To hear the blatherings of a misguided editorial writer with the Big Paper (actually a Yankee carpetbagger in skirts), Largo's biggest problem is an obstructionist on the City Commission.
Oh, how we chortled over that as we rubbed the sand out of our eyes and got down a healthy portion of eggs benedict.
How can one not reach the conclusion that the hicogolorums at the Pointy-Headed Institute are really a booking agent for comedians/comediennes that they then put to work on keyboards?
Yes, it is this clever gang that is running this sheet and the same ones who, after much brain crushing thought, came up with the slogan (much to the merriment of all the Southland), "Florida's Best Newspaper," which appears on Page One every day.
The BP does serve some good purposes, one supposes. It is a stepping stone for the young and bright like Rick Bragg and Kelley Branham who expose their talents and then move on to real newspapering.
And by the same token, at the other end of the road, it serves as a dumping ground for the mediocre and third-rate who otherwise would be on the public dole and a burden to us all.
Editorial writing at the BP demonstrably does not require intelligence and discernment -- as far as its Clearwater/Largo branch is concerned, at least.
We know this because of the Orwellian judgment exercised in regard to the processes of the Largo City Commission.
The one member who is paying attention to business, who gets the homework done, who knows the procedure and rules, who insists on having the government run by the rules of honesty and integrity, who upholds the solemn oath taken is calumniated, assassinated in print and hung out to dry.
Where is the justice of Heaven in the face of this ignorant impertinence? When can we expect an informed public to rise up and smash the tablets of the BP's agenda? Do the perpetrators of such drivel really believe that citizens are fools and take their craven words as the truth?
One thinks not.
For proof, show up at Largo City Hall for commission meetings or tune in on Channel 15.
The evidence will be clear that Commissioner Mary Black is the one commissioner who is not draped with the blight of misdeeds.
She is the one who has all the attributes described five paragraphs above.
Check it out.
Black is not liked because, with her election in March (which we understand came as a heart stopping shock to her opponent), the balance of the City Commission changed.
Not good from the BP point of view. It means the agenda cannot be swiftly and cannily implemented.
Black is against turning Largo into Key West (slightly) north or Provincetown (substantially) south. This is a sentiment she shares with the majority of Largo folks who just don't understand for the life of them why a man with big biceps and hairy legs would wear a girl's wig and cute, short skirt.
As was written, "Black does not want to be a team player."
What does that mean?
It means that Black does not want to sign onto the BP's agenda. Those who fall into that category become targets. We have had recent examples; exempli gratia, Marty Shelby and Charlie Harper.
"She has refused to meet (privately) with the city manager or city attorney, implying there is something unsavory about this," saith the BP scribbler.
Bingo!
Private meetings are not conducive to good government; they lead to manipulation, private dealings, favors given and received, etc.
Now if another member of the commission (who will remain unnamed for now) will get right and follow Black's example and there is a joining with wiser heads already there, the commssion might be able to take back the government of the city.