Habitual Naysayers - An opinion

Submitted by Samuel Jefferson Kennard

June 16, 2016 1:15 p.m.

Living amongst us are some latter-day carpetbaggers and environmental alarmist who, the public record clearly shows, are against the Port of Fernandina, the mills, economic development in any form, demographic diversity, etc. These people never stand for anything positive and they apparently dislike the status quo.

Their vocal negative advocacy is characterized by a compulsive, if not pathological, cognitive dissonance. Their negative advocacy tools include fear tactics, including the threat of litigation, speculative and exaggerated assumptions and so called research that would not stand up to critical peer review.

These are obviously  not the same local citizens who initiated positive changes to our community such as: Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, Micah’s Place, Downtown Farmers Market, Amelia Island Book Festival, to mention just a few.

No, these habitual naysayers want to set the clock back and refuse to accept the inconvenient truth that the port is a rich part of the Fernandina Beach historical legacy and the mills are our neighbors. We should find ways to co exist with the port and mills, allowing progress, which does not compromise health, safety and preservation.

Fortunately, such negative advocates are a small-marginalized minority and their strident public voices and tiresome messaging is loosing credibility and falling on deaf ears.

Editor's Note: Samuel Jefferson Kennard's Florida roots go back to the early nineteenth century. His pioneer ancestor signed the Territory of Florida's First Constitution in 1838 and others have lived continuously on Amelia Island for 150 years. The great grandson of a Cumberland Sound pilot family, Kennard continues a proud tradition of advocacy for a viable Port of Fernandina. Kennard stated, "Nassau County, and Fernandina Beach need a working port. It's part of our rich heritage and who we are."

Kennard is founding chairman of Stand for Amelia Island, Inc., a not for profit State of Florida Corporation dedicated to advocating solutions for important issues affecting the general public welfare of Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island and Nassau County.

Kennard was graduated from the University of Georgia and attended Harvard Business School executive development programs. Kennard is married and he and his wife, Karin live on Amelia Island.