Thank you for explaining your publication's position in a recent edition of the Alachua County Today in handling the candidacy of Mr. Ben Boukari's quest to become a city commissioner in the upcoming April 13, 2010
election. It is simply the ethical and "right thing to do" to inform your readers that a possible conflict of interest exists since Mr. Boukari is related to several individuals affiliated with your publication, and that he will resign his position at the Alachua County Today in the near future. I applaud your transparency.
As a candidate for the Alachua City Commission, Seat 2, I also appreciate that you have elected not to endorse any candidate in either seat being contested in the upcoming election. Your action in electing not to endorse any candidate in this year's election is also the ethical and "right thing to do" in my opinion.
I was an active proponent of the charter amendment passed last year allowing the citizens of Alachua to elect its mayor which was contrary to your editorially-expressed view. Like you, however, I believe it is very disappointing to note that Vice Mayor Coerper is unopposed in the upcoming mayoral race.
My view in this matter should in no way be interpreted to impugn the integrity or leadership abilities of Vice Mayor Coerper. Quite frankly, if the mayoral seat had been contested, I sincerely believe that voter turnout for this year's election would have been significantly increased thereby making any result for Mayor or City Commissioner (Seats 2 and 3) more of a true mandate from the citizenry of Alachua. Hopefully, voter turnout will still be strong.
Having three forums this year for the candidates to speak as well as answer questions in front of the electorate has been exhilarating. I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation to the Turkey Creek Master Owners Association, the League of Women Voters of Alachua County/Gainesville, and the Alachua County Today for sponsoring these forums. Also, I offer my heartfelt thanks to the Alachua Lions Club for hosting the last forum on March 30.
My wife, Diane, and I are both native Floridians having been born in Duval County. We have resided in Jacksonville, Pensacola, Panama City, DeFuniak Springs, and Alachua. Both of us are convinced, as native Floridians who have resided in many beautiful cities and towns in Northern Florida and have traveled all over the state as well, that Alachua is most definitely, "The Good Life Community," and we are proud to call it our home.
Robert Wilford, Senior Chief Petty Officer
U.S. Navy (Retired)
Alachua, Fla.