- April 26, 2024
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Local politicians play games instead of engaging with issues
Dear Editor:
This was the first year I’ve ever gotten involved in local politics, or politics in general for that matter. A friend asked me to help him with the online stuff for his campaign. He’s a great person and someone I know would be great for the position, so I had no qualms about helping out. Sounded like fun too.
I remember going to a preliminary meeting for candidates at the Chamber of Commerce, and each of the speakers kind of had a tone in their voice of “You have no idea what you are in for.” I didn’t really get it at the time. About six months later, I get it now.
I’ve wondered why we see the same names up at election time. Why aren’t more people running? The rumblings have been that people can be ruthless with these local elections. And unfortunately, I’ve seen this ugly side.
There is this strategy among many of the “veteran” candidates that focuses on knocking the competition off the ticket by whatever means and at whatever cost. This is obviously opposite of focusing on the issues and letting the voters decide.
I’m a 40-something in the area, and it’s time my generation and the younger generations step up. It doesn’t matter who you are for or your political party of choice. Difference of opinion and perspective are a good thing, not a bad thing. We should encourage discussion that differs in opinion, not shy away from it. We can make a difference, and we do have a voice.
We need to demand the end to the political games locally by not voting for those who engage in that, say no to those who do not want to speak to the real issues, demand the quieting of the radical rhetoric, get informed, get involved, and above all, vote. People throughout history and throughout world today have and are giving their lives for the opportunity to vote for their leaders. Don’t throw that precious privilege away. It takes just a matter of minutes and your vote and voice can make a difference for the best leadership for our community.
Brad M. West
Palm Coast
Keep delivery of the Palm Coast Observer coming to my home
Dear Editor:
This is in response to the lady who complained about the Palm Coast Observer being left in driveways of abandoned homes. If it bothers her so much, I was wondering why she doesn't be a good neighborhood volunteer and pick them up and discard them. We all have to do our part to keep our neighborhoods clean.
We enjoy getting our Observer and reading about what's happening in our community, especially the stories about the talented young people that live in our community, the athletes, musicians, singers, actors, artists, writers and entrepreneurs.
The Observer has built a fine community newspaper these last couple of years. Keep up the good work, and don't stop delivery to my house.
Donna Sousa
Palm Coast
Editor’s Note: Thanks, Ms. Sousa. We have received calls from people letting us know about deliveries to vacant homes, and we appreciate the help as we try to perfect our delivery. Call Circulation Manager David Brooks at 338-5080 if you have further questions. We have also received other letters (thanks, Tom Gargiulo and Bill Nelson) expressing the same sentiment you just did. Thanks for your support.
City of Palm Coast and golf course signs show contempt for residents
Dear Editor:
Let me start by saying that the new signs for the city and Palm Harbor Golf Course on the corner of Palm Coast Parkway and Palm Harbor Drive are really nice and well done. But that is about the only good news.
When this intersection was subjected to a traffic signal in recent years, we who live in the neighborhood were not consulted nor given an opportunity to ask questions or make suggestions. Of course, the city messed up and Palm Harbor Drive was diminished in size to the point that there was no longer room for southbound traffic on Palm Harbor Drive to turn west on Palm Coast Parkway. I would estimate than 75% of that traffic does turn right. Without adequate space for a turn lane, traffic can back up for no good reason.
While this is not a problem often yet, should the 200 or so proposed golf course condos ever be built (another example of the city fumbling the ball), then there is no question it could create long backups. The city’s response was they would look at fixing this situation if the problem became serious at a later date. Yet now that they just finished significant construction at the site, a perfect time to fix the problem, if anything they made the situation even more difficult to change. Every other direction at that intersection has a right turn lane.
When the construction was underway, there was only a small sign to the right on Palm Coast Parkway eastbound to indicate that a left lane was closed ahead. When they finally added a lit sign after several nights of no visible warning at night, it was placed partially behind some trees and behind work barrels so it was not as noticeable as it should have been.
I can tell you that I never heard anything about the signage until the work was under way. Even my homeowners association didn’t call a meeting until the work was nearly finished, indicating they had no knowledge either.
Once again, the city has shown its contempt for the residents (similar to the growing number of red light cameras) by conducting business in an autocratic manner. We should demand better than this.
Mike McGuire
Palm Coast
