Dear Editor:
Interim City Manager David Sollenberger is a man of integrity and has shown throughout the years that he has managed Plant City Hall that he truly cares about our town, our people and the business owners.
Former Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis led the city with grace in the face of the scandals of late. Commissioner Bill Dodson is a man of virtue; he is a voice of reason. Through his tireless pursuits to do what is right and best for the Plant City government and its people, he has proven to be a shining example of what Plant City needs more of. Commissioner Billy Keel is proving to be an asset for the City of Plant City. I believe that his concerns for the city’s budget and finances are real and should be considered with the utmost seriousness. It would be a mockery to the people not to do so. I also believe Mayor Rick Lott has the city’s interest at heart.
However, there are others who appear to be more interested in what City Hall and its resources can do for them and their friends, thereby turning City Hall into a private circus for a “select” few. And then Commissioner Keel stepped up to try to correct some of the senseless foolishness that is taking place, he was attacked with hateful words of manipulation. He doesn’t yet seem to understand that, for some, it’s not about the welfare of the city or its people. It’s about the few.
It’s sad, because I consider Plant City an exceptional town, and some of the world’s most wonderful people live in or around it. But, nothing is going to change until people kick apathy out of the way and speak out.
Betty Patton
Plant City
