Commissioners Should Talk to Each Other

For Sale on Treasure Island

I photographed this house on W. Treasure Drive, today, January 28, 2011. Look at the listing agent. Eddie Lim.

At the commission meeting on Tuesday, Rodriguez was discussing an ordinance to limit the size of boats allowed to dock in North Bay Village. He was against it for many reasons, and for one reason where he does not have experience, he addressed a question to commissioner Lim. He asked Lim if as a realtor in North Bay Village, Lim thought this would have a negative effect on property values, a valid question.

Instead of engaging in the discussion, commissioner Lim seemed annoyed and felt singled out and said, "I don't do that anymore. I am working in business brokering now."

That's a bad attitude. We have citizen legislators and their unique backgrounds and abilities need to be part of these discussions. If this were a health concern, I hope Vice Mayor Kreps would use her medical experience to shed light on the subject and not be offended if asked her opinion. Similarly, mayor Esquijarosa has extensive government experience and I hope her expertise is sought. Our commission needs to work together and be willing to have the conversation front and center. It's not hard. It's the right thing to do.

Don't be so quick to find offense where none was intended. You might have no opinion or knowledge on the subject, but don't complain that someone sought it.

In the end, the commission voted for the ordinance after dropping the size provision.

Kevin Vericker
January 28, 2011