Letter to the Editor

As a supporter of mass transit alternatives, I supported the exploration of high speed and/or light rail. However, that support came with the expectation that my elected representatives would negotiate the best deal and otherwise act as good stewards of my tax dollars. Many of the questions and issues being discussed now should have arisen before any contract was executed, and the failure to do so is not the fault of the current commission. However, blame will fall squarely on their collective shoulders if they fail to take corrective action after being armed with critical information demonstrating that commuter rail is a bad deal. In fact, the city attorney's careful evaluation of the current contract makes the decision fairly simple; namely, a declaration that the contract violates the Florida Constitution and is unlawful ab initio.

Also, if they are contemplating a renegotiation of this bad deal, they should consider the fact that our community continues to languish in difficult economic times. Another government project will not benefit our economy or the taxpayer. There is simply no justification for commuter rail, especially in Winter Park, other than as a means to expand government. More government is not a good idea.

Finally, there is a significant conflict of interest for at least one member of the City Commission. I am referring to the fact that Mayor Ken Bradley has not recused himself from this issue when his employer, Florida Hospital, is slated for its own rail stop and will directly benefit from such a monumental expenditure of our tax dollars. The mere appearance of a conflict of interest erodes the public's confidence in our system of government. In the mayor's case, the appearance of a conflict is a looming black cloud. This is not about mandatory recusal, which constitutes the lowest point of the ethics bar and should not represent the only standard, particularly in government. We expect that public servants will demonstrate the highest level of integrity and lead by example. Therefore, Mayor Bradley should, without question, recuse himself from this controversial issue.

— Bonnie J. Jackson

vice chairman,

Parks & Recreation Commission