FBCC, Charter Officers say so long to Commissioner Arlene Filkoff

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter – News Analyst

At the conclusion of the December 3, 2013 FBCC meeting, Charter Officers and Commissioners bid farewell to the departing Commissioner Arlene Filkoff.  City Manager Joe Gerrity chuckled as he recalled that Filkoff had told him several times over the past year that he was not her first or second choice for the position of city manager.  “I want to thank you for helping me through a difficult first year.  I’ve gotten to know you, and I know you are ready to go but I will miss you and I’m not losing your telephone number. I want to wish you all the best and thank you very much.”

City Attorney Tammi Bach added her thanks to Filkoff adding, “You didn’t hire me, but I’ve enjoyed working with you very much.  Thank you for our meetings and for helping us with process.  I didn’t realize how important process was in so many things, so I thank you and wish you good luck.”

Interim City Clerk Kim Briley added, “I just also want to wish Commissioner Filkoff the best. I have enjoyed working with her over the years.”

Ed Boner said, “I will miss Commissioner Filkoff a lot even though I wasn’t her first choice either.  I’m going to ask for her number as well. “   When Filkoff replied that it wasn’t listed, he laughed and retorted, “But I know where you live.”

Vice Mayor Charlie Corbett said, “I’ve already thanked Ms. Filkoff so I don’t have to do it again, and I probably don’t need her number either.”

Filkoff replied,  “What I’ve always appreciated about you is that there is no hidden agenda.  It’s wonderful to know exactly how people feel about you.”

“You’ve always known that, haven’t you?”  Corbett asked.

“Yes,” I have, Filkoff replied.

Commissioner Pat Gass told Filkoff, “I’ll miss sitting next to you and all your clarifications.  Enjoy those grandchildren.  Good luck to you.”

Mayor Sarah Pelican remarked, “What [Arlene Filkoff] loves to forget is that when she was running for office I was one of her top supporters.  I have to say if she was running again, I’d support her again.  We haven’t always agreed.  We all have different interpretations of what we are here for.   I thank her for her service and wish her luck in the future. “

Filkoff thanked her well-wishers and wished the commission luck in its future endeavors.  She reaffirmed that she would be allowed time during the reorganization meeting on December 17 to deliver her closing remarks.  She said that she had been proud and happy to cast her final vote at her last meeting in support of Ordinance 2013-36 prohibiting the possession, sale, distribution, and display of synthetic drugs and drug paraphernalia.  She credited Commissioner Ed Boner for bringing the matter to the commission’s attention and noted that it is through younger commissioners such as Boner that the FBCC becomes aware of issues affecting the city’s youth.

Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.

December 4, 2013 5:57 p.m.