Lentz, Poynter deliver farewell comments

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
December 7, 2017  3:06 p.m.

Mayor Robin Lentz and Commissioner Tim Poynter bid farewell to commissioners at the end of the December 5, 2017 Fernandina Beach Commission meeting.

Mayor/Commissioner Robin Lentz and Commissioner Tim Poynter effectively completed their terms on the Fernandina Beach City Commission at the FBCC’s Regular Meeting on December 5, 2017.

In their final meeting as elected officials conducting city business, both Poynter and Lentz delivered their closing remarks containing their observations, comments and hopes for the city’s future. Their fellow commissioners and the city’s Charter Officers also acknowledged them for their service and positive contributions.

Vice Mayor Len Kreger

Vice Mayor Len Kreger began by thanking Lentz and Poynter. “It’s been fun,” he said. “This has been a very productive commission. We got a lot of stuff done, and we have moved the city in a positive direction. I hope we can make the transition and continue that.”

Poynter spoke without prepared remarks on the Commission’s accomplishments, which included overcoming public resistance in many cases.

Commissioner Tim Poynter

“First of all,” he said, “I want to thank the Commission, because this Commission did get a lot done. There has been a knock at this Commission at some times because ‘we are not listening.’ I’ve heard that until I’m exhausted. But if we had listened to just the handful of people who came to [Commission] meetings all the time since I’ve been Commissioner, we wouldn’t have a library redone; we wouldn’t have the depot redone; we wouldn’t have the Humane Society’s new building. Because everything we did, we had people here saying it was the wrong thing to do, we shouldn’t spend the money. But now the Humane Society is one of the talks of north Florida, and how we treat our animals. We have 400-500 people each week visiting the library.

“This chamber was packed with people against LignoTech. They’re not going to be disappointed when the air quality [improves] and the resulting $600K in new taxes will help keep our taxes low. That’s what making decisions [is about]. When you are sitting up here, you have to listen to everybody and make decisions for the majority of the people. And yes, at times, at the expense of a few. And that’s where I think this Commission has done an exceedingly good job.

“And as for the airport: that building also will be the talk of the community, northeast Florida and the aviation community. It’s going to be like everything else I heard as a commissioner: you’re spending too much money, we could do it much cheaper … Those points are absolutely accurate, but that’s not what we wanted for the community when we were up here. This is a great community and we should be incredibly proud. And I am incredibly proud to have served with these [commissioners].
“We’ve got a great Fire Department, which wasn’t so great when we came on. I’m very proud of our City Manager who does an incredible job. He came aboard after Robin and I joined the commission. We’ve got a lot of things to be proud of.”

Commissioner John Miller responded to Poynter’s remarks. “I think what Tim did just now is what I am going to miss most.”

Commissioner John MIller

Directing his remarks to Poynter, Miller continued. “I think you did a really good job of articulating. I’ve sat next to you and seen how you listen to issues and provide feedback. Once I told you, you were the zinc. For those of you who are not boaters, zinc is a metal component on a boat shaft. What it does is take the electrolysis and retains it in that zinc. It corrodes that area so the expensive part of the boat does not corrode. … To me, Tim’s always been that zinc. He’s been the one who sits up here, not afraid to take the heat for us. I guess we are going to have to do that without him now. You’ll be missed. I’ve always respected you as a commissioner and an employer. I thought you did a great job for our community, and I appreciate your dedication.”

Miller next directed his remarks to Mayor Lentz. “Robin, I’ve loved watching you as Mayor this year. You put on one of the best faces of our community. Every time I open the city’s website and see your smiling face, I think that you have been the voice of calm for those of us up here. Your teacher voice came out when we needed it. As a commissioner and a mayor, I think you did a fantastic job. I remember your remarks when you gave that speech for that family that had experienced tragedy at the softball field. How emotional you were. And how your words needed to be said. I think people turn toward their government at times like that. I will always remember that. Thank you so much for your service, and I appreciate that.”

Commissioner Roy Smith

Commissioner Roy Smith echoed Miller’s remarks. He said, “Robin and I were friends before we took these seats. She’s done a great job as mayor, although she talks like a teacher a lot. And I’m really going to miss Tim as a sparring partner. We went after each other pretty good sometimes. But when it was over, it was over. There were no grudges. We each had our own side and were pretty hyper about defending it. But when it was over, that was it. I am going to miss that, because I enjoyed that.”

Mayor Lentz, sometimes overcome by emotion, delivered her farewell remarks from a prepared text, often departing to add personal elements. “First and foremost, thank you to the citizens for allowing me to serve in this capacity. It’s been challenging and rewarding. I’ve had lots of smiles and I’ve cried behind this wall after the discussion about the Centre Street closure. Full disclosure: I don’t hide who I am. I literally cried back here for 30 minutes because it was a terrible meeting, and I’m a human being. I will forever be grateful for the folks I’ve met and had the opportunity to work with.”

