To the editor:

In answer to Mr. Creighton’s letter favoring our mayor vs. Bob Janes for the county commission:

I have been in Cape politics for more than 30 years and have been involved in dozens of campaigns and therefore, assume Mr. C.’s letter is the start of a laudatory letter campaign. Regrettably, his letter contains the same “attract industry” boiler plate used for that 30 years and always proven unsuccessful. It is not that I am pro-Janes, but political reality dictates that any opposing candidate must be a serious candidate, with heavy credentials, experience and substantial political background. We face many of our problems due to a low caliber of elected officials and, as the commission already has a clown prince, no echo is required.

As to why I cannot take his candidacy seriously, first, he is a one-win wonder in his first term with a spotty record and no major accomplishment. Just being in the cage with a whip and a chair does not make you a lion tamer, but you could be a lion lunch. Things like his adamant support for the $110,000,000 police palace shows me that he does not have the political perspective to recognize that it was dead on arrival due to the economic uncertainty of the times which guaranteed its defeat. Second, he, as a political neophyte is challenging a long-time, well-respected incumbent in a party primary which shows a lack of political judgement. Third, to challenge such an incumbent in the face of our present economic uncertainties shows a failure to understand and recognize the political psychology of voters who want security and continuity in tough times and who will see the mayor as a high-risk choice.

I do not know if the mayor is propelled by vanity or insanity to launch a campaign in which he must have Dr. Kavorkian on speed dial. Traditionally, such candidates serve a term or two, becoming PR savvy and politic before challenging a respected party leader. I was correct in my prediction about the police palace and, even at this early date expect to see Janes win with a substantial plurality.

Peter Stewart Hare

Cape Coral