Tollette’s Record on the Motel/Hotel Issue

Christine Tollette’s election campaign claims that she voted against supporting a hotel/motel in the ROR/Commercial district. This is incorrect. There was no such vote. The decision before the Commission was to authorize or not authorize the Mayor to have the P&Z work on a motel/hotel definition and what kind of rental unit will be allowed. That’s what they voted on.

To read more click on ‘comments’.

Tollette’s Record on Super Majority Ballot Question Issue

Many think that requiring at least a Commissioners’ Super Majority ‘4 to 1 vote’, instead of a simple ‘3 to 2 vote’, is a protective measure, setting a higher standard for any changes to Comprehensive Plan land use policy or to the Future Land Use Map. Commissioner Christine Tollette was opposed to the Super Majority vote requirement and voted against putting the Super Majority referendum question on the 2008 November ballot.

On April 24, 2008, Commissioner Christine Tollette voted against authorizing the City Attorney to prepare a ballot question so the voters of our City could vote to decide whether or not they wanted to require a Super Majority vote of the Commissioners for any changes to the Future Land Use Element (FLUE) of the City Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan). Commissioners Quam, Woodland, Miller and Mattick all voted yes for it to go on the ballot for the people to decide.

On June 26, 2008, Commissioner Tollette voted ‘No’ but Commissioners Quam, Woodland and Miller voted ‘Yes” to approve Ordinance 08-688 authorizing a referendum question which would require a Super Majority of the Commission for any amendments to the FLUE of the Comp Plan of the City of Anna Maria. (J. Mattick was absent) The actions of Quam, Woodland and Miller ensured that the voters would have a chance to vote for or against the Super Majority referendum question.

The City of Anna Maria voters passed the Super Majority ballot question with a strong 76.2% majority vote.

Pine Avenue Residents Comment

Bev and Joe asked that this be posted to the blog:

The upcoming City of Anna Maria Election

The decision as to who we elect for a seat on the Anna Maria City Commission must not be influenced by people who have a financial stake in the decisions that are made by the City Commission. The commissioners should be people who represent the greater interests of the islanders who own businesses and property here and are free and separate of anyone who stand to gain financially. The proper choice is to find balance when there are conflicting interests – that is why they are there. We are clearly faced with this very situation. So, our choices should reflect the current need to find the candidate who will listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions and weigh the impact of construction footprints which tend to be somewhat permanent. This holds true for residential and commercial properties alike.

The crossroad we face at this time has happened before in other communities. An example of this is Bethany Beach, Delaware, which is a town similar in size and character to AMI. In fact, it is promoted as "The Quiet Resort." It has a main street for commercial businesses similar to Pine Ave. and is considered the most family friendly beach in Delaware. They have a Building and Planning office that gave a couple of developers a free hand over the past decade. Now, there is an effort to roll back some of the decisions because traffic chokes the roads, the beach looks like the Normandy Invasion in bathing suits and there is not a parking spot to be found. The century old boardwalk is now a concrete sidewalk and the town has smoke belching, ten foot pirates overlooking miniature golf less than twelve feet from a residence. This "progress" is hard to undo!

Of course, progress will happen. In fact it is happening all the time, but like the hands on a clock it should evolve over time and not feel the pressure of money.

Because we believe this is an important election and we need representatives with a balanced perspective, we are supporting Harry Stoltzfus. If you think this is an important time for AMI, then spend the time and meet with Harry, as we have, and you’ll be impressed by his thoughtfulness and his passion for AMI. You’ll also see that he is both a resident and a business owner, so he will bring real balance to the decisions made by the commission.

Bev & Joe Hospital

522 Pine Avenue

Anna Maria

Proud Cathy

Cathy Stoltzfus asked that this be posted to the blog:

This campaign has been a very eye opening experience. So many friends have supported me, have given hugs when sorely needed, have lent an ear and a shoulder, have encouraged me not to react to the many intentional attempts to discredit the love of my life, to try and ignore the junk mail, both snail and wireless appearing almost hourly at this point. My friends have mostly been successful. I would rather jump in the fray and come out bloody, scraped and bruised, standing proud. The high road is a more difficult path, the scrapes and bruises are internal, the hurt and pain may not heal. I won't forget and I am proud.

One of my favorite songs from the album "LARGO" released in the late 1990's, contains a cut called "SOMEONE GIVE ME A STONE". It is about this little guy, David, taking on this big guy, Goliath...well you know how it goes and you're smart enough to make your own conclusions and comparisons.

