PURSUE ALL THE FACTS &.... DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER

TERRY SCHAEFER ASKED THAT THIS BE POSTED:

I disclose that I have no financial interest or partnership with any party related
to this issue, nor do I receive any remuneration from the City of Anna Maria, it's
representatives or any developers involved in any past or present projects within
our City.

I have read the e-mails disclosed by Commissioner Stoltzfus, artfully excerpted and released by Michael Barfield and published in local papers pertaining to issues germane to our City's business. It is indeed a sad day when a developer, choosing to do business within our City, selects a consultant who is a well known convicted felon whose character and reputation have been thoroughly determined by the F.B.I. and the Federal Court. It makes me wonder to what end an individual will go, to attempt to discredit a public official who has questioned the process of granting building permits that include conspicuous deviations from the codes and Comprehensive Plan which were adopted to safeguard the standards to which all builders/developers must comply. Commissioner Stoltzfus' positions on the building permit issuance procedure, along with safety issues pertinent to the continued build up and traffic in our R.O.R. district, are in keeping with the majority of those who were instrumental in his election this past November, (472 residents). I believe that Mr. Stoltzfus and Commissioners Woodland and Quam, represent the interests of a significant number of our fellow residents who are NOT AGAINST DEVELOPMENT, but are focused on the assurance that developers toe the line, regarding compliance with all existing codes and the Comprehensive Plan. It is incumbent on our administration, city planner and elected and appointed officials to assure their constituency that strict adherence to code has been required. Early last Fall, an aware and silent majority, began to recognize that strict adherence was not occurring and took an active interest in endeavoring to acknowledge so by attending meetings, communicating to commissioners via e-mail and public remarks in order to reverse a trend of ineffective policing of our codes, prior to granting project approvals. Realizing what several commissioner perspectives were on this subject, the community began to search for a candidate who would be objective and supportive in enforcing our codes or suggest change, if believed to be too restrictive. That candidate was identified and endorsed by many and the campaign began with a platform statement which made his position clear. Many of those positions were obviously rebuked by a developer who perhaps believed their plans may have to be modified and help was sought to defeat the new candidate. I found it incredibly inappropriate and biased for Mayor Barford and Commissioner Mattick, to take a public position by favoring specific candidates over others but, they did by writing letters to the community and campaigning for select candidates in order to help defeat Stoltzfus and others who they believed would perhaps be agents of change and reform. Mr. Stoltzfus defeated an incumbent and another new candidate because, We the People, believed he would compliment the composition of the remaining Commission and begin to affect improved governance. Now that change is beginning to occur, by more strict adherence to codes, some are uncomfortable and looking for any means to discredit Mr. Stoltzfus and other like minded individuals.
The term "Shadow Government" coined by convicted felon Barfield who's client is the law firm retained by P.A.R., the City's primary developer, is a shallow attempt to label, liked minded citizens and an elected official who have been agents of change in our City, resulting from the frustration of observing numerous concessions to P.A.R. that are believed to be violations to our building codes and Comprehensive Plan. The November 2009 election was an expression of democracy, citizens recognizing concerns and speaking, both at public meetings and where it is most important, in the ballot box. The election resulted in a change of representation that a majority of residents believed would further safeguard the determination of future development and improve governance. The process of reviewing site and building plans more objectively to determine compliance without "administration interpretation" has been occurring since November, 2009. Numerous citizens who may never have attended meetings before are doing so and asking questions as they realize permits have apparently been issued which were non-compliant and did not meet the spirit and purpose of the respective codes. The developer, for reasons of his own, has applied for permits on all remaining sites and I question his motivation to do so.
No violations of the Sunshine Law by Commissioner Stoltzfus have been identified or proven. To launch a full scale investigation and rely on the interpretation by Barfield and print all of his findings as truth is ludicrous. The real issue launched by this group is to discredit Mr. Stoltzfus and others and we now realize, is a means to pursue a recall vote in hopes of reversing decisions made in which he participated and to remove him from office. This process is costing our City a significant sum in terms of staff time and financial resources and could lead to a judgement which our City and it's citizens may have to pay. Research the tactics used by Barfield and his associates which were devastating to the City of Venice, Fl. and remember who retained and brought them to our City. In addition, it is also my opinion that this effort, is an attempt to intimidate others, not to be as involved in their city government for fear of becoming a target themselves. For months, the developer hired a court reporter and most recently a videographer, at Commission, P&Z and Parking & Safety Committee meetings. This private process is in addition to the City's thorough transcription capabilities, including tape recordings of all meetings which are available to the public for all committee and Commission meetings. If you have an interest in the actual occurrences of any Commission or committee meeting, ask for a copy of the minutes or listen to the tapes.
I believe the haze we see over Anna Maria at the present time is a smoke screen, my fellow neighbors. Open your eyes and ask, "who stands to gain or lose"? If you "follow the money," you will find the truth. Don't shoot the messenger; he is pursuing principles, not principal.