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Opinion

Mayor Nelson: For the sake of Apopka, it's urgent that you lead

Deferring to staff and department heads on critical issues is not enough

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When I started as managing editor of The Apopka Voice in 2015, I joked with then-publisher Dale Fenwick that out-of-town journalists were like Vikings. They only showed up in Apopka when there was bad news, and after journalistically plundering us, they left.

And although I was joking, it has proven to be, for the most part, accurate - especially as it applies to local television stations. If there is an arrest, shooting, medical marijuana debate, red light camera vote, or a flooding neighborhood, the Viking Journalists are here today and gone tomorrow.

It's one of the reasons I think local independent newspapers and news sites are important to a city like Apopka. We are here for all the news of Apopka - good and bad.

However, with the turmoil brewing in Apopka right now, the Vikings aren't leaving. In fact, they are pitching their tents, taking up residence, and camping out for the long haul.

It started in December with the resignations of two firefighters from the Apopka Fire Department Safety Committee. AFD Lieutenant Alex Klepper, after learning the committee's after-incident critique of the accident that killed Firefighter Austin Duran, was being terminated, wrote a resignation letter detailing his reasons for leaving. A second firefighter, Pablo Echevarria, followed suit just a few days later, citing similar reasons to Klepper.

Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson held a press conference shortly after the second resignation, and by most accounts, it didn't go well. Nelson criticized the two firefighters for resigning and misquoted their reasons, despite having access to their complete resignation letters.

Local television stations attended the press conference and the City Council meeting a couple of hours later. They were treated to a barrage of critical comments by several Apopka residents and Austin's father, Michael Duran, along with a critical discussion from city commissioners aimed at Nelson and Apopka Fire Chief Sean Wylam.

Commissioner Nick Nesta went even further than critical discussion.

"I'm tired of being embarrassed as a City from what we're dealing with... the issues we're dealing with at the press conference today," Nesta said at the December 21st City Council meeting. "And the fact that we're getting this after the press did is embarrassing. I feel that how you [Nelson] talked about Austin Duran during that press conference was disgusting. And the fact is... to kind of piggyback on Commissioner [Kyle] Becker, the fact that we're putting money, any sum of money, above lives, it blows my mind. We are here as a Council, as a committee, and as a City to promote the health and safety of our people, staff, residents, and visitors. To be putting lawsuit litigation, pending litigation, above an investigation that could save anybody, anything at any time, anywhere in the future... it's disgusting. It makes me sick to be up here. It's embarrassing to be called a commissioner when we have to represent that we can't do an investigation into this because there's pending litigation. It's disgusting. And that's all I can say about it. This can't continue. As a board, as a commission, as a Council. This needs to change. We have to figure out how to move on from this and actually lead and not just be reactive to what's going on."

It was a bad day for Apopka.

The press conference and subsequent City Council meeting went so badly that The Orlando Sentinel wrote an editorial calling for Nelson to apologize and restart the Safety Committee.

Not taking the Sentinel's advice, Nelson and AFD Chief Sean Wylam slid all of their chips into the pot - calling all-in on the Gannon report. Surely a group that they paid $20,000 to analyze its operations would return a favorable verdict.

Only they didn't.

The 45-page report described the AFD as having foundational deficiencies, years of neglected safety and health programs, and an incomplete and overloaded organizational structure.

But once again, instead of accepting the report as a critique, the fire department and city administration chose to attack it with 145 edits inside the draft report from Gannon. Nelson addressed the report but also told the Council he did not read it in its entirety despite having access to it for 2-3 weeks.

"Although I haven't read the whole report, I spent probably four hours with the Chief going over it line by line," said Nelson. "There are a lot of things in the Gannon report... they didn't know that there were protocols on the internet that firefighters have to check off, to be able to qualify, that they've done certain training, and so I'd rather go through it one time and do it right than speed read it and not get all the facts. So, in the next couple of days, we'll get through the whole report in the next couple of days, and we'll have recommendations and what we need to change. But it's interesting if we want to talk about Gannon, and I'll say this... it's interesting that he's willing to help us with this first agreement for $20,000... but now he wants to help us for $150,000 per year for three years. That's what he thinks we need. Sounds out of line, but that's what he thinks we should be spending."

Out-of-town media was swift in attacking the administration and the fire department in multiple articles written by the Sentinel and other television stations in the area.

In politics, an often-used tactic is to attack your opponent or any detractors to your campaign right up until election day. But election day is over. And when your detractors are local media, social media, out-of-town media, residents, the father of a fallen firefighter, your own City Council, and an independent fire department analyst you paid to critique your department, it might be time to set aside the attack dogs and take a good hard look at this issue and the fire department.

