- May 1, 2024
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Outsiders are wary of the perception that political conflict and in-fighting could stifle economic growth.
Waiting a few days is sort of like counting to 10 before you say something you’ll later wish you hadn’t. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been following the latest battle in the continuing conflict we’ve come to know as Palm Coast vs. Flagler County.
It’s a continuing brouhaha that has to do with an assortment of transportation and development impact fees, Old Kings Road extensions, Palm Harbor extensions, Matanzas Woods Parkway interchanges, Commissioner Holland, Commissioner McLaughlin, Commissioner Revels, Mayor Netts, blackmail, ransom, and hostage-taking. Sounds a lot like the plot for a Tom Clancy thriller.
From where I sit, the contentious issues being batted back and forth over the net shrink to insignificance when compared to the bigger kid on the block. As a member of the Flagler County Economic Opportunity Advisory Council, I view these diatribes, from both sides, as self-inflicted wounds. Having the opportunity to bend the ears of corporate site selectors, I always ask, “I know we have a lot of terrific attributes here in Flagler County. But where are our warts? What can make us a more viable option for companies looking to grow?”
To be sure, there is a lot that we can do to improve. The new executive director for the Flagler County Department of Economic Development, Helga van Eckert, has taken the helm and is leading the effort to implement the new plan of action. And the truth is that Mayor Netts and his City Council, as well as all of the County Commissioners, are very nice people, with the public interest at heart.
So why do we look like an episode of “American Chopper,” with Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. always bickering, when we should be projecting an image more akin to “The Waltons,” where life’s problems get worked out amiably?
Now back to the warts: Besides a lack of pad-ready sites (existing buildings ready for occupancy), here’s what outsiders are wary of: The perception that political conflict and in-fighting, between Palm Coast (as well as the other municipalities) and Flagler County, would potentially stifle harmonious growth and development! Ouch! From my experience as a certified commercial mediator, I know in my heart that there are better ways than shooting across each other’s bows in local newspapers and blogs.
To be sure, the Florida Sunshine Laws don’t help. Imagine an embattled couple trying to save a marriage, and they can only talk to a mediator, with their attorneys present, and are not allowed to go have a cup of coffee to “discuss substantive issues.”
Yet maybe it’s not true! Perhaps all of the Palm Coast and Flagler County officials are buddies and have similar dreams of us growing our area, together, as a great political team. If that is the case, then we have a serious “perception problem” to solve. And the timing is right, because a request for proposals has been issued for the development of a marketing plan for the Flagler County economic development effort. Critical to this plan’s success will be the willingness of the major players to check their egos at the door and ask, “Am I in this for me or for us?”
Frank Zedar is a member of the Flagler County Economic Opportunity Advisory Council.
