Open Letter to Governor Ron DeSantis
The purpose of this letter is to express opposition to the recently passed SB426 which overrides Key West citizens’ vote to limit the size and number of cruise ships and request that you veto this bill in its current form. I also wish to register disturbance that this bill has been crafted and supported by my fellow republicans many of whom do not live in Key West.
Supporters fail to acknowledge a very basic question. Did Key West have the legal authority to hold the referendum? If so, then any attempt to silence the voters is wrong. The shortsighted arrogance of this effort smacks of the nauseating elitism and hypocrisy we are exposed to on a daily basis. If republicans wish to distinguish themselves as the party of common sense and principle then we better start walking the walk at every level of government.
The only conceivable reason to override the Key West voters is if their actions caused grievous harm to other Floridians. Did they? Please detail exactly how since limiting the size of cruise ships in Key West appears to be a local issue and has no impact on the citizens of Bradenton or Fort Myers. The argument that all ports serve the entire state does not apply. The only “goods” being delivered by cruise ships are tourists not trade product destined for the local and regional supply chain.
Other reasons to support SB426 have been bandied about such as:
- The citizens’ vote was based on an environmental report that was flawed.
- Those in favor of cruise ships did not have the opportunity to present their data adequately.
- Very few people voted.
- People impacted by this vote such as those who work in restaurants do not live in Key West and did not have the opportunity to voice their opinion.
- Businesses are negatively impacted by the vote to restrict cruise ships.
Please see my responses below:
- Scientists have conflicting opinions regarding the environmental impact, but our laymen eyes see the difference as do our local fisherman. Some have made the fair point that restricting cruise traffic to smaller ships will result in dirtier older ships. Doesn’t that statement alone suggest that all ships have an environmental impact?
- If new data exists that conclusively demonstrates there is no environmental impact of large cruise ships, work with the City to present this data and hold a new referendum. The citizens can review and vote accordingly.
- After the election shenanigans we have observed, it has been shocking to hear anyone diminish the value of legal votes. In addition, if the number of people that voted determined the validity of an election, elections would be thrown out all over the country. It is an absurd argument.
- With a record number of visitors, many Key West businesses that cater to locals, vacation rentals and hotel guests, experienced increased March 21 profits compared to March 19. Please detail exactly which businesses are in decline because the blanket statement that all businesses will suffer without cruise ships is untrue. I suspect the primary businesses with reduced profits are those that sell cheap trinkets from China or run the $5.00 tee shirt scam. Many citizens oppose the proliferation of such stores. Do Key West citizens have the right to determine the tone and tenor of their own town without interference from state level politicians? In the opinion of at least 10,000 Key West voters, the answer is yes.
- Anyone who is actually in Key West knows that town is packed. Restaurant reservations are difficult at best. If a restaurant is failing now, one can only assume it has nothing to do with cruise ships. More likely they need to improve marketing efforts, are having difficulty finding staff or their food is bad.
We must also consider the big picture. We are in a twilight zone world of disinformation, boundless corruption and power struggles in which the combatants fully believe the ends justify very destructive means. 2022 and 2024 elections will determine whether we continue down a path of false narratives or turn the tide towards facts and common sense, a path towards centralized collectivist government or federalism, a path of divisive identity politics enforced by cancel culture or the free expression of critical thought. In order to change course, we need principled leaders who are an uncorrupted, shining force of good. The question is simple. Is this a principled bill or one based on cruise industry dollars in the pockets of swamp creatures?
Certainly I am naïve about the mechanics of politics but I do know that it is impossible to make everyone happy and this fact surely plays into a numbers game of votes and campaign contributions. Considering the state of our country and how long it’s been since we have had solid leadership, I do believe the people will open their wallets wide and stampede to the polls if a truly genuine, principled leader emerges. We hope that leader is you. Please choose wisely when this bill lands on your desk. Our country depends on it.
Sincerely,
Sue Seboda
Key West