For once, it looks like the Vikings were right.

Yes, Mayor Nelson, some detractors would disagree with your governing style no matter what you did. Every leader has experienced it. But this administration has crossed into an area almost uncharted.

About a month ago, I asked you to listen to the people and act.

"Leading a city is a difficult job. Leaders will no doubt hear criticism from political rivals and those that don't agree with their ideology, but when this many people are saying the same thing, week after week, it may be time to do more than ignore them, attack them, or stay silent and move on to a safer subject.
It's time to take action, Mayor Nelson. Allow the safety committee to perform the post-incident critique of the June 30th accident and dialogue with these firefighters and family members that continue to speak out during public comments. It's the only way this fire department will ever come together and this city will ever heal."

I said that a month ago, and now the drumbeat is louder and larger. I am not a member of the city council or the administration or the city staff. I'm not a political operative. You and I disagree ideologically on many things. But this is not about ideology and politics. It's about performance, action, and leadership.

You must lead the city, Mayor Nelson. You must explain your side of issues as they present themself at meetings. You must speak up. You have to be prepared for issues like the Gannon report. It's not enough to allow department heads or members of your staff to lead out on critical issues.

Apopka elected you twice to lead this city - so lead.

Apopka, Apopka City Council, Apopka Fire Department, Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson, Opinion

Comments

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  • MelissaW

    I love this article. Mayor Nelson needs to step up or resign. Enough of this silence and switching to a different subject.

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Report this

  • MamaMia

    It is not a easy job being mayor, especially of this city, where the late great Mayor John Land held the position for over 60 years. Apopka has always had a stigma when it comes to it's ruling politics. Longtime citizens here know it, and new ones will soon discover, if they haven't already.

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Report this

  • MamaMia

    I don't give much credence to the Orlando Sentinel's and Spectrum News 13 reports because former Mayor Kilsheimer was a journalist there at the Orlando Sentinel, and one of his buddies at the Orlando Sentinel ....that buddy's name is usually at the top of the article, that is negative of Mayor Nelson, or he had something to do with it behind the scenes. I believe Spectrum News 13 is a Orlando Sentinel company, so that explains that. Reggie, your hit piece here, against Mayor Nelson, is IMO, as always, because you wanted Kyle Becker as mayor, and yet you don't even live in this city.

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Report this

  • JimNisbet

    Clearly you are not a Nelson fan. That's fine, it's your right. But has he ever been a fireman? A policeman or a paramedic? Not to my knowledge. So he does what a good manager does and hires what he believes to be qualified professionals to manage these things, and acts on their recommendations. Generally when the police and fire come to budget meetings with requests, they get them. This is not a cop out. This is not shifting blame. To do otherwise would be to be micromanaging, and sticking your nose into things you really know nothing about. These people are his, and our, trusted advisors. If these people are not qualified or are doing a poor job, that's on the mayor. Since this young mans tragic death I have seen media go after Mayor Nelson almost exclusively. This is nonsensical. I've served in the military, worked in construction, and been in a great many potentially hazardous work situations. Who was Austin Duran's supervisor? Who tasked him with working on this machinery? Who was responsible for ensuring he was trained in this? And if he wasn't trained, very respectfully, how much accountability does he have for putting himself in that situation where he is working on dangerous equipment he does not know enough about? There is a level of personal accountability there. As I've said, I've worked in these types of situations, and when you don't know, you take a step back and find someone who does. That's not just work place safety, that's common sense (I know, a very dangerous, almost foreign term these days).I don't know the names of any of the people I just asked about, but blame goes right to the top? The non-EMS Mayor? Sounds kind of foolish to me. As for the two firefighters that quit/retired, there can be a host of reasons for that. Finally, I will say there are people on the counsel right now making superfluous noise. Mr. Nesta and Mr. Becker are playing politics, and not helping anything. They are throwing rocks at the mayor, instead of asking questions like I have outlined above. Again, poor politics attempting to lay blame instead of seek truth.

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Report this

  • MamaMia

    Reggie, I have a suggestion for you. How about you doing an article on the Apopka firefighters' union head man. All about him, how long he has been there, what he does daily, where he from, etc. because he is a big part of all this fire department chaos, and negativity being displaced at the council meetings. I think it is only right for our citizens to know something about him, as he is the union head, representing the firefighter union,

    as our firefighters didn't have a fire union in the past, and the previous mayors in our city, did not have to contend with the fire union, like Mayor Nelson has to.

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Report this

  • Todd B.

