Letters

Democrats supported Alfin to stop Lowe

Dear Editor:

As a lifelong Democrat, the possibility of ever casting a vote for a Republican candidate was unlikely. But with the realization of how the hapless Democratic Party has been outnumbered and politically outgunned for years here in Flagler County and that the odds of a Democratic victory were low, I voted for a Republican, David Alfin, in the recent mayoral election. And I know of many other usually loyal Democrats who also did.

Sometimes, unfortunately, you have to play defense to avoid a potentially disastrous result that we feared was becoming perilously close to happening. And that worry was Alan Lowe, who by some accounts was a frontrunner, and was viewed as a radical and controversial candidate who as mayor would likely tilt the City Council towards unacceptable extremist partisanship and continued divisiveness.

We were alerted to this worrisome eventuality by Councilman Ed Danko, who was spearheading the Lowe campaign, and who very publicly implied that that was indeed the plan. Danko wanted to stack the City Council deck, and Lowe was his guy to get that accomplished.

Fortunately, the Danko plot was thwarted, and even though some Democrats may have broken the rule of always vote your conscience, at least a very problematic candidate was defeated, and presumably, a more moderate Alfin is now mayor. And as some consolation for the Democrats having to set true preferences aside, we can maybe look, although very cautiously, forward to at least the possibility of a somewhat more measured, professional, and adult City Council.

DENISE DIAMOND

Palm Coast

One theory about why Alan Lowe lost

Dear Editor:

Alan Lowe lost the mayoral election mostly on his own accord, with such contributing factors as his sovereign citizen past, using the old and stale playbook of attacking the media, and generally lacking mayoral qualifications and suitability. However, Councilman Ed Danko, as Lowe’s campaign adviser, with his ultra-partisan approach to governing was a drag on Lowe’s campaign from its onset.

Early on, Danko made it clear he had a plan to form a rightwing cabal of his own likeminded council members and take control of City Hall. Broadcasting an intended partisan power grab was likely a turn-off to many voters.

And during Lowe’s campaign, Danko fixated on ex-mayor Holland and her critically ill daughter, treading into traditionally forbidden political territory with malicious falsehoods about the daughter’s medical condition. He further peddled an incredulous tale of a secret law enforcement source slipping him information of criminal activity by the ex-mayor. Danko even got caught on a video attempting to garner Lowe votes canvassing door to door expounding a variety of inflammatory falsehoods, not only about the ex-mayor and her child but also that our governor forced Holland to resign by threatening criminal charges, a totally bogus claim that the governor adamantly denied and was none too happy about.

Danko’ dirty politics firmly established Danko’s lack of credibility as a councilman.

It’s pretty clear now that Lowe and Danko have hitched their respective political carts to the wrong horse. That’s one postmortem theory of the Lowe campaign and may be an ominous sign of Danko’s future in politics.

FACEBOOK FEEDBACK

After Flagler Schools announced that masks wouldn’t be required, readers responded:

“Guess they forgot about the greatest principal ever at FPC who died from this disease! ...RIP Mr Russell” – Renee Sparks Campanaro

“I feel sorry for the faculty. Now they are at risk. Bad decision putting politics before science..” – JJ Maldonado

“If masks work and you want to wear one then absolutely fantastic for you, but keep it optional!” – Jessica Brown

“Anti Maskers should homeschool! It’s ridiculous that schools and govt aren’t doing what’s best for [kids], instead cowering to the loudmouths” – Jennifer Valle

“Finally some sanity!! Forcing children to wear masks is abusive.” – Joanne Quigley

ROBERT GORDON

Palm Coast

Other parents are making health care decisions for my child?

Dear Editor:

Now let me get this straight. Gov. Ro DeSantis is leaving the mask-wearing decisions up to the individual parents. As we all know, the masks are worn to protect others from from possible virus-carriers.

This, then, implies that some parent, whom I’ve never heard of, never met, and don’t know, is making health-care decisions

SEE LETTERS PAGE 9

PALM COAST Observer

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Publisher / John Walsh, jwalsh@palmcoastobserver.com Executive Editor / Brian McMillan, bmcmillan@palmcoastobserver.com News Editor / Jonathan Simmons, jonathan@palmcoastobserver.com Page Designers / Hailey McMillan, Jennifer Edwards Advertising Manager / Jaclyn Centofanti, jaclyn@palmcoastobserver.com Senior Account Manager / Susan Moore, susan@ palmcoastobserver.com Senior Account Manager / Hallie Hydrick, hallie@ palmcoastobserver.com Front Desk Associate / Bonnie Hamilton, bonnie@ palmcoastobserver.com Operations Manager / Maureen Walsh, maureen@ palmcoastobserver.com Circulation Manager / David Brooks, david@horizonroad.com

SUBSCRIBE

The Palm Coast Observer is published every Thursday. To subscribe for driveway delivery, call David Brooks, at 386-338-5080 or email david@horizonroad.com.

TO ADVERTISE:

Call 386-447-9723. For Classifieds or Business Directory, call 386492-2784 or email pcoclassifieds@ palmcoastobserver.com.

Palm Coast Observer LLC

P.O. Box 353850 Palm Coast, 32135

Call or drop by for a tour today! 386.387.9565

Finally... Memory Care that provides Dignity, Comfort and VALUE at a cost you can afford.

Special Rate Starting at $3,000 Medicaid and Veterans Programs All Inclusive* and Rate Locked for Life Life Enrichment activities

*Care, Meals and Medication Management Included