Tribute to Janes
To the editor:
The passing of Lee County Commissioner Bob Janes is a terrible blow to Lee County, but particularly to Pine Island. Our district has never been represented by a finer more dedicated statesman.
I worked with Commissioner Janes through all of those difficult years in which we were struggling to develop land planning provisions appropriate for that unique coastal rural environmentally sensitive entity we call Greater Pine Island. Never once during that period did his support for our island waver. We always knew that not only was he on our side, but that we could count on him to help convince the other county commissioners of the merits of our cause. With his help and leadership, the Pine Island Land Plan passed by a vote of 5 to 0 at every single critical phrase of its adoption and eventual enforcement. We all owe him a great debt for our quality of life on Pine Island.
Pine Islanders will also recall that when we had community problems with our county government (and all communities do from time to time); Commissioner Janes was always there to help us. His town hall meetings on Pine Island were frequent-the last one only two weeks ago.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, people on Pine Island knew Bob Janes as a personal friend. Anyone on Pine Island who has ever been involved in anything governmental has spent time on the phone or emails or in person discussing issues with Bob Janes. To a person, they will tell you that he was not only polite, but kind and attentive to everyone’s viewpoint. He cared, and we cared about him.
We will miss Commissioner Janes.
Phil Buchanan
Pine Island