Jan Nichols is giving advice in the Winter Park/Maitland Observer this week. She seems not to care much for 17 year old Archie Blydenburgh exercising his First Amendment rights in his letter to the editor expressing dismay with the manner in which this year's electioneering was carried out. Mr. Blydenburgh points out that the "'One Winter Park' / 'Strong' side did not run a clean respectful campaign." This fact seems undisputable, as we have outlined here for the past four months. Ms. Nichols, however, calls Mr. Blydenburgh's comments "sadly misguided and inappropriate." A number of people in this City happen to agree with Mr. Blydenburgh, as might the Florida Elections Commission upon completion of their investigation. Disagreement does not equal misguided; but when one is single-minded it is tough to grasp this concept.
Ms. Nichols goes on to make the most hypocritical statement yet published when she says, "Being gracious in defeat is a much better quality to strive for than expressing negativity." This from the same group of people that was so gracious when the Carlisle project passed all but the final reading; the same group that filed suit when they didn't get their way on the Comprehensive Plan; the same group that was so gracious about Jim Williams' termination because it is a "better quality" than expressing negativity. Yep, all graciousness, no negativity.
She goes on to say, "I would hope that the losing minority will stop their negative attacks and 'anonymous' blogging, stop spreading lies and innuendo about good citizens." Once again, Ms. Nichols has asked us, the losing minority, to stop spreading lies; but, she never offers proof that anything reported here is unfactual. It is unnecessary to point out the number of lies, and innuendo coming from the OneWinterPark group, including the one she told about not being associated with this group, but still being on the email list for updates on Mr. Trismen's Comprehensive Plan attack.
Ms. Nichols finishes her dressing down of young Blydenburgh, a teenager actually engaged in the political process, by saying to all, "a conciliatory approach is needed in Winter Park, not more rancor. It is time to look forward and work together." Although we agree with this statement, we do not agree with its meaning. Much like the Obama campaign has been a barker for "Change," they actually mean it is time for you to change, not them; and so it is with this group. Her statement means that it is time for the rest of us to be conciliatory; its time for the rest of us to stop the rancor; it is time for the rest of us to jump in line and do it her way, then we will be together.
And, as a matter of fact, I couldn't agree more. Its time that the losing minority start doing things the OneWinterPark way and find a new Mayor. The election season is a scant ten months away, plenty of time to form some new corporations. And the best part about it.. next year young Mr. Blydenburgh can finally vote.