    Reggie, your passion and depth in this editorial is spot on. We all may agree and disagree on many things, but one thing we all agree on is Apopka is so much better than this. For some reason accountability, and responsibility seem to be a four letter word to some and will do anything to push that away from them. Look at the word “Historically” that is used by the city when rebutting some of the facts in the Gannon Report. Why would one do that? My guess is to push accountability and responsibility towards another group, to lessen the impact on oneself. It’s almost like saying the incident with the sand trailer should be attributed to past employees who were not even employed that day. As usual, Reggie has brought the communities view and hope into a concise accurate article. We also know that one commentor, no matter what is found will support the mayor. Funny thing is I never see much support beyond her. Apopka Strong and Apopka Forward, Forever.

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Report this

  • MamaMia

    Todd, regarding your comments ....Mayor Nelson was elected twice, as Mayor of Apopka. I think that clearly speaks that there are MORE supporters of Mayor Nelson, than the one you post about (her). Now, you have a wonderful day, and be sure to gear up for your next city council meeting, as I know you will be up there at the podium slinging mud. XOXOXOs...... .

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Report this

  • MamaMia

    As for the two firefighters that were referenced above as quit/retired ......it my understanding, that those two firefighters resigned from the safety committee of the fire department, but not from their actual paid job positions. Correct me, if I am wrong.

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Report this

  • MamaMia

    Oh wow, Apopka is getting Florida's largest rock climbing gym coming in, and the economic developer hasn't even got his foot in the door at city hall.....LOL

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Report this

  • MamaMia

    It is NOT Mayor Nelson who is trying to censor and edit public comments at the city council meetings, it is Commissioner Velazquez. She goes on and on about the subject.....reference, the last city council meeting, Feb 1st. So much for free speech!

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Report this

  • SusanBeth

    I have read - and laughed at - the continual comments by MamaMia (a/k/a Nelson Homie). And the really laughable part about these comments is that he/she doesn’t use their actual name, leading one to the possible conclusion that he/she is nothing more than a Nelson mouthpiece.

    In any event, this is an excellent article. Nelson has yet to take control and show any kind of leadership. He rarely makes comments at a Commission meetings and even refuses to explain the reasons behind his votes. WFTV’s coverage has been thorough and I seriously doubt there’s any kind of media “conspiracy” against Nelson as he’s managed to make himself look foolish over and over again. This city is in desperate need of leadership, not to mention an acknowledgment that issues have been totally ignored, much less addressed. What a shame, and in fact an embarrassment, that Nelson was re-elected. We deserve more.

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Report this

  • MamaMia

    I am glad someone is laughing and enjoying the comments. Laughter is the best medicine, but I will assure you, I am not a "plant". I am a city resident, and have been here long enough to witness various city council members, and various mayors in action, and because of some of these current commissioners, and their ego, pettiness, immature ways, and loyalty to the last mayor, or wanting to be mayor their own self, they just want to cause turmoil. The city is going down the toilet because of them, and their constant arguing, instead of serving the citizens. I don't have to give my real name. It is not required on this website.

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Report this

  • MamaMia

    No, I am not a robot either. ..LOL

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Report this

  • MamaMia

    Wow, Apopka will be getting a Target department store at Kelly Park area, and a new Publix on Ocoee Apopka Road, and the economic developer hasn't even gotten his foot in the door at city Hall ...LOL

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Report this

  • MamaMia

    Mayor Nelson is leading the city, whether you all acknowledge that fact, or not. If you don't like his leadership, that is your opinion, but he is leading the city. When some call out for him to lead the city, it sounds crazy to me.

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Report this

  • Granni

    This is another great article that speaks the absolute truth about the inept leadership of Nelson. I am a long-time resident of Apopka and this is definitely the worst representation of leadership in 40 years. For sure I would not want to depend on this man (Nelson) to save my home from fire or my life in an emergency situation. These men & women as first responders are a dedicated & loyal group who put their lives on the line every day. They deserve our support. And lastly, after reading Mama Mia's comments several times, I'm completely convinced she/he is another favor-swapping Nelson pal or better yet probably Nelson himself.

    Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Report this

  • Kathryn

    Mama Mia is definitely a Nelson family member! His comments remind me of Reed Nelson’s comments on the Apopka Critic Facebook page. Anyway, the mayor needs to step down. I have never in my life seen such poor leadership the way he just sits with his hands on his face, rubbing his eyes, yawning, and saying next up without even a comment or a thought, and when he does comment, it is in pieces. He is always on the defensive and he won’t look at anybody except commissioner Smith, wonder why that is? Mamma Mia says that he was voted in twice. The first one happened because of the dislike of the former mayor, the second time I believe was just name recognition and the help of all of those absentee ballots solicited by the mayor and his wife…please retire.

