Gushing over Glenda

I was reading the online version of the local daily newspaper, the Orlando Sentinel. I don't subscribe anymore for various reasons: (1) I moved to a small neighboring town to get away from all the nonsense, and that town has its own (superior) newspaper, (2) the editorial board of the Sentinel takes increasingly ridiculous positions and makes equally ridiculous political endorsements, and (3) I'm such a cheapskate that I found I can get the same material for free online.

Anyway, while checking things out during my lunch break, I came across the following "editorial." I almost gagged on my Chipotle chicken soft taco:

A mayor returns

Our position: Glenda Hood's move back to Orlando can benefit the community greatly.

Welcome home.

Nearly three years after she stepped down as mayor of Orlando to serve as Gov. Jeb Bush's secretary of state, Glenda Hood announced this week that she was stepping down to return to her roots.

For now, Mrs. Hood says she has no firm plans, other than to spend time with family and stay involved in public service. And in that regard, Central Florida will be the beneficiary.

In her decade at the helm of Orlando, Mrs. Hood was a tireless visionary, championing everything from badly needed transportation alternatives to neighborhood improvements to more cultural offerings in the city center. Only in her latter years as mayor did she seem to tire of the political infighting and daily grind of local government operations. The move to Tallahassee was the right thing to do then, just as her move home should be a boon to our community now.

In the mold of former Orlando Mayor Bill Frederick and former Orange County Chairman Linda Chapin, Mrs. Hood's leadership skills could be put to good use.

As secretary of state, for example, she was responsible for marketing Florida to the global business community. Those contacts could significantly boost regional initiatives to diversify the local tourist economy.

Mrs. Hood's marketing savvy and community ties also could jumpstart fundraising efforts for local charities, which have suffered post 9-11. Really, the opportunities are boundless.

Because of her vision, tenacity and experience, Mrs. Hood's return couldn't come at a better time.

I couldn't believe this editorial board position, especially considering the headlines they put forward after Hood's departure. I couldn't help but to fire off the following "Letter to the Editor":

It was almost embarassing to read your recent gushing over Glenda Hood's pending return to Orlando. The editorial board needs to take off their rose-colored glasses and go back to the Sentinel archives to refresh their memories. It was only three years ago that the former mayor skipped town to accept Jeb Bush's appointment and left the local taxpayers holding the bag. Don't you remember the "fuzzy math" and the surprise deficit she left behind? I don't think the city can afford anymore of that sort of "leadership."