An Editorial by John Estridge
I guess with the large majority against the two new seats and with your large defeat in the State Rep race, you have come to recognize what people think of your tenure as council president.
Prior to becoming president, you had a very bright political future ahead of you. Had you abstained from being arrogant, rude and uncompromising as well as heavy handed, you could have been State Rep at the very least. As Jud did in the past, you could have risen in the state’s political hierarchy. Who knows what your future could have been.
I do not understand your actions as a president. You could have done so much good for the town and the area. Instead, it is at least perceived by me and the great majority of Brookville, Franklin County and the region’s residents that you are out only for yourself, your family and your friends.
As a private citizen, those are not bad priorities but as a public servant, those soon become despicable. If you would have even compromised about the town park and the frisbee golf course, it would have given people something on which to hang their hat. But you could not even do that.
Your 20 in 20 initiative was very good.
You should have done more of that and been transparent. Not allowing people to ask questions at meetings was also a very large mistake, and it was your first action as president setting the tone for your entire time in that position.
Instead of demanded silence, you should have hosted community meetings and asked what your constituents, the taxpayers, wanted done with their hard-earned dollars.
And really neither last nor least, you have not been fiscally conservative or even responsible. You spend money like a drunken Congressman. I fear the town may never recover from your policies.
I’m glad it seems like your reign in power is coming to an end. There may still be a chance for this town and the taxpayers. And I really do hope you learn from your myriad mistakes.
From a former friend,
John Estridge
P.S. I did not even mention the golf course, annexation or the present state of the police department. I had to take a break. But jeesh.