One might think after reading my last articles Oh Danny Boy or Speaking for my Constituents, that I was some flaming liberal who wanted to foster a social welfare state in the City of Lakeland. Some might think that I think that our public officials and community need to dismiss the needs of merchants and taxpaying citizens to tend to the homeless condition in Lakeland.

For the last several weeks some people apparently read into my articles that I believed for someone to be right in their faith, they needed to blindly give their money and resources to everyone who claims to be homeless and hungry in our city’s parks and streets.

Thus, I want to make a few of my Religion in The City opinions a bit more clear. First, I myself do not believe that blind faith or any other spirit-centered action should ever be done without prayerful consideration for the person, place or community. The parable of the Good Samaritan is not a story about a traveler who finds a beat up man on the road and in a sacred fashion decides to throw the man a couple of bucks so he doesn’t feel bad walking around him.

I am not advocating that either the City of Lakeland or individuals in it throw money or resources which would blindly allow camping, loitering and pan-handling in the City of Lakeland. What I want to awaken is a community of soul-centered citizens who do not want to walk around those who are beaten and broken. I desire to speak words of unity and oneness in our community. Blind giving can be just as sinful as cheap grace. Both are requests and expect answers with no intent of a relationship. For even though it appears we are tending to the poor, giving someone a dollar or handout just appeases one’s guilt. Giving just so that we don’t have to really encounter or address a person’s real needs. It has the potential to be as wrong as a blanket no-camping ordinance which has the potential to criminalize homelessness.

Once again, do not get me wrong. I am not against a Camping Ordinance which sets boundaries and fosters healthy opportunities for appropriate shelter and care for our neighbors who might be lost and struggling in our community.

For example, wouldn’t it be amazing if — before seeking to trespass homeless campers — our city police were instructed to give them the option to appear in front of a partner church or social service agency? An organization trained and funded to hear and address people’s individual homeless needs?

This still gives our police the tools needed to keep the peace and set boundaries. Yet, it also grants those with broken stories the opportunity to write a new healthy chapter to their life’s narrative.

Whether you seek your religious calling or voice from Moses, Mohamed, The Buddha or Jesus, your calling to your neighbor will never be one that asks you to blindly dismiss or dehumanize another’s brokenness. There is no easy black and white answer for why the “poor will always be among us”. But there will always be an individual life story in the midst of a person’s brokenness. Only when we are willing to join in people’s individual journeys will we be able to end homelessness.

An ill given or dismissive dollar won’t buy a cup of coffee, but a mindful dollar given with time and dignity can build community, grant hope and renew a life.

photo credit: Alejandro @horno

When a dollar is not enough… is a post from: Metro I-4 News

Though most police, non-profits and churches know him, Danny never asks anyone for anything. Danny cannot get a job because of his broken English and has incontinence from his numerous strokes. He doesn’t have medical insurance so hospitals treat him but will not hold him. After his last stroke, they tended to him for a week and then had a taxi drop him off on Kentucky Boulevard, barely able to stand or walk.

Danny has to keep moving though; he doesn’t want to stop anywhere too long down town, because of the smell of his clothing, even after it is washed. Because of his many strokes Danny has a very difficult time walking or really even expressing his needs. He cannot hold his bowels and he is trespassed from any restaurant restroom. His potent smell has him formally trespassed from almost every business and even a couple of church properties in Lakeland. Even the local non-profits are only willing to wash his clothes and deliver food trays to him outside.

If you were to ask Danny, he will tell you that since he has been here almost 12 years Lakeland is his home. He has no living relatives, so he has no other place he could go for peace. Danny is unfortunately a good example of Lakeland’s chronic homeless who have fallen through all the social service cracks.

He does not have enough mental illness to be Baker Acted. He’s not a veteran, so he doesn’t have any special medical or housing benefits. He would not be eligible for public housing. After being trespassed and arrested, he has several misdemeanors which would deny him housing benefits. If you run into him on the street or in the park, you might think that he is lost or confused because he seems to never just sit or stand in one place.

Because of all these many factors, Danny sleeps out of sight in the midst of high weeds in either the “Asian Jungle” on 92 or sheltered behind brush near the overpass and railroad tracks on the west side of town.

