After all that, we need answers

Wanna get away?

I wanted to on Wednesday. Get away, that is. To anywhere but here.
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I’m long past the days where explosive events like Tuesday’s County Commission meeting would get the reporter juices flowing. Don’t get me wrong…I’m fascinated by it all, and brother, if you’re looking for a story with legs, this is it.

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But, wow, hearing from folks, pillars of our community, expressing their disappointment…it’s just so discouraging.

So, I needed a pick-me-up. And that meant a drive to MacRae’s bait shop, where I could sit on the bench and watch the Homosassa River ease by.

MacRae’s is a great place to quiet the noise in my head. It’s been one of my go-to’s for decades. (Take 10 minutes of any day of the week and you'll find adventure at MacRae's.)

While watching pelicans jockey for fish scraps, I contemplate what's happened.

Look, man, I care about this county. I know most of you do as well. We place our energy, resources, time, efforts, patience, finances, and emotional sacrifice each day trying to make Citrus County better than the day before.

The two people directly involved in this issue care about Citrus County as well. How much? Guess we’ll see.

I don’t think County Commission Chairwoman Diana Finegan or Chamber President Josh Wooten have a clue about the damage they’ve caused the community psyche. If they did, they’d both be out apologizing for their behavior and vowing to never let it happen again. 

The Chamber issued a statement to WFLA-TV regarding Wooten's altercation with another citizen that the Sheriff's Office is investigating:

"The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce is aware of allegations being circulated regarding an alleged altercation involving our President / CEO at a recent Board of County Commission meeting. However, allegations of this kind should not be driven by rumor, Political frustration, or incomplete accounts of what occurred.

"We believe it is important to allow the facts to be clearly and accurately reviewed, rather than allowing unfounded claims to shape the public narrative. As we continue to monitor the situation, our Chamber Board has full faith in our President / CEO. The Chamber remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and respective civic engagement."

And Wooten's attorney, Ashley Baker, said Wooten plans to sue Finegan.

Just wondering...is there a calm head in the house?

(Disclaimer: Just Wright Citrus is a Chamber member.)

I understand why the Chamber would be cautious with a statement about the incident under investigation by the Sheriff's Office, but what about Wooten's overall back-and-forth with Finegan that preceded all this? 

I’m serious. The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce has earned a stellar reputation across Florida and in Tallahassee. It leads the most significant efforts in our community, including trying to solve childhood poverty. It’s helped thousands of small businesses, including mine, get off the ground. The Chamber, often led by Josh, is the first to mobilize community services following a natural disaster.

What a rock/hard place scenario for the Chamber. Josh has led that organization mightily for decades and earns all the accolades that come his way. He was also party to a huge county embarrassment. How does Chamber leadership balance that out?

Same with the County Commission and Finegan. My gosh, that was horrifying on so many levels.

While the other commissioners are culpable because they didn’t do anything to stop it, they can’t just let this go by without addressing it head-on. That will not be easy, especially in the political climate that commissioners created for themselves.

Finegan’s downfall? Engaging with Wooten in the first place. And making it worse by accusing him of “coming after” her politically. Look, I get it. Tensions are high. But folks, a sitting commissioner should never EVER bring her campaign onto the dais.

Finegan’s colleagues can simply ask her to keep it in check. A chair’s role is to facilitate the meeting, not strong-arm it.

I fully expect Wooten's supporters to blame Finegan, and Finegan's supporters to blame Wooten. Both sides are correct. None of this would have happened had these two individuals chosen not to engage one another in such an adversarial way in public.

Unbelievable we’re even having the conversation. It’s possible the County Commission — and Chamber — will try to shrug this off, but I doubt citizens will allow that so easily. Folks are pretty riled up.

— Finally, I want to share portions of a note my good friend Laura Lee Putzback sent to the county staff. I have deep concern for my county government friends. You have no idea how demoralizing it is for county workers when the commissioners squabble.

Laura Lee wanted them to know they’re appreciated:

“In my interactions with Citrus County government employees, I continue to be impressed by their professionalism, knowledge, and attention to the matters at hand. Staff consistently provide insight, action steps, or direction that leave me feeling informed and satisfied. The level of customer service is truly top notch.”

She added:

“This citizen sees the remarkable work happening throughout our community. My hope is that every employee feels proud of the work they do and recognizes that their contributions truly make a difference in the quality of life for all who live, work, play, and worship here.”

Very well said.

Have a great Thursday, friends.

Join the discussion on our Facebook page.
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