    Wednesday, February 8, 2023 Report this

  • MamaMia

    No, I am not a he/she or a she/he, I am not Reed Nelson, I am not Mayor Nelson posting on this website, and I am not a favor swapping pal of the mayor, nor am I one of his family members......you all amused me, so much...XOXOXos....LOL

    Wednesday, February 8, 2023 Report this

  • Kathryn

    It really doesn’t matter who you are, you amuse the readers here with your weird support. And how you jump on the comment section every second there’s a “Nelson” article posted.

    Wednesday, February 8, 2023 Report this

  • MamaMia

    When it comes to news regarding the city administration, I only post on this website. Since Reggie has informed us here on the Apopka Voice, that he is not biased against anyone within the city administration, then I am unbiased too, just like Reggie, if that is the determining standard protocol, of course, LOL. I voted for Mayor Nelson both times. The first was because I had supported Mayor Kilsheimer, but he started crazy stuff like running off to the National Mayors Conference in Washington DC, and taking the commissioners and their spouses along too, if they wanted to go, flights, hotel costs, meals, etc. at taxpayers expense. He even upgraded his hotel room to a more expensive one, leaving the prior one empty, is what I heard. This was at the same time Trump had his inaugural, so Mayor K and his wife got to attend that too. He also had other trips, San Fran, and I think it was also Nashville too. You can ask Commissioner Velazquez, as she went along on those taxpayer trips. Also Mayor K flew back to Apopka, to attend a city council meeting, then flew back to DC, because he didn't trust the vice mayor to conduct the council meeting, while he was gone. Other things, like alleged deception with Artie V at the VFW, and alleged deception about the Highland Manor, and what was going to be done with the old home. The second time I voted for Nelson for mayor because I don't appreciate the way Becker conducts himself at the council meetings. His way or the highway, or he shows off, gets mad......if you think my support of the mayor is weird, well, too bad.

    Wednesday, February 8, 2023 Report this

  • MamaMia

    I was really surprised to read on another website that Alex Klepper stated that the draft of the Gannon report was not all that bad. Then I read Todd's statement that mirrored Klepper's statement. That did surprise me, to say the least. I think having a workshop about the draft report is a good idea, since the Gannon man is going to be present. I hope he can get a word in edgewise with argumentative you-know- who there.

    Saturday, February 11, 2023 Report this

  • Kathryn

    The Gannon Workshop was cancelled…

    Thursday, February 16, 2023 Report this

  • Kathryn

    And because I don’t live in this comment section the way you do, I didn’t see your other comments. Funny how the description you paint of one Counsel member partially fits the Mayor. We can only wish that the Mayor would make some noise, show off, and get mad instead of just sitting there saying nothing but “Next” The disrespect that he shows to his counsel is something that everyone (but you) sees. A Mayor should be active and present during public counsel meetings, not chewing on his fingers, covering his face, rubbing his eyes, looking down or only towards Councilman Smith. A true leader addresses the city during the meeting not waiting until the end of the night when most of the public has left. He makes a rebuttal but it’s only to discredit the people in question.

    Thursday, February 16, 2023 Report this

  • FloridaLife79

    As a preface to my own opinion. Let it be known that I am only a new resident of both Florida and Apopka (I am originally a native from the northeast. I am only familiar with some of the history as per former Mayor John Land and his lifelong career as mayor of this city.

    That being said, I have done my best to watch some of the Council Meetings and get a better understanding of what the city is setting out to do in terms of critical topics such as: Improving the Apopka Fire Dept, annexation of South Apopka, city beautification/improvement projects and encouraging growth.

    We have a city of about approx. over 55,000 and growing rapidly. That being said a lot of us have come for the natural beauty of the lakes and surrounding land, the accessibility to key areas with a reasonable commute. All while keeping away from the tourist attractions that are still nothing more than an arm reach away.

    This city can become a great many things. But one thing it can not do is live in its past and reminisce about a time where the city wasn't as large and there wasn't as much development (or overdevelopment as some locals describe it as).

    The city needs to take action and needs to strategize its vision. If not done carefully, this can become a huge disaster. Many an article I have read on this website of neighboring towns taking resources to give their quaint towns some sort of identity and not let it just become a sleepy town with general commercial zones just plopped here and there. We need to start facilitating a proper layout for this city and both its current and future residents. Which means improvements for both fire and police. A proper main street, more local schools and medical facilities.

    And while my perception of Mayor Nelson appears to be a classical old school Floridian native (which is perfectly fine), the urgency here is to not move "Florida-slow" but be a bit more demanding for the success of the city is indeed slightly troubling. I am hopeful that the mayor and the City Council begin to become more proactive and less reactive to what is happening in Apopka.

    Monday, February 20, 2023 Report this