On Wednesday, November 4, 2009, I will once again read for pleasure, have food in the refrigerator, cook good meals, walk the beach, put the CD's in and sing along, often and really loud. We'll return to the Moose and dance the hours away, occasionally go to Karaoke and sing just because. I will continue to embarrass my daughter by dancing in the aisles of the Publix as the mood strikes and walk her to the bus in my nightwear (after all it is dark). I will welcome my new granddaughter, teach her life lessons and warn her of the good, the bad and the ugly.

I will add many new names to my list of good friends.

Thank you friends for being there for me.

Harry, I love you and I am so proud.

Cathy Stoltzfus

Tollette’s Record on Expanding the City of Anna Maria’s Business Area

In Christine Tollette’s election campaign she promises to “Insist that the business district remain within the bounds of the existing ROR (Residential Office Retail) and commercial districts”. That sounds like a good promise but what is her record on expanding the business area?

Commissioner Christine Tollette took action to support changing the existing Residential designations of specific properties (totaling 33,000 sq. ft.) to commercial ROR designations during the updating of the City’s Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan). Tollette supported changing Residential designated land at the Palmetto Ave. & Gulf Dr. corner and on the north side of the 100 block of Pine Ave.. The changes did not go through.

Click on ‘comments’ to read more.

THE CITY AND THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

'THE FACT IS CHRIS HELPED WRITE OUR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. SHE WILL DEFEND THAT PLAN.'

'COMMISSIONER TOLLETTE HELPED WRITE, AND VOTED WITH THE REST OF THE COMMISSION TO ADOPT, THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. CAN ANYONE POINT TO A SINGLE INSTANCE IN WHICH HER POSITION HAS NOT BEEN CONSISTENT WITH THAT VOTE?'

The following can all be found on public record and is a factual account.

Please click on 'comments' to read more.

Defunct blog?

This message is from Cathy Stoltzfus:

Apparently the blog is alive and well. Defunct, I think not. Keep 'em coming. Cathy

Letter to the Editor of The Islander

Was asked to post the following:

Dear Bonner,

We have been fortunate to be property owners on Anna Maria Island for 11 years, registered voters for 4 years and permanent residents of Anna Maria for 3 years. During our tenure as citizens, we have remained committed to our community and have embraced the life style and quality of living that exists. We chose to purchase a single family home in Anna Maria and sold our condominium in Holmes Beach due to our preference to reside permanently in a city that catered to residents and welcomed visitors. The availability and access to businesses was not and is not our reason for locating or staying. I have heard countless other neighbors expressing very similar sentiment regarding their belief in our city, residential first.

We attended the political rally last week in front of your office. It was obvious to us and to many others that your objective for the event was not to be objective. Although all candidates were invited and given the opportunity to speak, the event had a very partial atmosphere.

Good politics is healthy; however, a slanted approach to reaching a conclusion and "straw vote" result with stacked voters, wreaked of favoritism. Voters from everywhere, with no residency proof, descended on the ballots voting for Anna Maria candidates no matter where they lived, achieving the results that you were obviously looking for--a resounding victory for the "pro business" candidates. What a surprise to read the results in this week’s edition. Could it just be a figment of my imagination that you favor the "business" candidates because they and their business connections buy ads? Or, am I just being cynical?, I think not!

You have a right to your opinion like all others, however, when you characterize a man of John Quam’s integrity, commitment and service to our City by stating his primary contribution has been to yield the gavel, it is obvious that your opinion is shallow. I understand the power of the pen Ma’m, but you don't have a monopoly on that commodity, and the good people of Anna Maria know how fortunate we have been to be represented by Mr. Quam. Civility, calmness, judgment, fairness, and an unyielding devotion to the interests of our City are just some of the attributes that he possesses. It is unfortunate that in the stroke of your pen the characteristics that really count were omitted. Mr. Quam was not elected Chairman by a "straw vote," he has continuously been elected Chairman by his peers!

Terry and Vicky Schaefer

PRESERVING ANNA MARIA

I would like to know, if PAR stands for "Pine Ave. RESTORATION, why are they tearing down the old houses and replacing them with what they are building rather than RESTORING the old ones instead of tearing them down. It would seem to me that they would be of historical importantance to the City of Anna Maria.

A Thankless Job

(To see the cartoon full size, click on it.)

Cathy Stoltzfus requeted that this be posted to the blog:

John Quam has served the City of Anna Maria with respect, civility and distinction. The editorial in the October 28, 2009 edition of the Islander says "...John Quam hasn't distinguished himself aside from wielding the meeting gavel."

