Kudos to Yaniz

Here's a big shout out to newly elected Key West City Commissioner Tony Yaniz for working to drive the last nail in the coffin of the channel widening debate.  The widening issue, which by the way, according to an ongoing  poll on this blog, is failing by almost a 4 to 1 margin.

According to the Key West Citizen, Yaniz will be working on a resolution to propose that the City's position is to put this dog to bed and not pursue it any further.

From the Citizen article...

"I am not anti-cruise ship," Yaniz said. "They provide some money to the city. I am anti-widening of the channel. It is obvious that the large majority of the citizens of this island do not want the widening of the channel. They are now starting to see through the smokescreen that was thrown out there."

I have written often about milk toast politicians, who won't take a stand or will ride the fence in order not to offend anyone.  I have argued that true leadership is doing what is right and fighting for it.  After this last effort to put a referendum item on the City ballot, which might have been OK aside from the fact that it was vague and open ended and made no reference to the potential costs, Yaniz is right to lead the way to put an end to the debate once and for all.

I had emailed Yaniz regarding the issue while I was working on my post Dredging for Dummies, and I was impressed with his frank, no-holds bar candor on the issue.  In his response to my questions (that came almost immediatelu), Yaniz stated...

"I am not in favor of the City spending any tax-payer's money to do a study for a project the people do not want. I believe that we should concentrate on upscale tourists who spend more money and have shown respect and admiration for those traits that make Key West unique: clean waters, clear skies and our culture, history and architecture. We are a unique island, basically in the Caribbean, that you can drive to and have Constitutional guarantees. I find it incredulous that we claim to be cash-strapped for minor expenses like parks, lights, and recreational facilities but yet are considering spending 1million + for a very unpopular study I am not opposed to cruise ships, but on our terms. I believe that their customers will demand Key west as a port of call and the cruise ship lines will make adjustments. I do believe in tourism but not at the expense of our reef, our fishing industry, our environment, and our family based community."

Yeah, that's what I am talking about.  An elected official that isn't afraid to state his position, and fight for it.  It is unrealistic to agree with Yaniz (or any politician) on every issue, but I am thankful for his style.  It's a breath of fresh air.

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