Politicians shine (or not) in crisis

Happy October! Let’s discuss the politics of hurricanes.

Not like the Facebook post I saw from a guy who believes that Hurricane Helene’s path was set in motion by Democrats to wipe out Trump voters.

No, I’m referring to how local politicians react to stormy weather.

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For example, Commission Chairman Holly Davis is taking a lead role in informing the public about post-storm recovery efforts. She’s with volunteers at recovery sites handing out water, food, supplies, and good cheer.

She’s also running for re-election, and there’s no better time to show leadership than during a crisis.

Now, before I go down this road, know one thing up front. I’ve never met a county commissioner who looks forward to hurricanes. None who gleefully think that’s a great way to attract voters since they’re stuck and helpless. I haven’t known a commissioner who sees political opportunity in others’ misfortune.

Instead, they step up.

Look. I hang around these people. It’s not fun work. Commissioners are constantly being told they are wrong, lazy, ineffective, and not conservative enough. Every other Tuesday, they gather in the Courthouse, hoping to emerge a few hours later with a semblance of success. It’s a mixed bag.

Once elected, a commissioner’s interaction with the public significantly slows. Unless the commissioner makes a specific effort to meet with constituents, the only time they see one another is during board meetings. It’s all very formal.

I’m reminded of a time, years ago, visiting with someone in the Citrus County School District administrative offices. This person had just been promoted from one of the schools to a director’s position, and while happy with the new role, missed being with kids and teachers.

“No hugs up here,” she said.

Not many hugs in the Courthouse. Most commissioners jump at the chance to interact with citizens on their turf.

That’s significant. To me, a candidate’s character is more important than their political views. How do we measure that? Well, it’s simple in Citrus County: Do they care enough to show up and help? Or are they ordering around others? Are they seeking attention, or blending in the background?

Kudos to both School Board District 2 candidates Ken Frink and Victoria Smith, who have been in the community helping their neighbors.

(Worse, are they CAMPAIGNING at relief sites? I heard Monday of a candidate who parked his vehicle near a hurricane relief distribution site on Saturday so people could see his campaign sign. Guess what, dude? That’s a few hundred more votes for your opponent.)

Another candidate, John “Library Guy” Labriola, continued his Inverness door-to-door assault on the truth the day after Helene, even as thousands in the county were still without electricity. When a homeowner asked whether campaigning was appropriate that day, his response was: “You have power. What’s the problem?”

I guess it never dawned on Labs to, um, I don't know, help someone in need?

Then there’s Holly’s opponent, the vanishing Paul Grogan. He’s on a ship somewhere, far from Citrus County, living in a world only he recognizes.

The day before the hurricane, Grogan sent an email to one of the local Republican clubs. Someone sent me a screenshot. The highlights:

“I hope that we have the farm equipment ready and we will be prepared to repair and restore once safe to do so. I’ve asked the County Administrator to bring additional sand to the neighborhoods that need it for shoulder refurbishment and to slow down erosion at the end of the road.”

“We have hospitals further inland ready to help with non-emergency services and we will ask for bus services for those able to assist in the cleanup along 19.”

“Several tree services are ready to role (sic) and we recommend contacting the one most local to the area of service.”

“Together in all weather.”

First thought: What in the heck is he talking about? It’s like Grogan’s fantasizing that he’s a commissioner NOW, running Citrus County from the high seas. Good grief.

Holly Davis is an actual commissioner. She’s responding the way a commissioner should during a crisis, in the community with people who need a leader to show up right now. No complaints here.

Kudos to School Board District 2 candidates Ken Frink and Victoria Smith, who are in the community helping their neighbors. Both understand what leadership looks like.

As for Grogan, Library Guy, and anyone else who exploits a Citrus County crisis for political gain? We have a word for that: Loser.

Have an awesome Tuesday, friends.

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