Letter: Romano, not Gardner, will help quality of life

Letter: Romano, not Gardner, will help quality of life



The Rev. Debbie Axen
Vice President of Lincolnville Neighborhood Association - St. Augustine
Publication Date: 10/31/06


Editor: I am writing in response to the letter to the editor on Oct. 29 endorsing George Gardner. Many cities across Florida have implemented and, more importantly, supported neighborhood associations. The writer specifically indicated that the Lincolnville Neighborhood Association (LNA) was particularly effective. This is much more due to the leadership of each and every official of LNA, since it was started, than to George Gardner. I am currently an officer of LNA.

Sure the mayor listens to us -- he is good at that. But what has he done to truly support the quality of life for the residents and neighborhoods -- in other words, we the taxpayers and we the voters?

In Lincolnville, our streets and sidewalks are in disrepair, the homeless congregate, we suffer from prostitution, drugs and crime, including most recently, a murder and arson not involving long-time Lincolnville residents. Our day care center had to be locked down, scaring our children, and residents and the Flagler students and their parents have to worry about their safety. In four years, Mayor

Gardner has not led the commissioners or city in any meaningful improvements.

Peter Romano has twice served as president of LNA -- his leadership has supported our neighborhood. The city neither funded nor empowered the neighborhood associations with dollars for communication or with specific actionable powers/responsibilities. Peter, as LNA president, approached the board of St. Francis House to urge relocation of the facility. It was Peter who went to the Zoning Commission every time another parking lot was to encroach or surround Lincolnville. Peter answers our calls and e-mails.

Peter reaches out to his neighbors to support their personal needs and their causes.

I am voting for Peter Romano. He listens to the residents of his neighborhood and he will do the same for each neighborhood.

I urge all residents and voters of Lincolnville to vote for Peter for city commissioner and mayor. We have been neglected too long! Your vote will make a difference!


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