I share Danny’s description and plight with you for two reasons. First, because he is an example of someone who would be seriously affected by the “Camping Ordinance” Lakeland is trying to put in effect in September. An ordinance which would make Danny’s type of homelessness a crime.

Second, because I cannot think of a better example of Christ’s presence in our community. It is pleasant to think of Jesus as a robed, Caucasian hippy with long hair, bright teeth and a firm handshake. It is convenient to pray to a God at Church or Synagogue who looks like you do, one that may smell like sweet incense which a cantor spreads throughout a Mass or cooked turkey at a Thanksgiving meal. But this is not how God has said he will look, act or smell when he comes to our doors.

2All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34″Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37″Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40″The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (Matt 25:32-40)

In your meditations and prayers this week, I would like you to consider what we in Lakeland are saying to God at our doors, with a blanket “Camping Ordinance?” And one step further than that question, looking at the scripture above, would we be the sheep or goats, the wheat or the chaff?

photo illustration credit: Pauldomenick

Oh Danny Boy is a post from: Metro I-4 News

I suppose this would make sense if we really are to think of a government official as a representative of the community they serve. However isn’t there an implicit agreement that our elected officials will collect information and act in good faith as a voice for the voiceless? I’m not sure if voting for constituents equates to voting for the best interests of a community.

Is not acting a certain way just for the support of the popular a little like handing out candy to the captains of the dodge ball team so you don’t get picked last? Now that I think of it, I do remember distantly throwing a pizza party my sophomore year of high school to convince the students in my class that I would be the best voice for their SADD president.

I remember thinking I was so smart when I realized that the community activist kids in my classes cared far more about the pizza than my heartfelt concern about Students Against Drunk Driving. All of this seems very funny and simple now, but I wonder how many of our local, state and federal elected officials learned these lessons when they were young?

To be fair about what expectations we have set up for our elected officials, the question could be asked: is my expectation in voting for someone that they will have the best interests of the community in mind, or my best interest in mind? Do we expect our officials to faithfully seek out what is loving and right for our communities? Do we have an expectation that they will be a clear voice for those with no voice or do we elect people who we believe will carry out our own agendas and needs?

Many years after my SADD election realization about how to win votes and influence people by doing what they want, I found myself sitting in a college class on ethics where the question was posed, “Do you feed the hungry because they are hungry or because God told you to?” That is an interesting question which we may need to be asking our elected officials. Are they people who say the right thing because it is true, right and fair or because they know what it is we want to hear?

This week, as you listen to your president or consider the actions of your governor and mayor, stop and ask yourself the question: who’s best interests are they acting in and what are they doing which is just right? The question of what your expectations are for your elected officials is certainly a question to meditate and prayerful consider this week.

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Speaking for my constituents is a post from: Metro I-4 News

Maybe one of the best examples was the struggle between loving one’s neighbor could be characterized by the German Lutheran theologian and writer Dietrich Bonheoffer’s notion of “Large Heartedness”. Just when World War II was going through its ascendancy stage, German Lutheran Pastor Bonheoffer took exile in New York City’s Union Seminary in Harlem. There he attended an African American congregation struggling with civil rights issues. In the heat of being part of such a radical fight for liberation, Bonheoffer was called in a deep way to unite with his neighbor through “Large Heartedness,” for he was struggling with what it really meant for a community to strive to love his neighbors as self in the midst of persecution. People say that it was through the lesson that Bonheoffer learned in Harlem that he was able to established the courage to return to his home congregation in Germany and publicly speak out against Hitler. A decision, I would like to mention, which lead to his execution.

I think what lead to this week’s observance and study of the religious calling to relationship with neighbor, is because I have realized as of late that I really do not know my neighbors. As a child I was a bit of a TV kid who kept to myself and really did not bond with neighborhood children. In college I knew my dorm or campus mates but only really in a superficial way. Though I have attended, even assisted and taught in churches most of my life, I have kept a safe distance, not wanting to share too much personal information. Church in many ways has felt like work to me. I’m not sure if you can relate to this feeling, but sometimes I think church relationships can be some of the most masked relationships with one’s neighbor that people have. And even though I know how important it is to share the intimacy of Christ’s love with a loving community and Church. Some of the most important gifts of foundation and discernment come through a truthful vulnerability which is meant to unite one another in community.

