What wasn’t said spoke volumes By Doug Beaven

You’ve most likely read some not so positive things about City Council candidate Jason DeLorenzo in a local blog.   Surprisingly, what was blogged about isn’t surprising but what wasn’t, is. This is one of those cases that scream “what wasn’t said spoke volumes”.

Here’s what wasn’t mentioned:

• Elections cost money and collecting $500 from an entity already doing business in the city is smart campaigning from a smart candidate. Besides, this happens at every level, from city councils, school boards, county commissions, Sheriff, State Legislatures and all the way up to US Congress, US Senate & Presidential elections. The bigger the election, the bigger the contribution too!
• Campaigns are supposed to raise money AND awareness.   Who would turn down a $500 donation from a business already in the City? No one! Who would want to collect $500 from an entity already doing business in the City? Go on, take a guess. Besides, DeLorenzo made his case very clear about this process going out to bid way before the donation was made, think about that!
• How come Jason DeLorenzo is the only candidate in his district that has the financial support of both citizens AND business community? What does that say about him? Sounds like that with Jason’s kind of respect from both citizens & the business community, it makes him the stronger candidate, as long as he maintains his integrity.
• If they are willing to endorse Jason DeLorenzo, then something has to be off with his opponent…or something just has to be right with Jason DeLorenzo. The Palm Coast Observer is, as you surmise, a very conservative leaning medium. It is very doubtful that a reputable newspaper will risk its reputation for a City Council endorsement. So a “relative working on his campaign bought him the Observer endorsement” motive seems pretty far-fetched. But retired Conspiracy Theorists will love that but really???
• Thanks to the City Manager, the current waste services RFP for Palm Coast is so rigged that the contract is 100% likely to be awarded to Waste Pro; no matter the heroics from Mayor Jon Netts nor a vote from any sitting city council member. So a “bought vote” motive looks pretty far-fetched too.

The last item brings up a couple of points that citizens should be more upset about. Those items are:

• The RFP eliminates any bids from companies that utilize automated services, very similar to Waste Pros’ competitors. Wouldn’t automated services reduce workman’s comp? Isn’t the City of Bunnell now automated? Hmmm… OK Conspirators, get to work!
• Why would the City Manager want to narrow the “out to bid” process and why wouldn’t he want to save Palm Coast citizens $$$? Is it possible that City Manager Jim Landon is personally profiting from eliminating bids from Republic Services and others? Doubtful, I truly hope not but makes you wonder. This would be far more scandalous than a $500 contribution. Ready, Set, Go Conspiracists!

If these points don’t speak volumes to you, then I’m at a complete loss and congratulate your ignorance. But if they do speak volumes, then you only have one logical vote. Vote for the candidate that both Republicans & Democrats are supporting and that candidate is Jason DeLorenzo. It is up to you to vote and to get your neighbors to vote.