- December 20, 2024
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Dear Editor:
In response to Ms. Barbara Hayes' letter in the Sept. 13 edition of the Ormond Beach Observer, I, too, have lived in Ormond for over 40 years. I can remember when A1A was two lanes! And how long it took for them to four-lane it! No one contested that we needed to widen that road. And no one contested the clearing of those pines out by Interstate 95 for a grocery store and shops so greatly needed for the newer communities out that way.
But please do not equate the destruction of old growth forests along Granada, which stood in a flood plain, to something needed by the Ormond Beach community! We didn't need to put in a gas station a few blocks from three gas stations, and we didn't need a grocery store practically across the street from Winn Dixie!
That forest land was zoned for office space and should have been developed similar to the surroundings, the Moose Lodge and the office complexes in the area. This commission, at the request of the developer, rezoned it and gave special exceptions that allowed for high-impact commercial development. So yes, I do believe this makes a case for trade-offs between those two parties that did not benefit the community. The project is not supplying something we don't have and in the long run will increase traffic and possibly cause further blight if and when the Winn-Dixie closes.
I believe it simply comes down to what kind of town do you want to live in?
If you believe we should have one long parking lot from A1A to I-95, then vote for this commission. If you would like healthy low-impact development along Granada and value the beauty and charm of those historic trees and green spaces, then vote them out!
Lois Spiess
Ormond Beach
Dear Editor:
The two full-page negative political ads published by the Ormond Proud PAC in the Thursday, Sept. 20 issue of the Ormond Beach Observer is an affront to all veterans who wear the uniform of the United States military services. Accusations that mark Barry du Moulin, as having “no experience,” after a career of honorable service in the U.S. Coast Guard, can only be interpreted as insulting, disrespectful and uninformed.
This small-minded and unpatriotic PAC is so immersed in negative campaigning that it must resort to name calling and by disparaging challengers.
Apparently the Ormond Proud PAC and its candidates lack the vision and education to understand the value of true experience.
Barry du Moulin’s resume speaks for itself. I am his brother, and I know that he comes from a family where public service was honored and encouraged. He is modest, a man of humility and integrity who lives by the core values of honor, citizenship, respect, responsibility and devotion to duty learned as an Eagle Scout and as a member of the Coast Guard. Those core values, instilled at an early age, became the guideposts so important to him throughout a lifetime of service to the nation.
Barry du Moulin has now chosen to continue his public service and serve the citizens of Zone 4 by running for commissioner. Ormond Beach is truly fortunate to have someone of his caliber willing to stand with and serve its citizens. His Coast Guard experiences, disparaged by the Ormond Proud PAC, include service during earthquake recovery in California, homeland defense, law enforcement, maritime safety, search and rescue, environmental protection and disaster recovery, and drug interdiction.
The challenges he has faced during a lifetime of service stand in stark contrast to those of the candidates supported by the Ormond Proud PAC.
Give Barry du Moulin a chance to serve the citizens of Zone 4.
Gary C. du Moulin
Newton, Massachusetts
Dear Editor:
On Tuesday, Sept. 25, the Volusia County School Board adopted "Zoe's Policy.” This allows parents and caregivers to administer medical cannabis to students. But it still prohibits teachers and school administrators from doing so, and it prohibits the medicine from remaining on school grounds.
While this is a step in the right direction, it is also a long way away from where it needs to be. I have little doubt some of the pills students are currently taking have harmful side effects, unlike medical cannabis, yet they are allowed to be administered much more freely.
Further, teachers and administrators cannot treat themselves using medical cannabis due to a "drug-free workplace" policy. The state Legislature has the power to change this for the better. It's time we elect state legislators who will make laws that allow common-sense medicinal treatment.
(Editor’s Note: Joe Hannoush is running as a Libertarian for Florida House District 25.)
Joe Hannoush
Ormond Beach
Dear Editor:
First of all, I would like to thank Paul Holub profusely for referring to CANDO 2 so many times in his Sept. 13 editorial. That was a terrific thing he did by giving CANDO 2 free press.
Second, stating facts is not attacking. Responding to a letter is not attacking.
I am sure the public is tired of this back-and-forth battle of words and the constant CANDO 2 bashing. It must be remembered that his "team" fired the first shot back in April. That incident gave us the "kick start" to pursue removal of the existing members of the City Commission. The Granada Pointe situation brought in the environmental issue.
CANDO 2 is in favor of slow, planned growth and low-impact development, and has stated so many times throughout this year. This is the best solution for Ormond Beach. I don't see how the nay sayers can object to that (but they will).
Wow! Look at all those trees being erected on Granada Pointe. Must be an election year to make certain politicians look good. They haven't been very vocal about Granada Pointe. Laying low on that topic. Anyway, early planting (prior to construction) is unusual and will never replace the natural look of the forest that was slaughtered.
The general public has noted the hundreds of big signs overwhelming the sides of the major roadways (notably packed on "special interest" property) and an overwhelming number of articles defending "special interest" groups and current local politicians. Wake up and smell the coffee. Mr. and Mrs. Common Citizen can read through this masquerade.
The individual(s) that contrived the one-page political smear ads take up a lot of space, put forth a lot of words — and say nothing. It is plain dirty politics and, at best, can be referred to as slanderous smut. But, if you got a lot of money to throw around, you can do anything you want.
And then there is the town favorite: OB Life. This was created by a knee-jerk reaction to the emergence of CANDO 2 early in the year. It has been an underwhelming success.
The attendance is sinking month after month. As a result, the valuable statistics that are gleaned from the electronic Q+A are skewed and distorted.
Only six more weeks to go until the election. Let the public, the voters, decide for themselves what is right for this great city. At this point, it is just between the incumbents and the opposing candidates, the latter who, supposedly, are without experience, but with a heck of a lot more compassion for the public and sincere care about the future of this special place we call Ormond Beach.
Ed Kolaska
Ormond Beach