Kristin Tippett in her book Speaking of Faith points out “The context of most religious virtue is relationship — practical love in families and communities, and care for the suffering and the stranger beyond the bounds of one’s own identity.” (p.3)

What I have come to realize is just how little I know about what the “friends” or neighbors who sit next to me in cafés, bars or even church, do. This last week I got a photo head shot done by a “friend” I sit next to and joke with at least three of four times a week in town. It turned out my “friend” Mookie is really Michael Wilson, an award winning photographer for the Ledger. In the same way my pal Rob who I see around town for coffee and conversation several times a week is really Dr. Tate who is the Vice President at Florida Southern University. Now in all honesty these are just two interesting examples of neighbors who I knew what they do, but up to recently have never really gotten to know the implication of what they do and who they are.

I believe one of the key issues which our society’s religious communities are not really addressing is people’s lack of knowledge about who their neighbor is. How are we supposed to be our brothers keeper or Love our neighbor as ourselves if so much of our religious life and spirituality is wrapped up in a our own heads and our personal relationship with our maker.

This week, in the midst of your prayers and mediations, I commend to you the person sitting in the café, bar, workplace and church sitting across from you –the one next to you. And leave you with the question, “How well do you know your neighbor?”

photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Metro I4 News

So That’s What You Do is a post from: Metro I-4 News

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Behind the One Ball? is a post from: Metro I-4 News

Before departing Florida, I had the great honor of interviewing the boys from Magnificent Applesauce (“MagSauce” as they call themselves). It has been quite awhile since I wrote last, but this posting is special since I got to record my first podcast with three of the four members in the band.

Chad Kostella, guitar/lead vocals; Riz Blanton, drums/percussion; and Jason Sims, lead guitar/vocals, took some time out of their schedules to update everyone with what is happening in their world. Leo Sauvinon-Mota, bass/vocals, was sick and did not make the interview.

LAKELAND, Fla. – Far from being a garage band, the members in MagSauce are doing everything in their power to share their original music, represent Lakeland’s music scene and inspire other original musicians to take their own craft to a higher level.

What began as a side project thought over eight years ago has become one of the most original sounds in today’s local music scene.

“The idea began in 2002, but nothing seriously until 2008,” Kostella said, who also added that “boredom” made him want to pursue music again.

“Being out of it for so long, I got the itch,” Sims added, “It was a long time since we played in our other band, and we had the opportunity over again. Take music more seriously.” And they did.

MagSauce has been playing regularly for the past six months in Lakeland, Tampa and, most recently, Orlando. Even landing a third place tie in 97X’s Memorial Day Backyard BBQ online competition. The main reason they have been playing so much again is to fund their self produced album, which will be released later this year or early 2011, “We are going to finish a 5 – 6 song EP,” Kostella said.

Two songs, “Fight Night” and “A Song,” are their leading singles from the album and can be heard in the podcast below.

“We picked them quickly,” Kostella said. “We had ten songs to choose from, but these address what we are doing. ‘A Song’ is an up-beat song; ‘Fight Night’ is more musical.”

RE-GROWTH

“Lakeland is in a re-growth right now,” Blanton said. “We’re in a hotspot. “We got Tampa, Orlando; we are smack in the middle.” And this “hotspot” has been good to them, too. “It’s a great spot and we love Lakeland a lot,” Sims added.

Location is an important factor, but the boys were grateful with the work being done by a couple of local promoters.

“TJ kind of started it all,” Kostella said. “Gave it a spark to where we are now. He has a good equation and a good formula.” “TJ” is TJ Alcock, owner of Central Florida Entertainment, Booking and Promotional Marketing.

During the interview, Blanton stressed the help and hard work from Polk Theatre. The venue, with the help of Sarah Conness, features special local shows under the name “Underground at the Polk.”

Sims added the venue needs local support to continue, “We definitely have to keep the Polk Theatre alive.”

To find out more about Alcock’s projects and Underground at the Polk, find them on Facebook by searching EntertainingFl and Underground at the Polk.

WORD OF WISDOM

Kostella, Blanton, Sims and Savinon-Mota were all members of the popular band As You Wish, and they all had the opportunity of touring across the U.S. several years ago.