I beg to differ.

I am proud to know John Quam, grateful to him for his part in maintaining our piece of paradise, appreciative for the years of selfless service to the City of Anna Maria. He is a true gentlemen.

The Islander has distinguished itself by a profound lack of respect and civility.

Cathy Stoltzfus

Harry Stoltzfus/Minimum rentals and The Islander

How many times does Harry have to tell The Islander newspaper that he is not looking to introduce a 30 day minimum rental period in the City of Anna Maria? He has told them over and over but instead of reporting the facts they are just taking his comments out of context and what they are printing is inaccurate.
Once again, Harry is not looking to introduce a 30 day minimum rental period limitation in City of Anna Maria.

Lines Between Candidates Drawn by PAR

In case there is a slight doubt that commission candidate Chris Tollette and newcomer candidate David Gryboski are not firmly joined at the hip to Pine Avenue Restoration (PAR) principals, the following email is black and white, proof-positive. Individuals who received the Coleman invitation provided it to this blog, just in time for us to report it prior to their meeting at 6 p.m. today. These individuals understand that the true value of our city lies in what Anna Maria is today, not what some outside investors want to turn our city into tomorrow!

----- Original Message -----

From: Micheal Coleman

To: Jane Coleman

Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 8:50 PM

Subject: Meeting Fri Oct 9

Just a forewarning, you may get this message more than once. It's important to get the word out so multiple lists may be used, and you may be on more than one.

Time: Approx 6pm

Location: vicinity of the Sandbar, tba

Hi all,

You are receiving this for the following reasons:

1. You are a member of the Island Business Community

2. You are employed by an Island Business

3. You recognize the importance of a viable business district

4. You have expressed support for either Chris Tollette or David Gryboski, or both, in the upcoming election

We are re-convening our Business Group to discuss the upcoming election and the importance of it's outcome to all who believe that a healthy business district is essential to a healthy community.

Frankly, the more you learn about the positions being staked out by those seeking to replace Chris Tollette on the City Commission the more you'll realize their plans directly affect you, your business and this City as a whole. Not just a little, but in potentially devastating ways. Think Long Boat Key. Take a drive down there and check out their "business district". They have finally, after 16 years, begun to recognize the damage caused by the very policies now being sought by those seeking to stack the commission with an anti-business majority. Imagine Anna Maria following suit and becoming a seasonal bedroom community, available only to those of independent means.

If you are tired of fighting your battles alone while a few elites who think they know better than the rest of us gang up against you, now is the time to unify.

Please attend, and spread the word for others to attend as well. We will be discussing specific issues that directly threaten our economy, our jobs and our community.

Michael Coleman

*****

A note to Mike Coleman:

None of the issues before us today were issues until PAR brought the outside investors to our community with a plan to change things. Your claims in your email are pure paranoia: Nobody is trying to take away anybody’s jobs; nobody is trying to ruin our economy; and nobody is trying to put anybody out of business. For you to say otherwise is total and complete nonsense. I, in my terms in office, and those on the dais today, have supported a viable and healthy business community. In fact it is a policy we unanimously ADDED to our comp plan during its latest revision.

It can all be summed up in Dale Woodland's words: “98% of our city is residential, 60% of our commission is pro development. Our city needs more balance on the commission.”

In conclusion, Mike, thank you for identifying exactly who PAR's candidates are. You draw clear and distinct lines between Tollette/Gryboski and Quam/Stoltzfus/Woodland. Now it is much easier for resident voters to decide which side they need to support.

City Commission Meeting – Thurs.Oct.8, 2009, at 7 p.m. Commercial Uses in Residential District – Weddings!!!

On Thursday October 8, 2009 at 7 p.m. The City Commission will be having a work session meeting. Residents, come to this meeting at 7 p.m. as the first agenda item will be:
Commercial Uses in Residential District – Weddings, presented by Planner Alan Garrett

Click on ‘comments’ to read more.

Planning & Zoning Board Meeting - Oct. 6, 2009, 6:30 p.m. Relaxing Parking Requirements?

The P&Z Board work session meeting will be held on Oct. 6th at 6:30 p.m.
Agenda Item #1:
Continued Discussion Regarding Revisions to Section 90 Internal Traffic Circulation, Access and Storage

Do the residents of Anna Maria want to see parking rules relaxed in the commercial districts?

Click on ‘comments’ to read about what suggested changes have been brought forward.