A Brother's Perspective...

To all Anna Maria residents and property owners:

Harry Stoltzfus is my brother. He introduced my wife and I, along with another brother, a niece, and another very good friend of ours, to Anna Maria over ten years ago. We all became property owners in Anna Maria.

On one of our first drives through Anna Maria, Harry riding with me, I did a drift through at a four way stop sign. Harry said, "John if you keep that up you will get a ticket and by the way be sure to always obey the speed limit, the sheriff will ticket you at 5 mph over the speed limit, this town is serious about taking care of pedestrians."

Ten years later who would have known that Harry would be in a fight for his political life, because of a concern that rules are not being followed and enforced in land planning and a deep concern for the safety of residents and guests of Anna Maria. Harry is also committed to preserve the character of Anna Maria by responsible development. We don’t need or want another St. Armand’s Circle in the City of Anna Maria.

In my opinion this whole recall process has nothing to do with purported sunshine law violations, trumped up ethics charges, and other vague accusations designed to destroy the messenger in an attempt to malign Harry’s character and attack his integrity, rather than deal with issues. There is a move afoot to circumvent what could not be won at the ballot box by people who appear to be more interested in interpretation of the land use laws in ways that fit their financial interests instead of following the rules outlined in the Comprehensive Plan.

When anti-Harry forces are permitted to set up outside the post office, approaching every person coming and going into the post office, with some having no idea of what they are signing, there is something wrong with that picture. Guests of ours, while renting our home, visited the post office and were approached about signing the recall petition and were very upset by this process.

Harry is a man of integrity, and he will do what he says he will do. Is he perfect? No of course not. Will he work for what is right? Absolutely, you can count on it!

In closing, I appeal to all voters in Anna Maria to ask themselves, who will stand up and defend the process of responsible land planning and development if this is how elected officials with strong convictions are treated by those who have resources to file endless legal actions instead of winning at the Ballot Box? Think about it.

John M. Stoltzfus
419 Spring Avenue
Anna Maria, Fl

36 Pequea Manor Drive
Gordonville, Pa 17529