In secret, behind locked gates, our Nation's Oldest City dumped a landfill in a lake (Old City Reservoir), while emitting sewage in our rivers and salt marsh. Organized citizens exposed and defeated pollution, racism and cronyism. We elected a new Mayor. We're transforming our City -- advanced citizenship. Ask questions. Make disclosures. Demand answers. Be involved. Expect democracy. Report and expose corruption. Smile! Help enact a St. Augustine National Park and Seashore. We shall overcome!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
BE NOT AFRAID: City of St. Augustine Must Stand Firm on Fish Island, Reject "Settlement:"( Pushed By Grandson of St. Augustine Record Founder),
In 2008, developer PIERRE THOMPSON was fined and ordered to give up 15 acres of land by a Federal Court for cutting down an eagle nest tree on Fish Island (on October 8, 2001). PIERRE THOMPSON is the grandson of the founder of the St. Augustine Record.
PIERRE THOMPSON is a party at interest in the Fish Island transaction, since the treatment of this land will be a precedent for land that PIERRE THOMPSON still owns.
PIERRE THOMPSON's ex-lawyer, RONALD WAYNE BROWN recused himself but from today's news story, is still involved up to his earballs. Why?
The actions of PIERRE THOMPSON and his past and present lawyers RONALD WAYNE BROWN and GEOFFREY DOBSON require close scrutiny, as do those of a developer.
The developer's indecent demand is not merely to destroy the vista (which will become part of a St. Augustine National Historical Park, National Seashore and National Scenic Coastal Parkway).
The developer also demands to use city lands (our city is one of only two cities in Florida that own submerged bottomlands within city limits). That's not just a zoning favor, that's a scandal. The proposed promiscuous consumption and desecration of public lands for private interests is reminiscent of the Teapot Dome scandal. The FBI should subpoena documents today.
The Bert J. Harris, Jr. Private Property Protection Act is nothing to fear here.
Corruption is the thing to fear, but as Pope John Paul II began his first homily, "Be not afraid."
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