By Susan Hardee Steger
November 1, 2018 12:33 p.m.
Claims of “Election Suppression” on the City of Fernandina Beach Facebook page with commenters expressing true concern or a sarcastic sense of humor just might have convinced FDOT to change the 8th and Atlantic Cedar Tree removal date from Election Day, November 6, to November 7.
We don’t know if Facebook comments or a citizen’s phone call to FDOT resulted in the FDOT’s decision to change the removal date. We do know City officials were surprised to receive the FDOT date change notice stating the date was changed from Election Day to November 7.
“The removal of the Cedar tree has been rescheduled to November 7, due to the election on November 6.” FDOT
But our story is the Facebook thread following the initial removal notice, We thought our readers might enjoy. Here are some of the comments.
“Why on Election Day. What a way to discourage people from voting.”
“Sooo you are aware of only [one] way to your voting location? The extra couple minutes it might take you to drive a different route is for sure a blatant attempt at voter suppression.”
“Dale Martin, you need to do something to change the date for this project or you will never hear the end of it. It can’t be delayed one day?
“What City genius schedules this kind of traffic blocker on Election Day? Perhaps a deliberate attempt to hinder folks getting to the polls.”
And voices of reason . . .
“That [project] should only take an hour to remove with the proper equipment.“
“How many streets run parallel to 8th St that you can drive on?! So many alternate routes, pick one and go vote. Better yet, vote early.”
“Has anyone ever been to larger city? You know, with traffic?”
And our favorite . . . .
“What voting precinct is anywhere close to this tree ?”
Although there was controversy over the Cedar tree removal date, kudos to the City of Fernandina Beach and its new arborist Dave Holley for notifying residents of the reason for removal and its danger to public safety.
David Nagasawa, CPM
Contract Coordinator II
FDOT Jacksonville Maintenance
Vote early and vote often!!