Letter to the Editor: Political Agendas

Marco Islanders want and deserve the truth about the Niblock battery allegations. Some claim there is a “cover up.” These people are ignoring the Sheriff’s report, which contains sworn statements, and are instead using hearsay and rumors to fuel this witchhunt. Those who are saying Mr. Honig and Mr. Grifoni should have immediately gone to the police, informed other councilors, or held an emergency meeting clearly don’t understand the situation. The “true story” was laid out very clearly: Mr. Honig learned of the alleged incident on February 2nd, talked to Mr. Niblock, and called the city attorney to report it. Mr. Grifoni heard the same story on February 6th and immediately afterwards informed the City Attorney.

The key factor in this whole incident seems to be conveniently brushed over: The victim asked for privacy and requested that the matter be kept out of the public dialog! Mr. Grifoni was just respecting her wishes! To suggest that action should have been taken contrary to her wishes is really appalling to me as a woman. What is equally disturbing is that the public statements suggesting this are being made by older men who are known to be critical of this current council. How typical.

I guess these people think they know what’s better for the victim than she does. They have the nerve to suggest that she deserves no say in how this matter proceeded. Mr. Grifoni showed her true respect by giving her support and time to decide how she wanted to proceed instead of thrusting her into a tumultuous and difficult situation, in full view of the public.

He let her make the choice!

It is so offensive to see this woman being used as a political pawn by chauvinists who are acting like she’s incapable of making her own decisions. What is almost laughably ironic is the loudest members of the “witch hunt brigade” are the same people who fought to deny her school funding and land for a permanent building.

This is hypocrisy and opportunistic dirty politics at its worst.

People giving credibility to these bullying tactics should be ashamed of themselves.

Jerra Minning

Marco Island