Funding for longtime elected servant's party questioned by citizen watchdog
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Then-New Smyrna Beach City Commissioner Jim Hathaway, third from left and looking the other way, rode on a firetruck with other elected officials in the 2011 Christmas parade. This year, he'll be the parade's grand marshal.
The others on the truck with Hathaway are (shown far left) Commissioner Judy Reiker along with Mayor Adam Barringer and his wife, Shannon. Seat up front are Commissioner Jack Grasty and then-Commissioner Lynne Plaskett. Videos of our coverage of last year's NSB Christmas parade are at the bottom of the story.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- First came Monday's "surprise" party for former City Commissioner Jim Hathaway and now his second present: He's been named the grand marshal for the Dec. 1 New Smyrna Beach Christmas Parade.
Hathaway told Headline Surfer he was given the news at Monday night's party held in the upstairs dining room at Mayor Adam Barringer's beachside restaurant, SoNapa Grille.
Asked how he felt about being named grand marshal, Hathaway said on Thanksgiving eve, "I'm excited, that's for sure. This isn't something I was even thinking about and I had no idea about the party. It was a complete surprise to me. I'm honored."
Asked how he felt about being named grand marshal, Hathaway said on Thanksgiving eve, "I'm excited, that's for sure. This isn't something I was even thinking about and I had no idea about the party. It was a complete surprise to me. I'm honored."
Among the public officials who attended the party, which included food and wine were City Commissioners Jack Grasty, Kirk Jones and Judy Reiker and her spouse, Guy Mariande; City Manager Pam Brangaccio, Asst. City Manager Khalid Resheidat, City Attorney Frank Gummey, CRA Director Tony Otte, Interim Police Chief Michael Brouilette, Fire Chief David McAllister and Planning Manager Gail Hendrikson.
The mayor's wife, Shannon, also attended, as did former City Commissioner Lynne Plaskett and her grown daughter, Hathaway's wife, Paula, his son, Spencer Hathaway and his spouse, and a handful of Hathaway's closest friends. In all about 47 people attended.
Barringer told Headline Surfer that night he did not organize the party; rather that was done by city administration and he was merely the facilitator of the venue.
Hathaway's surprise party may not be free of controversy, though.
Bob Tolley, the citizen watchdog who routinely attends local government meetings and questions spending, sent an e-mail to City Clerk Johnny Bledsoe on Tuesday asking who paid for Hathaway's party.
Tolley inquired: As per our telephone discussion earlier today, I am requesting information pertaining to the party given for Mr. Hathaway last night at So-Napa, attended by most city commissioners and department heads and their guests. I am questioning if any city/CRA or other city associated monies were used in any way to pay for this party, including the total amount spent."
Bledsoe replied Wednesday by e-mail: In response to your information request, the answer is YES. The following is provided pending the return of the City Project Officer next week. The City established two separate budgets of approximately $900 each for the farewell events/activities of both Commissioners Hathaway and Plaskett. A more detailed response will be provided next week.
Tolley, who forwarded the e-mail exchange he had with the city clerk to Headline Surfer on Thanksgiving morning, said he would not comment further until he receives the "detailed response" as alluded to in Bledsoe's e-mail.
Headline Surfer doesn't know what Bledsoe meant when he referred to the "city project officer." The 24/7 Internet newspaper left a message for the mayor following Friday night's Canal Street tree lighting ceremony, but the call was placed later in the evening and was not returned. Headline Surfer was unable to attend the tree lighting for the first time in four years.
When Headline Surfer spoke to Hathaway on Thanksgiving-eve, he informed the 24/7 Internet newspaper about being named grand marshal, but added he was not told anything in advance of the party and literally learned of it when he arrived with family members at the restaurant.
A similar party was held earlier in the month for Plaskett at the Babe James Center at her request with food and drinks apparently catered.
Headline Surfer was initially told of Hathaway's party the previous weekend by the mayor. The 24/7 Internet newspaper showed up as well and sat off to the side, but left just before the party got under way at 6:30 p.m. after Commissioner Reiker's husband came over and made it clear the media wasn't invited and was "making everyone uncomfortable."
When asked why, Mariande responded, "You're an idiot" and walked away. Headline Surfer subsequently left.
When asked why, Mariande responded, "You're an idiot" and walked away. Headline Surfer subsequently left.
Related Blog:
Name calling comes with the territory Link: http://nsbnews.net/content/410722-name-calling-comes-territory
Our video coverage from last year's NSB Christmas parade: