MILT THOMAS
I have always considered the use of four-letter words a substitute for the absence of vocabulary (or as a more colorful, albeit offensive, substitute for “…um…”). Similarly, name-calling is inappropriate beyond grade school age, especially when uttered by elected officials.
I am referring to comments made at the Vero Beach City Council last Tuesday, May 21. Reporting on a recent Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council meeting he attended, Mayor Fletcher described a speaker at the meeting as a “clown” and “an arrogant, pompous ***.” Fletcher added that he didn’t know “what rock they turned over to find this guy” and “(whatever) he’s eating, I don’t want any of it.”
It really doesn’t matter who this tirade was directed toward, but as an elected public official, I would expect something – shall we say – more mature. We can certainly debate opposing views, which is the foundation of our democracy. But as a public official, you should always keep in mind that you represent all voters, not just the ones who voted for you or the ones who agree with you politically. Demeaning someone personally because he or she doesn’t share your views is also demeaning those of your constituents who disagree with your views. (If that language was directed towards people who agree with him, he should know that those people are not yet old enough to vote.)
Now the subject of his rant was a world-renowned architect named Andres Duany. Yes, that is the same Andreas Duany who designed Windsor right here in Indian River County. Duany, who is known internationally for his opposition to urban sprawl, presented an update on the Seven50 Southeast Florida Prosperity Plan. Now, I realize this is a hot button issue for some people, but I don’t know enough about Seven50 to decide whether it is good or bad for our county. That is beside the point here. Regardless of its merits or faults, it is a subject of legitimate debate. Describing a professional of Mr. Duany’s stature as a clown hardly passes the litmus test of adult discourse.
Now, as to what Mr. Duany said in his talk, if it is as Mayor Fletcher reported, I agree with him that it sounds totally radical. However, having met Mr. Duany, I can’t picture him saying those things. I realize the mayor may have paraphrased what was said in reaching out to his supporters. But if it turns out Mr. Duany did not say what Mayor Fletcher reported, then that may be the subject of another editorial.
Indian River Guardian 
This editorial, so nicely filled with common sense statements, reminds me of occasions when I’ve let loose with a tirade or two. But one big difference is I’m not an elected representative of the City of Vero Beach. It’s totally fine to have a difference of opinion about a proposal, an idea for the future – whatever. Usually there is no right or wrong but plenty of room for further study and discussion. As for what was said by our Mayor at that meeting, well, there is a saying (and it goes for me, too) – “It takes one to know one.”
Milt Thomas is correct. Sadly, we have seen over the last decade an erosion in respect for one another in public policy discussions. It is not only occurring at the local level but also at the national level. Anyone who watched C-Span yesterday would understand how different a politican that Ted Cruz is from Senator McCain who correctly criticized him in public.
Part of the problem with the failure to discuss alternate positions is that leaders like Craig Fletcher are simply intellectually lazy. It is far easier to go along with the crowd of naysayers who packed the city chambers about the common sense participation in the Seven50.org, than it is to actually study the pros and cons for oneself.
Seven50 is merely a 21st century approach to deliberating issues with as much input as possible. I have seen no evidence that Vero Beach has a monopoly on solving issues that are comparable to those of other communities. So there is no rational basis to fear participation in Seven50.org