“It’s a new way of life,” Blanton said. “We went out there, did it, played everywhere.” Touring the U.S. and playing rock star might sound exciting, but not everything was perfect on the road.

“On a very serious note, no matter what you do, these are your brothers or your sisters, if there are females in your group,” Sims said, “If you mess up on a part or played the wrong note, get over yourself. It’s not an ego thing, keep creating.”

And speaking about creating, Kostella and Blanton had some pointers for younger artists trying to break into the music scene.

“It’s starts with an idea,” Blanton said, “Get your buddies together and start writing.” Kostella added, “never feel satisfed with your song. Record bits and pieces, put them together, work past your creativity.”

And to get shows around town?

“Get a halfway decent recording. Video tape yourself. Do all the promo you can,” Kostella said.

Anyone interested in seeing MagSauce live can catch then this Thursday, July 8 at Hurricane Alley in Downtown Lakeland.

These guys are a phenomenally creative group, and I can proudly say that for years they have been an important source of inspiration. Even giving me the first shows I ever played in the (863).

To learn more about MagSauce, visit their site http://www.magsauce.com or simply search MagSauce on your favorite online search engine or social media network.

Note: Since this was my first recording, there are some unfortunate sound glitches, but it is a fun interview. And the song recordings are 100 percent perfect. Enjoy.

MagSauce_Podcast_1_Final by 48StatesAway


photo credit: Courtesy of MagSauce for Metro I4 News

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My guess is that many of you are here today listening to me speak simply because it is one of the mandatory activities in the program. But why did you pick this program for yourself and your children? Is it because you hope this program will provide you with the safe space and time you need to get a job and find a home; while at the same time providing care for your children? But other than stability, what other reason or purpose could getting a job and home have for you?

What makes a good job worth having or having a stable home any better than the transitory living of couch jumping? Could it possibly be that besides just the permanence of a good space or job, there is a personal satisfaction and fulfillment from it that makes you feel like you are living a good life?

I have heard it said that money and possessions are not worth having if you do not feel you have worked to feel you deserve them. I guess I have found the same to be true about hope and grace. Though I know grace is a free gift and I do not believe in works righteousness. There has always been a side of me that felt like I was more personally fulfilled and satisfied when I was attempting to live a good life.

I also have to confess as this group begins that there are times when I wake up and don’t like my job or can’t stand the place I live. It is in those moments when I realize that there has to be something more to living a “good life” than having a job and a stable place to live. This group is for asking and attempting to answer some of these core questions: What more is there to a good life? What should I do with my life? What sort of person do I want to be?

Later I thought Socrates’ might have asked it best some 2,500 years ago when he asked, “What would a life worth living look like?” I am constantly amazed when talking with people who are walking through hell in their lives, how so much of their anguish revolves around a felt incompleteness or lack of purpose.

Our work places, just like our social services, ask us to build and reach goals to create measurable successes. Yet how many friends, how many family members, neighbors or co-workers do you know could not even begin to imagine what a life worth living would have in it? Oh if you ask most people they can tell you that more money, the right woman or man, a bigger house or a better job would make them happy.

But how much money? What would the right relationship have to have? How many rooms, in what state, community or neighborhood would the bigger house have to have to be fulfilling? If they had the perfect job, what would it be, what difference would it have to make in the world or their family to really make them feel like they had a purpose?

The Cherokee use the word uyelvdvi, which can be interpreted as “real purpose”. Cherokee writer Joyce Sequiehie Hifler says that uyelvdvi comes from asking “who we are and what we believe”.

This week in your prayers and meditations I commend to you the old Socratic question: What would life worth living look like?

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The way I remember the exercise happening came out in the fact that I had been sweating profusely with a long sleeved shirt on. And at some point, without really thinking about it, I rolled up my sleeves to make a point. At that point it was not more than a couple of minutes before I could hear the little whispers about my tattoos which were now showing near my wrists. I’m not sure if it was the Holy Spirit or just a creative flash, but at that moment I put down the script of my speech and handed out white paper, crayons and markers out to all the tables. I asked each person to draw a picture or write one praise which could depict either their personality or a favorite moment –something that summed up who they are and who they have been.

