Treasure Island Florida Voters Information

Gulf Beach News

March Election

March 9 th is going to be one of the most important days in the history of this wonderful sand bar most of us call home. It will be Election Day and Treasure Island will choose Commissioners from two of its four districts.

It is no secret to those of you who know me or read my website as to which of the candidates I support. Butch Ellsworth is not only a friend and neighbor but he has been one of the hardest working and most dedicated commissioners in this town’s history. By Butch’s opponent’s own admission, Butch’s ability to be one of the main players in securing the monies needed to rebuild the toll bridge was one of Treasure Island’s greatest moments. It is imperative that Butch is allowed to continue his work on getting the toll bridge built at a minimum of cost to city residents.

Butch’s opponent, Ed Gayton is also a neighbor but a neighbor I have never met. Ed has campaigned on the issues of the Land Development Regulations and Butch’s supposed inability to vote on some issues due to a possible conflict of interests.

The LDR is law. It is not an issue. It cannot be changed by the City Commission. Ed’s contention that the LDR’s need to be made a charter issue because “the sharks are swimming” to sue the city over the LDR’s is hog wash. I don’t care if the LDR’s are an ordinance or part of the City Charter, if a high court finds the wording of the LDR’s to be unconstitutional then it must be rewritten. That’s right Ed. The United States Constitution supercedes Treasure Island’s City Charter.

Ed has also brought up the issue of the complaint against Butch to the State Ethics Board. Butch’s is the last of several complaints filed by a couple of malcontents. All of the previous complaints have been unfounded. There is no reason not to believe that Butch’s complaint will also be declared unfounded. Until that is decided, like all Americans, Butch is innocent until proven otherwise or vindicated.

It is Ed’s stand on Butch’s ability to vote on certain issues that come before the Commission because of Butch’s employment and Ed’s stand on campaign funds that truly scare me not only as a resident of Treasure Island but also as an American citizen. Ed is a wealthy man who does not need to work. There is nothing wrong in that alone, however, when a wealthy man campaigns on an issue that a middle class working man cannot be an effective commissioner because he may not be able vote on an issue that may possibly benefit his employer, it smells of elitism. What Ed is saying is that you cannot be an effective Commissioner if you work in Treasure Island.

Ed has also stated that he has not taken any campaign contributions from businesses or non residents of district two and making it an issue that Butch has. Again, a wealthy man telling a working man that the working man is not allowed to run for office in Treasure Island if the working man cannot afford to.

Ed has also stated in a public meeting that he will protect all environmentally sensitive lands regardless of the cost of tax income to the City. Ed made this statement when talking about a side street on Sunshine Beach that was vacated in order for a development to be built which brings in around $750,000.00 a year in property taxes to the city. No body wants to destroy the environment but compromises have to be made in order keep this City affordable for the working class and fixed income residents, not an exclusive community for the rich.

Ed Gayton’s total lack of concern or understanding of the needs and rights of the middle class and fixed income residents of this Island and his lack of understanding of the judicial system make him the less desirable candidate.

As a former resident of Sunset Beach with a true understanding of the needs and concerns of its residents, I fully support Barbara Blush. Trails Head Park and the Beach Pavilion are only two of her many achievements as Commissioner. I hope residents of District 4 allow her to continue the work and don’t place their district in the hands of radicals.

Barbara has come under criticism because of her support of area businesses. Well excuse me, but aren’t the people who own these businesses tax payers? Isn’t someone who creates jobs in our community a valuable asset not someone to be scorned? Aren’t all citizens of Treasure Island whether they live on Sunset Beach or not, guaranteed the right to political representation? A Commissioner has to be supportive of everyone he or she represents. Barbara supports businesses because businesses are part of the make up of her district and if she did not support those businesses she would not be doing her job.

During the recent debate I sat in the same part of the room as the supporters of Barbara’s opponent. Though I was often distracted by the puppet strings that ran from his supporters and to Barbara’s opponent, I was still able to listen to what was being said. I was horrified when I heard Barbara’s opponent say “ we didn’t have to get our guns out” at a televised public meeting. Is this how this man deals with anyone who disagrees with him?

I have lived on Treasure Island for more than 15 years and have most of the money I’ve made since college invested in my home. There is no question that Butch Ellsworth and Barbara Blush are the only candidates that I can trust with the future of that investment. I urge you to also protect your investment and your future on Treasure Island by voting on March 9 th for Butch Ellsworth and Barbara Blush.