Editor, The Beacon:

It is apparent from recent articles in The Beacon about the Deltona City Commission that there is no love between these two parties. Maybe some of these folks are atheists or agnostics; love for their neighbor is not something they care about. How about mutual respect? Can anybody cite an example of a project being completed without mutual respect?

Respect — let’s call it logical or practical love — is an essential ingredient in a successful life. In my opinion, the two parties must keep their personal feelings and beliefs under wraps and practice mutual respect to include the honest presentation of the whole truth and data that can be confirmed.

Not only is it essential to the resolution of the immediate issues, mutual respect is essential between taxpayer and tax payee for at least two additional reasons. One, in a public setting, the taxpayers and tax payees must present a proper example for other citizens and our children, because sooner or later, some of these folks will become members of the City Commission. That’s what happens in a self-governing society.

Two, as was noted in The Beacon, the public business on display at these meetings will likely be seen by parties interested in establishing or starting a business in Deltona. It is in the best interests of both taxpayer and tax payee to display mutual respect. Potential citizens are more likely to do business in a civilized and respectful community.

Additionally, the Constitution is based on Judeo-Christian principles, and all state and local laws must be in line with the basics of the U.S. Constitution to include the protection of individual rights. And that means one cannot violate their neighbor’s rights, just as they must respect yours. Bottom line, you can hate your neighbor (secretly), but you must publicly show respect.

Respectfully submitted,

Joseph Godsey

Deltona