In response to Peter Romano's column (below), ex-Mayor GEORGE GARDNER, City Commissioner, hotly denounced the "letter-writer" (sic) at the June 11, 2007 city Commission meeting, stating that the St. Augustine Police Department indicated that the "letter-writer" (sic) had not called to report any crimes since June 2006.
Was GARDNER's remark an invasion of a reasonable expectation of privacy?
Does criticizing local governments give officials the right to research you, on taxpayer-funded time? Nope. It's Watergate-style abuse of power.
GARDNER's remark was a non sequitur, but typical "spin" on the part of City officials.
GARDNER once asked me "do you have lint in your pockets?" while I was questioning City officials about illegal dumping at a City Commission meeting last year.
Was Peter Romano obliged to report crimes that are open and notorious?
Do citizens have a right to discuss law enforcement lapses without being attacked? What's next, pepper-spray and handcuffs for civic leaders?
BTW, reporting environmental crimes in these parts often results in selective enforcement (see above regarding PIERRE THOMPSON and eagle nest tree cutting.
Interesting fact: when City Manager WILLIAM B. HARRISS became City Manager in 1998, he and City Planning and Zoning Director MARK KNIGHT were present at the creation of a new zoning district, for one person -- Mr. THOMPSON, to allow them to build a dock some day.
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