Letter to Vice Chair Brechnitz

During the afternoon City Council meeting this past Tuesday, you stated the following in response to Councilor Palumbo's question about why you would not vote for me. "We have looked at him, I think he is a nice man, I think he is closely aligned with you and Councilor Schwan and I'm trying to find someone who isn't aligned with anyone.” 

Eric, you told me during our phone interview that I was on your shortlist, but now all you say is we looked at him. Let me set the record straight. At no time in this election cycle did I give any candidate financial assistance. Also, I was never 'aligned' with any group. I did support Rich Blonna as I was impressed with his work ethic, spending countless hours improving the efficiency of all of our Advisory Committees as well as his hard work towards successfully receiving county funds to protect the tortoise and owl habitat. My concern in this election, as well as my whole business career, was water quality, especially the continuing water quality decline in our canals. During the early voting period, I visited with each candidate running, expressing my views on how this island should move forward to improve our canals. The only other discussions I have had with council were answering telephone questions from you, Mr. Palumbo, and Ms. Schwan, when I threw my hat in the ring for this open position.  

As Chair of the Waterways Advisory Committee, I spent hundreds of hours reviewing the ERD Report, the Jacobs Engineering analysis of said report and did my best to break down what exactly are the reasons for the poor water quality. I am proud of the work the Waterways Committee accomplished during my chairmanship. Since leaving the committee I have spent hours of my time and money going to the Keys to see the amazing improvements they are attaining in their impaired canals.  

A public apology would be appreciated.