The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
PAGE 11 - August 15, 2007
Letter to the Editor:
Editorial - Opinion - Commentary
Re: "for the welfare of our town and its citizens"
After reading all the recent comments about and questions being asked of our
YANKEETOWN MAYOR'S REPORT
Yankeetown government officials in the guise of "for the welfare of our town and its citizens,"
I
am left wondering why there have been no questions from these people for the developers
A Guest Commentary by Mayor Dawn Clary
in
town. Before entering into any business relationship, a company's credentials are estab-
This time last year, Yankeetown was under the control of a Financial Emergency Board that
lished and if that company is above board, answers are forthcoming. In proposing a develop-
had been appointed by the Governor after the town essentially collapsed due to non payment
ment, for example, the developer should be able to answer the following questions: What
of
its bills. There was to be a special election at the end of August to replace vacant seats
on
developments have been completed by the company? Were the developments completed as
the council and several of us currently in the Yankeetown government were campaigning in
planned, and if not, what changes were required and why? Were the planning and zoning
hopes of winning a seat. Within weeks of the special election the two remaining members of
regulations of the town adhered to? Can references be provided by people in those devel-
the previous council and the mayor resigned. Two of the three cited fear of law suits as a
oped communities? In what condition were the developments after the developer left? And
reason for their resignation and the third predicted "civil" consequences. While it is unfortu-
very importantly, what is the developer's past and present financial condition? Are there or
nate that governmental officials live with this threat, it seems to be a fact of modern life.
To
have there been any liens or judgments against them, etc.? - Are these not questions any
date there have been 8 law suits. The law firm used by our insurance company has so far had
prudent person or town would want answered?
3
of the suits dismissed. These included the case against sixteen individuals and the town for
Without solid answers to these kinds of questions, I am afraid the citizens of Yan-
sunshine violations, cases against former Town Clerk Debra Stines and the town for a public
keetown are being sold a bill of goods! Let's face it, the words and pretty pictures we have
records dispute. There have also been two requests for injunctions that have been denied,
heard and seen about the proposed development in Yankeetown mean very little, because, to
one of which was an attempt to prevent the town from holding a development negotiation
my
knowledge, these developers have never established their credibility. At a town meeting,
meeting on June 8th and the other was an attempt to prevent the town council from acting on
Mr. Sherwood was asked what developments he has completed. I don't believe he ever
the moratorium.
answered the question. I would have thought he and his partner, Mr. Spitler, would be anxious
A
4th law suit has never been served on the town. This law suit filed on Sept 20th, 2006
to
tell us about
their successfully completed developments.
essentially was an attempt to force the town to hire a zoning official. This would appear to
be
The primary reason developers are here (or anywhere) is to make money and lots of
a
moot point as the town has had not only one but two zoning officials since December
of
it, and we have all heard the saying that money corrupts. For these reasons, if for no other,
2006, and no action seems likely on this one. This leaves 4 suits. The fifth is a suit filed by a
they require close scrutiny. Glad handing, pats on the back, and grandiose promises do not
former employee, being represented by the same attorney as represents Izaak Walton Inves-
do
it for most of us. This is business. And the welfare of this town depends on the right
tors. The sixth is the request for the courts to make a final determination on the zoning for the
question-s being asked and regulations being adhered to.
Wickman property. The seventh is another public records suit for which our attorney feels we
I
tip my hat to the mayor and town council; they are doing well representing the 65%
have such a strong defense that he has essentially asked for summary judgment. The eighth
or
so of those who voted for them in the last election with the mandate of "looking after the
is
an appeal to
the courts of the Board of Adjustment decision concerning the Zoning
Offi-
welfare of the town and its citizens."
Paul Tobergte, Yankeetown
cials report that the Izaak Walton project as submitted did not meet the towns zoning regula-
Letter to the Editor:
tions.
Re:
Town of Yankeetown Animal Control Changes
Of
the remaining legal actions the Wickman zoning suit is the most germane to the issues.
