Letter: Shaver keys on residents – Boles on tourists

Letter: Shaver keys on residents – Boles on tourists

By Louise Bird
St. Augustine

Dear Editor:

The letter expressing an appreciation for Joe Boles as a member of the Good Ole Boys Club is contrary to my view of an entrenched group that is selective in passing favors to each other while those outside of “the group” are politely ignored.

I admire Nancy Shaver for investigating the possibility that this is how St Augustine is sometimes operated. It takes courage to break through the status quo and commit to a future for all St Augustine’s residents and businesses.

The city commissioners, including the mayor, each have one vote and some commissioners reject the entrenched favoritism and crony deals. But, after exploring the funds allotted and wasted for the 450th, I have concluded that our current mayor is biased toward his life-long friends and on a mission to make the 450th and other tourist-centered spending a priority, whether the residents share that opinion, or not.

Nancy Shaver has made statements that as our elected mayor she will give Joe Boles the position of superiority over herself at the 450th Celebration. We can honor his service and appreciate what he has done for the 450th, and if reelected be wary that when it is all over, he will again favor the next big event, and put our neighborhood needs on the back burner.

Nancy Shaver, along with the current competent staff, the commissioners and boards and citizen volunteers who have been involved for many years, will be able to lead the direction of our city without wondering to whom she owes favors.