Two wrongs...

At Monday night's Brooksville City Council meeting, local resident Richard Howell protested the re-election of David Pugh, Jr. as mayor for a second term. Mr. Howell stated at the podium that past protocol dictated the vice chair be chosen for the position. Mr. Howell was correct in his past interpretation of procedures to choose the mayor of the city of Brooksville even though he was countered by Mr. Pugh, who pointed out that he, himself, had served as vice mayor for two consecutive terms.

To refresh every one's memory, Joe Johnston was chosen for a second year in 2005 to serve as mayor even though it was clearly David Pugh's turn in this position as leader. The reasons given then were basically the same which was council preferred to have Mr. Johnson continue in this position. The only thing different was it was a 5-0 open vote to retain Mr. Johnston, unlike the 3-2 paper ballot on Monday night. During the 2005 city council vote to retain him, it was clearly implied that Mr. Johnston's experience outweighed protocol to elect David Pugh, Jr. who had been seen by a majority of his fellow council members as immature, and too inexperienced to hold this ceremonial position.

David Pugh, Jr. should have been more gracious on Monday night to decline the endorsement by Mr. Bernardini. Two wrongs just don't make a right...