I couldn't believe reading about the stunt Blair pulled Thursday afternoon as he held a press conference to attack Kevin Beckner accusing him of campaign violations and threatening legal actions. Honestly, I would have been disappointed if he started showing any dignity or grace now but this was a new low, even for Blair. His words were absolutely despicable regarding his opponent Beckner. Also disturbing is that standing behind him during this meltdown was Hillsborough County Fire Chief Bill Nesmith and from the Sheriff's office Col. Greg Brown. Ummm, aren't these county employees? So what are they doing standing next to a political buffoon in uniform on the taxpayer's time and the taxpayer's dime? Didn't look like the Fire Chief did a thing to put out the flames Blair was going down in.
I was almost sad that I missed the spectacle, but not to worry because Blair wasn't done. I did attend the County Commission public hearing later that night on some of the proposed land development codes and spoke out in favor of better protection for residents regarding borrow pits. The good people of Balm showed up in force pleading for the County Commission to approve an amendment that offered them little (but still better than the current protection).
Among those people was Virginia Rutledge, 96, who's charm and character I cannot accurately describe. She was speaking in support of the amendment that will not help her but will help the future neighbors of borrow pits. You know, I just couldn't resist giving a little reminder to the board of the recent consequences of ignoring citizens in favor of special interests as I encouraged them to Step Awaaaay from the dark side. George Neimann of U-CAN was not as kind as he instructed the viewing audience to watch the board closely and take names. He then showed them the universal sign for We Are Watching You pointing two fingers towards his eyes and then back at the board as he sported a badge saying Gang of Five Four under it asking Who wants to be next?
This must have sent Blair into a tailspin because shortly thereafter Blair went on record berating citizens, calling them extremists and chanting his usual mantra of "if you live in a house, thank a developer."
This article appears in Nov 12-18, 2008.