caused my accident
Dear Editor:
I was nearly killed the other day, all because of a red light camera. I was driving down Belle Terre Parkway, and there was a car ahead of me and one beside me. All of us were going the speed limit.
The light we were approaching turned yellow, and we all did what every normal driver does: We sped up to make the light. Suddenly, the car ahead of me slammed on his brakes. He must have just realized it was a monitored intersection and was afraid he might not make it through in time. Thank God I have quick reflexes and good brakes or there could have been a horrendous crash — perhaps fatal.
I have driven for more than 50 years and have never had an accident, and now, because of those ridiculous cameras, my perfect record was nearly destroyed, along with my car.
There was, as it turned out, plenty of time to get through the light. The driver beside me made it through just fine. But that is the crux of the problem: All the good drivers are going to be scared of making the wrong move, and all the bad drivers are going to keep going!
Cameras are not going to stop the speeders, those driving under then influence, the ones who are texting (the worst of the offenders). Only a real live person can do that, but hey, why should the deputies keep monitoring the intersections with red light cameras when the camera is doing their job for them?
For shame, Palm Coast. The people have spoken: We do not want Big Brother watching us. We do not want our city turned into a police state. We do not want to be afraid to drive down our streets for fear we may do something “wrong” without even realizing it.
A camera is not going to stop speeders, but it will cause accidents like the one I nearly had.
There is only one reason this is happening here. It’s called greed.
Charlotte Smith
Palm Coast
‘When you open up these doors, your soul is in true jeopardy’
Dear Editor:
Yes, it’s election time, and people are emotional about their candidates. But there are some of you who are expressing your dislike for President Obama by stealing our signs, defacing our signs and replacing them with Romney/Ryan signs.
If you don’t like our president, you don’t have to vote for him. But your signs of “Take Back America,” “Take Back the White House” and your ugly posters?
Come on, this is not the way. Stop the madness now. When you open up these doors, your soul is in true jeopardy.
Valerie Ottley
Palm Coast