When all the tables had time to share their pictures or phrases within their small groups I pulled everyone together and rolled my shirt sleeves the rest of the way up. After listening to each group present some of the stories, praises and pictures they shared, I asked them if any of them could imagine having to pick one of their life pictures or phrases to place on their body for the rest of their lives. With my sleeves rolled up I then shared the stories behind each of my tattoos. I told these grandmothers and grandfathers if they wanted to really hear the stories of their grandchildren and children’s lives, you should ask them to tell the stories of their tattoos.

I explained to the group that the youth and young adults in their church are living in a generation that shares their stories, their wounds, memories, joys and fears on their bodies. I explained to them that the easy way out was to look at the youth — with their pants hanging down, their lip rings and tattoos and assume that they are either ignorant, apathetic or worthless. I also assured them that as easy as it is for them to dismiss their children, it is just as easy for their children to dismiss them as –out of touch, unimaginative and stuck in the muds.

I think the message in our churches needs to be that the youth are just as much the church of today as tomorrow and the seniors of the church are just as relevant to the church today as they have been in the past. We are all the church of today –when we live mindfully in the moment with Christ!

This great tattoo moment jumped into my mind this week because of the article I read by Chuck Colson of The Christian Post. In the article Mr. Colson offers a strict warning to Christians who would consider getting Christ centered tattoos:

“Some believers argue that there’s nothing wrong with a Christian-themed tattoo, like the cross. And Christians who get them do so out of love of Christ. But believers ought to ask themselves which sort of mark God would prefer. Tattoos last a lifetime-unless they are painfully removed. But the spiritual marks of a Christian last through all eternity…many Christians reject tattoos…understanding of the higher and the lower, the superior and the inferior…[keeps] Christians from emulating what remains for that reason a pagan practice.”

I must confess to Mr. Colson that he is quite right, I am a Christian with a full sleeve of Christian tattoos and there are many times I wish I could just share the grace and peace of Jesus with just my verbal words because being a verbal Christian is so much easier then wearing the gospel message of hope on your physical heart and body. As a verbal Christian you have the opportunity to hide what you stand for so that you don’t offend certain audiences. I do have to confess to Mr. Colson and so many Pharasees like him, that sometimes when I am feeling weak I wish people could not look at my body and know that I am a Christian. See, when someone makes the faith leap to move deeper in their faith from just talking about God and moves to writing or drawing God’s word on their bodies and hearts to share and teach of God’s love for all humankind in the world— it is not a judgment. It simply means that some people are at a different place in their faith journey.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you today shall be written on your heart(TATTOOED!); you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)

In a past column I shared a particularly sobering moment when I was at a bar in Ybor City relaxing with friends. Totally out of the blue and certainly not from anything I had said a man seeing rushed over to me. Seeing the Serenity Prayer tattooed on my arm he stated that had been sober and in AA for quite sometime. Seeing the Serenity Prayer on my arm seemed like a reminder from God that that bar was not where he needed to be. I cannot tell you how many times a month I have experienced God using my tattoos to start a conversation with people about their faith walks. It is like wearing an invitation to talk about God where ever you go! Thus as I stated before, I must confess my life as a Christian would be so much easier if I was not called to acknowledge God’s love and allow Him to direct my path.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:3-6)

Now Mr. Colson do not worry, I am not saying you cannot or should not be a Christian without tattoos! Just as Paul shared with Gentiles that they did not have to be circumcised to receive Christ as the early Jewish Christians believed new converts should have to do.

It used to be that Christians could just follow blind laws such as Leviticus 19:28 “Do not… or put tattoo marks on yourselves.” Once again it is much easier for Christians to pick and choose from
Talmudic literature and decide what pieces of the law they want to judge people on and which ones they do not. Any Rabbi would tell you that the book of Leviticus needs to be interpreted within the historical context in which it was written. The Levital laws were health codes and moral codes which were laid out to build separation between the Pagans and chosen Jewish community which was to inhabit their holy land. If you are not Jewish and are reading this, I want to point out that these laws were set up to separate Jews from Pagans. If you are not Jewish, you would have been a pagan!

But I hear you saying, “But Christ changed all of that. Through the resurrection we are all saved–Jew and Gentile alike!” Well then why are you still clinging to old laws, laws that you have been told clearly you are no longer a slave from. Read these Levital laws and think for a moment what other pieces of these laws have fundamentalists abandoned because they would judge them rather than the people they feel should be judged?

