Sheriff candidate Tom Dougherty: Campaign-sign thieves won't slow me down

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

Tom Dougherty’s sheriff campaign signs stolen

Dear Editor:

I am writing this letter to inform your readers of a disturbing event that has taken place numerous times during my campaign for Flagler County sheriff. Approximately 20 of my campaign lawn signs, “Dougherty for Sheriff,” have been stolen from locations throughout Flagler County.

The most recent theft took place in front of the Palm Coast Bowling Lanes on Old Kings Road, where 10 signs were stolen.

The owners of the bowling lanes are great people who allow Flagler candidates to display their signs. They informed me that they did not remove the signs. The city of Palm Coast also informed me that my signs were in a legal display zone, and that they did not remove them. I then filed a stolen-property complaint with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

As the only NPA candidate running for office of sheriff, I have made a decision not to accept any political donations. Therefore, I have paid for my campaign signs with my own money. The persons responsible for this are committing the crimes of petit larceny, possession of stolen property, and criminal mischief — all misdemeanors under Florida law.

The person or group of people responsible for this are also no better than the criminals I arrested as a New York Police Department officer. If their goal is to discourage me or remove my name from the sheriff’s campaign, they are sadly mistaken. Trying to sabotage the efforts of an American citizen trying to improve their community is a disgrace.

I urge anyone who has information about stolen or damaged campaign signs to contact the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Tom Dougherty

Palm Coast

We need to do something about the street people in Palm Coast

Dear Editor:

I sincerely hope something is going to be done about the vagrants who are starting to infiltrate our beautiful and clean city.

When I tried to get the Sheriff’s Office to do something about it, they refused, saying it’s OK for these street people to camp out with their filth and mess around the stores where shop. Apparently it’s OK for them to panhandle, cause traffic tie-ups and generally make a nuisance of themselves. (Although since it’s our taxes which pay for the streets and parks, isn’t it our property they’re desecrating?)

If the police won’t do anything about it now, it’s only going to get worse. Much worse.

Soon, we will be having the same problems as Daytona, and we really don’t want that, do we?

I can only hope that whoever gets elected as the new sheriff will step up and do the right thing. If so, whoever pledges to get those street people out of our town sure gets my vote.

Maybe the new mayor and City Council will help by passing better ordinances and laws so law enforcement can do their job. Let us hope this problem will be stopped soon before it escalates.

Palm Coast is a beautiful city, and we want to keep it that way.

Charlotte Smith

Palm Coast

Holland Park’s long construction delays harm residents

Dear Editor:

Holland Park has been closed for almost two years, to the dismay of all of the F-section residents. The construction deflates property values, gives lack of usage to residents and presents an eyesore to all who pass the entrance of the park.

It has been months of a torn-up construction site. Is there any hope that the F-section can have its entire beloved park back? Or do we have to plan on “no trespassing” signs facing the public for more months?

Betty Anthony

Palm Coast

Editor’s Note: According to the city’s latest report, Holland Park construction is now 84% complete.

Education matters: Vote Middleton-Valentine

Dear Editor:

In November, the voters of Flagler County have the opportunity to elect an outstanding educator to the School Board: Dr. Myra Middleton-Valentine.

I had the privilege of working with Dr. Middleton-Valentine for nine years as parent liaison between the Flagler County school system and the parents and guardians of students with special needs. From her position as director of special education, she was able to help to provide the most appropriate educational opportunities to these students in a professional and caring manner.

Her knowledge of the workings of the school system, professional qualifications and experience make her the person we need on the School Board.

Patricia Bueltman

Palm Coast