FROM OUR READERS: Letters to the Editor, May 26

Suwannee Democrat

Live Oak — To the Editor:

I would like to thank Jeff Waters for helping us getting the sexual predator moved. I personally will sleep better as a result of this. I don't think we would have been able to accomplished this without your help. Any person wanting to help change the laws can write Senator Dave Aronberg. Thank you again for all your help. Did you notice know where when Jimmy responded to the interview did he say "He was sorry" or "He wished it never happened." Thank you again.

Terri Minatree

Live Oak

To the Editor:

As a veteran of the United States Army, I was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge for serving our country in maintaining our freedoms and liberties. This freedom allows publications such as this the privilege to print whatever the editor deems appropriate. With privilege comes accountability.

You are free to endorse any candidate you think appropriate.  By your own words you stated that my opponent is intelligent, energetic, focused on what's best for Live Oak, and has a solid sense of what is right and wrong.  By those statements I assume you were inferring that I do not possess those traits.

The city council is made up of five councilmen.  Therefore, no individual councilman passes or defeats an issue.  With that said, I wonder what issues compelled you to endorse my opponent?  What issues did I support that you felt to be unnecessary?

Was it because I supported replacing an almost 100 year old drinking water system that was declared unsatisfactory? Was it the completion and expansion of an outdated and overburdened sewer treatment plant? Was it the rehabbing and upgrading of our sewer collection system that was loosing raw sewage and allowing infiltration of stormwater?  Was it for supporting a waste water reuse system to promote conservation of our precious but limited water supply?  Was it the construction of stormwater projects to alleviate flooding problems that have plagued the city for years causing flooded streets and properties?  Is it for supporting the bidding out of the South Walker St. project to improve traffic and safety conditions around our schools?  Was it the lowering of the property tax millage rate from 6.75 percent to a 5.98 percent?  Was it the upgrading of our police department's equipment? Was it the increase of police officer salaries that allows the department to retain its officers rather than continue to be a training ground for recruits for other agencies?  Was it the purchase of fire trucks and equipment to provide greater safety and allow for lower insurance premiums for the cities residents? Was it the repairing and installation of sidewalks to provide a safer environment for those that walk or jog? Was it the city owning and operating the water and sewer facilities for the Suwannee Correctional Facility that is scheduled to provide 850 jobs for area workers? Was it the tough and unpleasant decisions to secure funding to keep our utility departments solvent?  Was it the extension of a relationship with O.M.I. that has continued since February 1997 for the operation of our water and sewer treatment plants and later assume the functions of the public works department?  For those that do not know who or what O.M.I. is, it is the company that performs our public works operations.  Again, was it the securing of monies to enhance and improve the recreational opportunities for those using our parks and recreation facilities?  Was it for supporting our code enforcement board in cleaning up blighted areas and removing rundown buildings?  Was it for supporting the makeover and repair of buildings to enhance our community redevelopment area? Was it because I study the issues and am prepared for council meetings? Is it because I serve as a full time councilman and not as an additional part-time job?

I for one, and I feel your readers alike, warrant a more detailed reason for your endorsement.  If you feel the above facts are irrelevant to an election and our cities quality of life, then I apologize for not recognizing the true needs of the residents of the City of Live Oak.

I realize this letter is somewhat lengthy.  However, the time it took to read this letter pales in comparison to a four year term.  I have given you facts and not rhetoric.  I invite the people to study all issues and all candidates and cast an informed ballot on June 8th.  As evidenced on May 4th, all votes do matter.

Sincerely,

Marquis B. "Mark" Stewart

Candidate for/and City Councilman, District 4

The Democrat responds:

Thank you, Mr. Stewart, for your service to our country. As you note, without the sacrifices of countless men and women such as yourself, an exchange such as this would not be possible.

We are happy to share our reasons for endorsing your opponent.

As you observe, the city council consists of five members, no single one of which can claim credit for its collective accomplishments. Having said that, we applaud many of the projects undertaken during your term of office. The arrangement to supply sewer and reuse water services to the new state prison showed particular foresight. The stormwater project, when completed, will address a need long unmet in Live Oak.

Your service to the city has in many ways been admirable, Mr. Stewart. However, there are critical moments during the career of a public servant when he or she is called upon to make a difficult choice - to stand up for what's right, despite pressure from powerful interests whose sole focus may not be what's best for the community. 

You were presented such an opportunity in March, when the time came to make good on a promise, made one year earlier, to put the $2-plus million OMI contract out for bids.

To hear you tell it, you simply changed your mind about the need for competitive bidding on a contract worth more than one-eighth the city's budget. In fact, you broke your word - and fractured the public trust in the process.

Your obligation was to the people of Live Oak, but your allegiance seemed to lie elsewhere. You repelled every attempt to allow true competition into the process of outsourcing public works operations for the city. Blind competitive bidding might have saved taxpayers thousands. Thanks in great part to you, we'll never know just how much.

For the record, Mr. Stewart, we believe you to be a scrupulously honest man. But an honest man who won't stand up and be counted is of little value to those he serves.

It is for these reasons, sir, that we declined to endorse you in your bid for a second term on the Live Oak City Council.

To the Editor:

Why I strongly support Sonny Nobles for Mayor of Live Oak.

Having my parents' Kitty and J.L. McMullen's love and guidance 60 years of my life I was fortunate to learn many things from them. They taught me the importance of honesty, integrity, dependability, hard work, perseverance, dedication, high morals, and respect for everyone. They dedicated their lives to making their community, state and nation better for everyone not just themselves.  Both were public servants and civic leaders as well as founders and volunteers in many organizations. Both gained national attention for their achievements. They placed their priorities on helping other people not accumulating wealth.

I grew up in Live Oak with the Nobles and Helvenston families. My parents' friendships with these families goes back 90+ years. Brant Helvenston was in Kiwanis with my father. The mayor's race SHOULD NOT be about friendship but who is best qualified to lead Live Oak into the future.

Personally, I have been very involved in politics my entire life. I campaigned for my father in his bid for Secretary of the State of Florida. I know what to look for in a candidate who deserves to be elected. I support and vote for someone who has experience, knowledge and demonstrates leadership qualities.

The past 10 years I have spent many hours attending Live Oak City Council and Suwannee County Commission meetings. Many times I have spoken my opinion on items being voted on. I have personally sat down and talked with the mayor, city clerk, some of the city council and county commissioners, as well as most all of the city and county public officials. I have gained a great deal of knowledge.

My parents always supported and voted for Sonny Nobles for Mayor of Live Oak. I totally agreed. Now, I am pleading with you to PLEASE keep Live Oak on the right track with Nobles leadership! Live Oak CAN NOT AFFORD to lose his guidance especially with these serious worsening economic times. PLEASE check the facts Sonny has been much like my father, a very dedicated public servant for all of YOU! Please give him RESPECT and VOTE NOBLES for MAYOR. Change is not good in the mayor's race! PLEASE KEEP NOBLES!!!

If anyone has any questions about my decision you are more than welcome to email me at jelmore325@aol.com.

Please put in the email subject Sonny Nobles.

Jill McMullen Elmore

Long time taxpayer and owner of three family properties in the city of Live Oak and Suwannee County -- two in the city and one in the county. Resident of Live Oak and Tallahassee. Unable to vote in Live Oak elections.

Text Only