Dear Mayor Clary and Yankeetown Town Council:
This issue has been ongoing for years and years. It will probably be beneficial to the town to
I
am writing this letter in an effort to keep good and accurate information and communica-
have the question finally put to bed. Had the resolve been present years ago to see this to the
tion between myself, the Inglis Police Department and the Town of Yankeetown. I have
end, this dispute would not haunt us still. It is time to step up to the plate and work through
phoned multiple times and left messages, but have not received a return call. Specifically I
this issue. We have nothing to fear but fear itself. Good Night and Good Luck.
would like to communicate concerning Animal Control. It is my understanding that Yankee-
Dawn Marie Clary, Mayor of Yankeetown
town renewed the animal control contract. We are pleased to provide this service to the
Read The Newscaster online
residents of Inglis and Yankeetown. As Chief of Police, Animal Control falls under my Depart-
ment. If you or the Town Council have any questions, complaints or comments please feel free
log on to: newscasterarchives.com
to
contact me at
352--447-0303. I
take all issue's concerning my department seriously as well
as
always welcoming comments and suggestions. Calls for animal control have decreased in
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS
both our communities recently. We believe this is due to the number of animal calls we havs
R&M
Rebuilt - Repaired - Resealed
acted upon in the recent year or two. Remember, Animal Control services are available 24
Complete Auto Repairs
hours a day, seven days a week.
A/C - Brakes - Front End - Exhaust - TuneUps
I
would like to
share some changes that you will be seeing in the near future with the
Computer Diagnostics
Animal Control Officer. He will now be in a uniform shirt to make him recognizable and profes-
Oil Changes While You Wait
sional. Mr.Johnson will also have his vehicle marked, which will identify his truck as the
4X4ís - RVís - Trucks - Autos
Animal Control Officer. We are making every effort to provide the best service and with your
Foreign & Domestic
input we can accomplish this. Thank you for your part in providing this service to our commu-
Free Estimates
nities.
Sincerely, Chief Timothy Bible
cc: The Newscaster
352-447-0704
Visa - Mastercard - Discover
1st Craft Show of Season in Crystal River
Accepted
Fax Line 447-6040
The Citrus County Craft Council is hosting its 18th annual Harvest Moon Craft
Show on Sat., Sept. 1, from 9am-3pm in Crystal River at the Crystal River National Guard
Armory located on Venable St. across from Home Depot (off Hwy. 19, south of the Crystal
e-mail your news to: newscast@atlantic.net
River Airport). The show will benefit Citrus United Basket (CUB). Refreshments will be avail-
able. Parking and admission is free. Craft items will be raffled every half-hour, starting at
9:30am. The donation of non-perishable food items for holiday baskets for disadvantaged
El Ranchito
families in Citrus County will be accepted and appreciated. For additional information, call
Maria or Gene at (352) 621-3608.
Mexican
Restaurant
Ladies Nite for spiritual seekers, Aug. 17, Crystal River
Magical Senses Spiritual New Age Gifts in Crystal River hosts a Ladies Nite on the
Now Open In Crystal River
third Friday of each month from 6:30-8:00 p.m., so seeking souls can meet like-minded souls
and make new friends! You are cordially invited to attend Ladies Nite on Friday, August 17.
Refreshments will be served. Please call (352) 795-9994 to let them know you'll join them.
Lunch and Dinner Served
Dine-In or Take-Out
Magical Senses is located in Crystal River at 560 N. Citrus Ave., just west of U.S. Hwy. 19,
The Best Mexican Cuisine
445 NE 1st Terrace, CRYSTAL RIVER
under Main Street Gym.
Crystal Terrace Shopping Center Across from Big Lots,
Hospice Of Citrus County And CFCC Present "Good Grief"
Yes! We have
behind Circle K, WEST side of Hwy. 19
"Good Grief" will be held on four consecutive Monday evenings beginning on Monday,
Beer & Wine
September 17 from 5:30pm 7:00pm at the Central Florida Community College Lecanto Cam-
SATURDAY
FRIDAY
MONDAY - THURSDAY
pus
located at 3800 S. Lecanto Hwy. This workshop will offer information that will assist
Lunch 11am-2pm Open All
Day
Lunch 11am-2pm
grievers in how to cope with the array of emotions commonly experienced. The program will
Dinner 5-10pm 12noon - 10pm
Dinner 5-9pm
be
moderated by
Jonathan Beard, Wings Grief Support Manager with Hospice of Citrus
County. "Together we will see our grief from a fresh perspective, allowing us to be strength-
OPEN SUNDAYS:
(352) 795-5251
ened by our experiences." said Beard. To register, contact Jonathan Beard at 352.527.2020 or
12:00 N - 9:00 P M.
.
866.642.0962.