‘When you enter the land and plant any kind of fruit tree, regard its fruit as forbidden. [a] For three years you are to consider it forbidden [b] ; it must not be eaten.
24 In the fourth year all its fruit will be holy, an offering of praise to the LORD.
25 But in the fifth year you may eat its fruit. In this way your harvest will be increased. I am the LORD your God.
26 ” ‘Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it.
” ‘Do not practice divination or sorcery.
27 ” ‘Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.
28 ” ‘Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.
29 ” ‘Do not degrade your daughter by making her a prostitute, or the land will turn to prostitution and be filled with wickedness.
30 ” ‘Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19)

I promise to all of you reading this, I am not trying to judge anyone for or for not having tattoos. What I am saying is that we are called to share our faith and our beliefs with our whole bodies, hearts and minds.

photo credit: Chris Craig for Metro I4 News

Tattoo Your Heart is a post from: Metro I-4 News

Beginning in February 2010, Polk Vision has been in the process of conducting a comprehensive revision of the original priorities and strategies developed in 2004 which we are calling “Polk Vision Refresh.” We have been gathering community input through focus groups, social media communications and surveys.

During the months of July and August, each of the six areas of focus task forces (Education, Economic Development, Infrastructure, Quality of life, Government and Private Sector Leadership) will conduct open meetings to revise the strategies contained in the original Polk Vision document.

Interested parties are encouraged to participate in the task force meetings either in person or via webinar (more information on webinar hosting sites will be released in July).

July 12 – Quality of Life
July 14 – Economic Development
July 19 – Infrastructure
July 20 – Education
July 21 – Private Sector Leadership
August 2 – Government

Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: LTB Auditorium at the PSC/USF Poly campus
3433 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, 33803

photo illustration credit: Jon Smith

Polk Vision Refresh is a post from: Metro I-4 News

It’s important to put the veto in perspective. As The Ledger pointed out, 25% of the Governor’s vetoes this year fell in Polk County. Last time I checked there are 67 counties in Florida. Sound equitable to you? Of course not, which further illustrates that this veto has nothing to do with education policy, spending policy, fiscal restraint, or budgetary prioritization. It has everything to do with the politics surrounding a fledgling administration mired in contradiction and unpredictability.

I frankly don’t plan to venture here into the political workings of a US Senate campaign and how they translate into the folly of inconsistency that has become the Administration. But suffice it to say, it’s mind boggling. Check out this press release which the Governor issued on June 11, 2008 marking his enthusiastic support of the campus name change and the critical first round of construction funding. To quote him, “I look forward to the great work…from this promising institution.” Huh?

That press release came the year after the very first Charlie Crist veto of construction dollars for USF Polytechnic. He issued that release and the region breathed a collective sigh of relief. We had convinced him. He endorsed us – and endorsed us publicly. What ensued were two solid years of construction funding with the Governor’s seal of approval.

If you have found yourself reading along just fine up until now, yes, you might have just stumbled on a mental speed bump of sorts. But what I’m telling you is correct. This Governor has now vetoed and signed construction dollars for the same project twice. I couldn’t make something this outrageous up. This is the inconsistency this region and decision-makers across the state are wrangling with. How do you do business with an administration that exhibits this type of irrationality? The truth is, you can’t. And you shouldn’t.

USFP’s chief Marshall Goodman on Thursday issued a candid statement to supporters reiterating the region’s commitment to the campus master plan, to the bold vision that USFP offers and to continuing the important fight to bring first rate economic advancement to Polk.

I congratulate him as well for reminding folks that while the vision of vertical construction on the Williams site has suffered a temporary setback of sorts, the mission remains strong and the delivery of the highest quality education by world class professionals flourishes. You see, the Governor left in tact the operating fund increases contained in the state’s budget. So, onward we march. You will see expansion of the high-tech business incubator efforts throughout the region, the hiring of some of the most qualified faculty ever assembled and the continuation of a mission that has been endorsed so enthusiastically by a loving community and a committed region.

And come January, the inconsistency that has become the Crist Administration will fade from power. Advocates, citizens and leaders will engage and we’ll succeed. The campus will be built. The Polytechnic vision will thrive and the region will claim victory because we remained fervently committed to bold vision and economic transformation.

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