10/03/2018
I recently received a letter to the editor (Jose Gonzalez) from David J Ruiz of the 'Pahokee Speaks' forum. His e-mail to me has been posted in the open forum of Facebook for public comment. He has posted an edited version of my response. However here is the full e-mail response by return.
Dear Mr. Ruiz,
Respectfully as editor of Pahokee Voice, I decide the content of my publication just as you decide the content of your news page 'Pahokee Speaks'. I have never made any comment, demand or request regarding the content of your publications. However I would like your assistance in a couple of news stories that have been submitted to me recently.
Can you tell me why you are registered to vote at a 2660 East Main Street, Apt 8, Pahokee Fl 33476? This mobile home was sold by your father approximately 6 years ago. According to public records there is a couple living at this address. Why are you registered to vote at this address that is not yours, when you have been living in Gainseville for over 13 years with your last known address being 4000 SW 23rd St, Apt 5-307, Gainesville, FL 32608 ? Have you been committing voter fraud and violating the Florida statutes by giving a false address? Have you or do you intend to vote in the forthcoming Pahokee Municipal Elections on Tuesday March 13th?
I was recently sent a news story about your brother Robert Ruiz. The third party has alleged that your brother was found committing acts of sexual be******ty and cruelty with an animal/dog. They alleged that photos were taken and the police were called and that your brother was arrested? The police have a name match and record of arrest for a Robert Ruiz relating to animal cruelty and death. Do you have any comments? I believe this story is in the public interest as many citizens of Canal Point and Pahokee view their pets as beloved family members and would be concerned for the safety of their cats and dogs.
In response to your two e-mails regarding the forthcoming Pahokee Election, I am unsure as to why you would send me questions for the candidates. Vice Mayor Holmes is the Vice Mayor and his contact details are available on the City of Pahokee website and his page. Sara Perez is a well known local business owner and can be contacted at her publicly available address 246 East Main Street or her page. Alternatively the City Clerk at the City of Pahokee has the contact details of all Candidates running for City of Pahokee Elections. If you have questions for individuals, do not think it would be appropriate to send the questions to them?
According to the flyer Ads. circulated by Sara Perez and Nathaniel Holmes, they have held several public forums such at the Meet the Candidates BBQ mixer of Feb 16th and Meet the Candidates Coffee morning of March 8th. Both events were open air events. There were no seating limitations, walls or doors. I had previously been sent photos of these candidates canvassing door to door since the start of February. I'm not sure if you are aware that Canvassing involves going house to house, meeting, sitting and talking with voters face to face and sharing election materials with them.
This is just my editorial view; with Sara Perez and Nathaniel Holmes holding multiple open public forums and speaking with citizens in their homes would not be considered ignoring the citizens of Pahokee, just because they did not attend one private event held by the Chamber of Commerce. The members of the Chamber of Commerce could have quite easily come to the previous open forums to share food, drink and ask questions. On the flip side, the candidates that you endorse only held one coffee morning and attended the Chamber of Commerce event organised on March 8th. This is hardly the same as going house to house to meet citizens in their homes.
Once again, before I go to press I would like to hear your personal side of the two stories sent to me. As you have posted your e-mail to me publicly, I hope you don't mind if I do likewise. I am travelling as we speak ,so excuse me if any further responses may be delayed.
Sincerely
Jose Gonzalez
Editor of Pahokee Voice
