Martin County Defender: No. 72
September 23rd, 2008
The Martin County
Defender
The e-newsletter for aware citizens – No. 72
It matters who influences a candidate
In last week’s DEFENDER No. 71, I discussed secret meetings to support the best (and sorely needed) slow-growth commission candidates. Included was the following report:
“While the meeting was in progress, one of the attendees stood up and said he was leaving. He insisted without saying why that his favorite, Fullman, was a better choice than Copeland. Then he went on a blustering rant, saying there were many bad things about Copeland that we did not know. We were all taken aback. I challenged him to be specific, and to explain a few of those supposed bad things. Instead of an explanation, he stalked out of the room.”
Nowhere had I mentioned, or even hinted, who the blustering ranter might be. But reputation did the unmasking. Readers wrote in, saying it had to be Bill Summers. Martin County has some sharp residents.
A few days after the issue appeared, Summers wrote a letter in the Stuart News. It contained a mix of effusive praise for District 1 candidate Tom Fullman, plus irresponsible false statements about other people. In addition to venting his ire with mean spirit, as he has long been known to do, Summers also canceled his subscription to the News. Since he is not a DEFENDER subscriber, and since the Palm Beach Post has essentially abandoned reporting Martin County news, Summers is now more uninformed than ever.
None of this would matter were Summers not a dominating and manipulative promoter, political mentor and advisor to Mr. Fullman. But he is. So it is reasonable for all Martin citizens to dread even the remote possibility of electing any commissioner with Summers having his ear, or other body part.
DEFENDER EDITOR SALUTES:
Generous civic-minded individuals who contribute to the best candidates
Numerous readers have written to tell us of their contributions as individuals to the political campaigns of the best candidates. We are so proud of them and their generosity because they do so with no thought of personal or financial gain. They see it as a citizen effort to make Martin County a better place – not as a business investment that will reap rewards. Of course, if you can afford it, you should consider contributing to the candidates you think will serve all residents best. I hope you recognize, irrespective of party affiliation, these candidates most committed to bringing about needed change on the County Commission:
* Joan Wilcox, District 1, long time Republican running NPA
“Joan Wilcox Campaign,”
2336 East Ocean Blvd.
, PMB 191, Stuart, FL 34996
* Martha Bennett, District 3, Democrat
“Campaign for Martha Bennett”
* John Patteson, District 5, long time Republican running NPA
“Campaign Account of John Patteson”
PO Box 633, Palm City, FL 34991
Competition (at last) for a seat on the Stuart City Commission
The Group V seat on the Stuart City Commission has been held unopposed for the past two terms by Mary Hutchinson. Now a citizen has stepped forward so residents will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidate. His name is Robert Steinberg, a Stuart homeowner for the past 26 years.
Mr. Steinberg believes in strict adherence to the Stuart Comprehensive Plan, is opposed to developer excesses, and strongly favors preserving the small town atmosphere. He would seek to close those loopholes that allow the Commission discretion in zoning exceptions or environmental offsets.
We have asked Ms. Hutchinson for her position on these issues. Perhaps she is suffering from incumbent-itis, and has not felt it necessary to respond with her views.
Mr. Steinberg can be reached by phone (341-6944) or e-mail (midiopera@bellsouth.net).
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Al
Al Forman, Editor 9/25/08
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-- Al Forman mc_defender@fastmail.net
Box 1828, Palm City, FL 34991
