Unmasked...

This was the week when all of the masks were removed...

Wilson: 1. Tony Donadio. The first Indian River Democrat Commissioner in 25 Years?

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Tony Donadio was the guest of the Indian River Democrat Party on Tuesday. People in attendance report that he was welcome as "A Democrat at heart" and "He had to be a Republican so he could get elected". The Democrat Chairman voiced his support for Donadio in this VeroNews.com article.

2. Republican Party or Tea Party?

Republican executive Committee members remained firm in their support for Republican primary winner Tim Zorc but some longtime Republican leaders tried their best to slip former Democrat Tony Donadio by as "just as Republican"

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They did not mention that Donadio was going to be the guest of honor at "Democrats Meet Tony Donadio Night" four days later. Or that Donadio could win with Republican and Tea Party backing and walk down the next day and switch back to being a Democrat becoming the first Democrat to serve on the Commission in 25 years. Donadio would immediately become the Democrat standard bearer able to appoint multiple Democrats to important committees, assist Democrat fund raising events and be the Democrat point person for federal appointments from Indian River County.

Donadio who has supported Democrats and voted in the 2008 presidential preference primary for either Obama or Hillary Clinton switched from Democrat to Republican in April. He was recruited by a group of high rollers serving on the Board of the Tea Party and the Chamber of Commerce. The 32963 article quotes Donadio supporter and Tea Party leader Chuck Mechling.

The real story behind the entire thing is the entry of the Tea Party into local politics. Tea Party loyalists who are concerned about taxes healthcare and a new direction for the country are being dragged into a local dispute caused by legal difficulties surrounding Point West which coincidently was the subject of a major foreclosure this week.

Zorc and Mechling used to be partners until Zorc left three years ago in 2009. "I didn't like what I saw", said Zorc. There is no telling what they have done in the last three years since I left the Company. Zorc's departure is shown in Florida Division of Corporation documents.

3. The Indian River Neighborhood Association

The IRNA revealed its Achilles heel before the Vero City Council on Tuesday night.

IRNA's parade of usual suspects appeared to demand a referendum on Vero Electric. A throwback to the IRNA's efforts to get Charter government in Indian River County they wanted the "people to vote". Or did they?

Councilwoman Tracy Carroll asked Carmen if the IRNA members had voted on their official decision to require another referendum. Carmen replied that they had not.

Carroll then asked why they wanted the City Council to have a referendum when they themselves had no vote of its members. Carmen said "I am the spokesperson and how we reach decisions is none of your business".

Really?

Wheeler: Unfortunately I have to agree with Charlie Wilson on this one.  So no further comment is neccessary.