Letters to the editor: Thoughts on ballot questions

Two wolves and a lamb

I recently heard Bill Bryson speak at Rollins. Bryson is the popular travel writer/humorist whose bestseller “A Walk in the Woods” was made into a movie. The first thing he said was, “Wow. Winter Park is such a pleasant surprise. You people are so lucky to be living in a place like this.”

That kind of appreciation is why I’m supporting Tom McMacken and Carolyn Cooper. These are the two — the proven two — who share those values above all else. I’m sure Peter Weldon and Lambrine would claim the same, but they also see Winter Park as a Chamber-backed commercial enterprise to exploit. “Grow or die” is their mantra for success.

I frankly found the attack on Carolyn Cooper’s integrity not only bizarre but also laughable. Look at the candidates’ financial reports. All receive donations from developers seeking favors from the city. Dan Bellows, a frequent presence at City Hall, has had numerous developments that have needed variances and other special considerations. He is also a generous supporter of Ms. Cooper’s opponent. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

What Lambrine alleges to be serious transgressions on Ms. Cooper’s part are not improper and certainly not uncommon for anyone running for election.

Democracy works best when there are checks and balances. That we would have four commissioners voting in lockstep against one dissenter is no more democracy than two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for dinner.

In a community that is so evenly divided among the electorate, a commission weighted toward commercial interests over residential interests won’t be much of a unifying force.

Winter Park deserves better than that. The Commission we have now will insure that in-depth discussion occurs because three of the commissioners vote their conscience — vote what is good for the community and not for the mythical bottom line.

• Kathryn Grammer, Winter Park

RE: Winter Park Library

Like so many decisions in life, it’s not always black and white. When it comes to the library question on the ballot for March 15, there is a middle-path. Rather than spend $30 million to completely move/rebuild a beloved library, and tear down the Rachel Murrah Civic Center as well, why not budget $10 million to significantly remodel the existing library capital plant, and devote $20 million to accelerating the city’s burial of overhead utilities. Citywide Wi-Fi would be nice as well for library e-book downloads and electronic access 24/7. Trees win. Library patrons win. Walkable communities win. All boats rise. Isn’t that why we live here?

• C J Williams, Winter Park