Comments on: EXTRA! Mayor Denies Council Knowledge of ‘Hand-Gate’

By: Kearn Schemm

Kearn Schemm — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 16:31:45 +0000

Roger Munz has said it very well, the way some current council members acted regarding the Hand proposals gives rise to a perception of wrongdoing (at least). We need a council that is mature and careful enough to avoid such perceptions. It is time for a change.

By: Roger L. Munz

Roger L. Munz — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 19:16:53 +0000

When dealing with any governmental entity it is not what is going on so much, but rather what it appears to be.  When Mr. Hand said he was talking to three council members for several months, and did not name them right away, there was automatic perception of wrongdoing.  This town needs open government now more than ever. I for one hope we get it!

By: Deborah Bender

Deborah Bender — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 15:57:36 +0000

While I understand that all developers like to have their ducks in a row before they purchase property, I don’t understand why the discussions weren’t more open to all council members. Things like this are what get people all excited and lead people to believe something sneaky is going on.

That said I would like to address Debbie Suddeth…Planting trees is a good idea to make the harbor view prettier, however, I don’t know that they could survive over at Bayshore concrete because of the amount of concrete dust. Another problem could be that they have to have access to the water when the barges are loading or unloading. I don’t know what could be done to help the view but it is worth looking into.
The building that Mr. Hand is going to develop will be a nice addition to the town, however I hope the rental space for businesses won’t be too expensive. It is very hard for small businesses to pay the large rental prices and survive in the winter.
Perhaps Mr. Hand will be willing to have a winter rate for retail space that will benefit and help the small businesses.

If I am elected to town council I certainly intend to work with the developers and the citizens to help bring open meetings where everyone can speak their mind on all topics.

By: Donna Olney Kohler

Donna Olney Kohler — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 14:42:25 +0000

Thank you Editor for reminding your readers that there is more to the story and if you want to know what happened you do need to do more than just read a few paragraphs – listen to the audio, read meeting minutes, watch the video, attend the meeting, and pick up the phone and ask questions.

By: Debbie Suddeth

Debbie Suddeth — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 13:44:25 +0000

Hats off to anyone who has a decent plan for ridding the town of a vacant building on Mason. A healthy thriving town should not have so many vacant buildings, and this one has been sitting for years. I understand the need for parking but surely we can all work together to reach a solution. While I’m at it, it sure would be good if one of you “politicians” could get together with the concrete company about planting tall trees around the perimeter of the concrete company grounds to give us a better view when we look across the water from the beautiful new marina …

By: Donna Olney Kohler

Donna Olney Kohler — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 13:17:35 +0000

Why is the fact that Mr. Bannon said he was not one of the three included in this story? Why would that be excluded?

It’s there — listen to the first audio file. –EDITOR

By: Pete Baumann

Pete Baumann — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 12:48:08 +0000

Another tempest in a teapot. I’m on the BZA. Patrick Hand did say that he had spoken to 3 members of the council about his plans. So what? That’s what smart business people do when facing the prospect of approaching a governmental body about a proposed project. He didn’t talk to me or any other member of the BZA as far as I know. Glad-handing, lobbying, golf – every day in America. I’m as against corruption as the next guy/gal, but there isn’t a hint of any deal-making, buying of votes, or quid pro quo here. Next.

By: Don Bender

Don Bender — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 10:32:13 +0000

Clearly Mayor Sullivan BARKED at Dorie Southern & Frank Wendell and didn't believe the article on the Wave. Mayor Sullivan should have listened to the CD of the meeting BEFORE BARKING! Governmental transparency at it finest. Who is lying about this? Patrick Hand or Mayor Sullivan? Why won't the council members who have been talking with Mr. Hand tell us who they are? Maybe we should all go on the Maury Povich show and take lie detector tests. I know that Mr. Wendell would go. Anyone else interested?