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| The committee approach to selection of a memorial namesake for the replacement 3-mile bridge is the prudent, rational, and intelligent way forward that the BCC will pursue. |
Today at the committee of the whole, Commissioner Bender added an item to the agenda at the table.
The item was a discussion on the process of determining a name for the replacement bridge under construction over Pensacola Bay.
A citizen's initiative movement has been gaining momentum with the singular focus of having the designation of this replacement bridge changed from the Philip D. Beall Sr. Memorial Bridge, (which the new structure, the replacement structure would carry absent legislative action) to the General Daniel "Chappie" James Bridge.
I have called for a compromise that honors both men. This idea has been met with significant resistance.
Pensacola has voted to request the legislative delegation move to rename the bridge.
On Monday, the Santa Rosa County Commission voted unanimously to change the designation to honor Chappie James.
The Gulf Breeze city council, at their agenda review session yesterday afternoon, DID NOT add this issue as a discussion item for their meeting next week.
And today, at the BCC's committee of the whole, Commissioner Bender brought forth the idea of slowing the process down and perhaps organizing a committee to study the issue and provide alternatives that may honor our unique heritage and all area veterans that have served the country in the armed forces. He also stated that he did not want to feel rushed into this decision.
I concurred, as did Commissioner Barry.
So next week we will discuss the formation of a BCC committee to analyze the naming protocols with the intention of having this committee make a recommendation to the BCC for us to consider.
This is a reasonable and rational approach to this issue that I believe will be favorably voted forward next week--because it is a balanced and measured, non "frenzied and harried" way to logically work through this issue so that all sides can be considered.
I look forward to this discussion next week.
You can watch the deliberations and discussions in this video. Good discussion!
3 comments:
Dosev is attempting to use Jedi Mind tricks on Escambia, He must think we are a bunch of southern dummies--go back to CHICARGO. "We have to have this back to the legislators by February 22" UHH no we don't.
I have nothing personally against Cris Dosev and Alan Gray--the two that are spearheading this effort. And full disclosure-I agree with them that General James is deserving of the honor. What I disagree with, strongly, is the tactic being employed where we are being told it is "my way or the highway, do it now, do it on MY timeline." I think for reasonable folks, this is a huge red flag. Where is the fire? Why is this being rushed? Why do we have to make a decision NOW?!? And what about the Beall familiy and their desire to have the replacement bridge maintain the Beall designation---as is standard practice absent legislative action? Why is the Beall family offer to share the designation jointly being met with such fierce and vicious resitance? And who is going to pay for the environmental studies and change orders to develop NEW PLANS for the already 100% Planned construction to account for a huge statue and a static display of a jet in this project's existing footprint? Who pays these costs Cris? I spoke on Monday evening at the Republican Executive Committee, and Cris asked me several questions and interrupted me multiple times as I tried to respond. It was off-putting and uncalled for. There comes a point when even a worthwhile idea, when pushed in an aggressive and pushy way, can turn folks off. I commend my counterparts Commissioner Bender and Barry for the supportive comments related to impaneling a committee to fully vet all proposals so that we can achieve maximum buy-in to whatever proposal is eventually implemented. This is the rational, reasoned, and measured approach I intend to pursue--because after all we are a full two years away from this structure's completion and we have plenty of time to figure this out.
Of course this is appropriate, by a 3-2 vote. Escambia Democracy is alive and well and no matter who it is or what one stands for if they get too pushy..then it's time for push back. When it seems the balance is shifting hopefully something will happen to swing it back into balance, in a civil way. I noticed several things in yesterday's meetings and with different speakers. No one person has the monopoly on what is right or what is appropriate, sometimes much to their own surprise. Hopefully they (we) are reflective and self aware enough to notice that for themselves. (ourselves)
To everything there is a season-- a time to speak and a time to reframe from speaking..and so on as the song (tongue in cheek) goes
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