Letters to the Editor - Dec. 22 edition
-Reprinted with permission of the Pelican Press-
PAST SERVICE MORE THAN APPRECIATED
This past Thursday I watched the Planning Commission meeting, sadly the last for
Commissioner Joe Barbetta after 14+ years on the commission. I served with Joe
for four years on the Planning Commission, and now work with him on Rebuild
Sarasota, Inc., a not-for-profit organization rehabilitating substandard homes.
Joe and I were occasionally on opposite sides regarding development issues. But,
I state this unequivocally - during my career and in my voluntary endeavors here
I never worked with a government official anywhere (whether career civil
servant, elected national or local official, or political or non-political
appointee) with more integrity, honesty, intelligence, perseverance and deep
concern for community.
As I have looked back I now realize that on some issues where we differed, he
was more correct in his view. His concerns about the future regarding the pace
of development without proper infrastructure, such as roads, have now come to
fruition despite his valiant efforts to convince our leaders of the problems and
to propose solutions. Now many of those solutions are finally being considered
or implemented. And he has been a leader in recognizing the importance of
preserving the environment before that was a "popular" thing to do.
One of the first things I heard Joe talk about, before I even knew him, was the
lack of affordable housing. That was many years ago, shortly after I moved here
from Maryland. He was a pioneer back then, a lone voice so to speak. Joe worked
tirelessly for such housing and proposed numerous solutions. Thanks in large
measure to Joe keeping the issue in public view his persistence has paid off.
Virtually all of the affordable housing programs now in development by our
county have been proposed specifically and in detail over many years by Joe.
Congratulations, Joe, on your brilliant and tireless and unpaid service to our
community. All the citizens I know as friends and neighbors and/or work with
consistently in affordable housing endeavors praise you constantly for your
service over the years. And the board members of Rebuild Sarasota will continue
to enjoy working with you and receiving your wise counsel in regard to
affordable housing, and join with me (as I know many citizens also join) in
congratulating you for the many positive things you have done for our county.
Knowing you, I am sure that your tireless efforts for our community will
continue.
Richard Alpher, board member
(And on behalf of the board)
Rebuild Sarasota, Inc.
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