Points to be made
I write this letter to make three points I did not get to make at the June 15, 2009 Alachua City Commission. I had been granted an additional three minutes to speak, but when that time came the person granting that request abruptly and arbitrarily withdrew it. The action was so about face arbitrary that a fellow commissioner graciously and wisely seemed to see a need to soften the blow. It’s probably hard to picture but it was another one of those behaviors that makes you wonder…how we got this far. This was not the first time I have observed premature behavior from this person and I was briefly angered but remembered the source. After adjournment, I went up and shared my three thoughts with that person and it is important for me to share them with the community, primarily because of the first point I make below.
On Saturday January 13, 2009 their were separate surprise birthday celebrations for two National Treasures of Alachua. One is Mrs. Mary Marks (one of my beloved godmothers), and the other is Ms. Connie Canney, an amazing artist and Alachua Activist that I have come to admire and respect. These young women, both 80 have given so much to our community in different ways and deserve recognition as elders of the metropolis village of Alachua. Mama Mary, as she is lovingly called by the several generations of her children and others she has guided and nurtured with her tough love, still gets around to see about anybody and everybody she can. Ms. Connie, spry beyond her years has the energy, courage and care to raise important issues and not be afraid of the repercussions that often comes with not agreeing with or singing praises about everything and everyone. All hardworking, caring people deserve praise but Connie helps them not to rest on their laurels and to remember that there is yet much to be done. My hats off to you ladies and happy birthday again. With you, children of generations to come will benefit from your respective energy, love, and courage. We need more like you.
I want to suggest or ask Alachua city officials to consider announcing important issues on the agenda, such as the forthcoming budget workshops in an insert in the utility bills. It’s cheaper than newspaper ads (though I’m not suggesting we not use ads) and will reach many more people because many don’t pick up the paper in time and rushing in the post office or library often don’t see or read the notices posted there. Notices in the utility bills were tried with the CATS program and didn’t take long to include; they also did not increase the cost of postage on the bills. Finally, the High Springs Herald should not be the only print media that provided notice of the important budget discussions as was the case for the June 15 meeting.
I believe it is not only important for people to work together for the common good, despite their differences, it is just as important for Alachua County and its cities to foster friendly relations and support each others outreach efforts. I was disappointed that the County’s outreach and budget workshops held at Irby Elementary School was attended by people from High Springs but we did not have one City of Alachua staff member or commissioner in attendance. I’m sure there is good reason for this, but I still ask that we make sure we support our citizens and our County by being supportive at such events and put in action, any good ideas that comes out of the sessions.
As great as we all are, there is always room for improvement, but we will never get to it if all we hear is how great we are. I appreciate everyone and their input whether they agree with me or not.
Patricia J. Lee
Alachua, Fla.