Mayor Robin Lentz

Lentz went on to thank all the Charter Officers and their staffs before turning to her fellow commissioners. “To my fellow commissioners: we’ve not always agreed on items, but I think at the end of the day we have a lot of respect for each other. I appreciate our discussions and the work we have done together. Please continue to push for a plan to finalize our waterfront. If I have one regret, it’s that it was not done. I’m leaving you from sitting up here, but it doesn’t mean I won’t be sitting out there. I really want something done on the waterfront.”

She thanked two former mayors, John Miller and Ed Boner, for being good role models. “I just want to remind all of you to be kind and respectful to our citizens. I know that’s tough sometimes, because they are upset with some of our decisions.” She recounted her experience as a citizen who was not treated well when she spoke before the previous commission. Lentz went on to thank her family, neighbors and people in the community.

“Lastly,” she concluded I want to thank all the employees of the city, the people who make everything happen. They are why we are so great. Everyone is a true professional who cares deeply for us and our city. Tonight I won’t be saying good-by, because I still plan to be here as a citizen in the audience. Thanks again for allowing me to serve you.”

The city will hold its Reorganizational Meeting at 5:00 p.m., immediately prior to the next FBCC Regular Meeting on December 19, 2017. During that meeting, new commissioners will be sworn in, the Mayor will be elected, and commissioners will accept assignments for the new term.

The only role remaining for Lentz and Poynter will be ceremonial in transitioning to the new commission, which will govern the citizens of Fernandina Beach for the next year.

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.

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Steven Crounse
Steven Crounse (@guest_50016)
6 years ago

I want to thank Tim and Robin for their service to this community. I know how passionate both are about Amelia island and Fernandina Beach. The commissioners job is never an easy one. Someone is always angry or upset at you. Also, everybody you talk to, everybody, has the answer to a community issue, they always know what’s best, By God. But ask them to get involved, “well I just don’t seem to have the time”. Tim and Robin have taken that time, I’ve worked with both on community projects on the weekends, That’s called commitment, and compassion for your fellow man, and this City. I respect you Both. Thanks Again.

tony Crawford
tony Crawford (@guest_50017)
6 years ago

Thank you Robin and Tim. Anyone who serves as a Commissioner undertakes on a thankless and all consuming responsibility. Obviously you can’t please everyone, you have to deal with many who vent on you while never knowing the facts, and above all you have to sacrifice family and personal time in order to serve. Sadly Commissioners have to endure insults, rumors, and allegations, based on nothing more than rumors and allegations, which then seems to give them the right to insult you. I want to thank you not only for taking on this responsibility, but also for fulfilling it the best possible way. I will say that over the years you both have been a great help to me. You were responsive to calls and my e mails and helped me understand any issue I was unclear about. Wishing you both nothing but the very best. It is time now for you to relax and enjoy the Island, knowing your work help make it what it is today.

Robert Warner
Robert Warner (@guest_50024)
6 years ago

I think you both have done one fine job. We are all better off because of your concern, integrity, and vision. Fair winds and following seas.

Dave Lott
Dave Lott(@dave-l)
6 years ago

Robin and Tim – classy people who display and act great leadership. I had the pleasure of interacting with Tim over a number of years as a private citizen and when I was privileged to serve as interim City Manager. You always knew where Tim stood on an issue although he was open to listening to other options and points of view. I would sometimes play devil’s advocate to better understand the basis of his position.
My interaction with Robin was mainly through email and other communications, although we sat in many commission meetings together in the years before she decided to run and was elected. She would always acknowledge my comments and thank me for taking the time to send them. Viewing her presence and leadership as mayor/commissioner has been quite impressive. While it was probably one of the most difficult and emotional times for her, at the one meeting when she said “the teacher is coming out” is one I will always remember as demonstrating her leadership skills in a tough situation.
Like Robin, the continued procrastination in developing a riverfront park has been a major point of frustration. Seems like one step forward and two steps backwards for the last ten years. There will always be some element changing along the riverfront, so if you wait for everything to “get settled” you will be waiting for a long time. Hopefully Robin will adopt the riverfront park as her primary civic advocacy, but I know there are many family and other committments.
So thanks to Tim and Robin. Best wishes in the days ahead and keep on keeping on!

Medardo Monzon
Medardo Monzon(@mmonzon)
6 years ago

Robin and Tim, thanks so much for caring about our community enough to serve as commissioners. As others have pointed out, it can be a difficult and thankless job.

Both of your served with grace, dignity and honor. Thanks again and best wishes to you and your families in the upcoming holidays and in the future.