I could quote Groucho Marx and claim that I’d never join any club that would have me as a member, but it isn’t true in this case. I believe Leadership Lakeland does help those selected get a better understanding of our community. So, I want to publicly thank her or him for the nomination and to explain briefly why I didn’t follow though.

I looked over the schedule, the requirements, and considered the plans I have for my family, myself, and my career for this coming year. There is much I need to do this year as I transition to my next career. Had I been selected this year it would have created a hardship for my family, and they must come first.

I know those chosen for this next class will welcome the opportunity to meet other community leaders. I feel they will develop a better understanding of the needs and strengths of Lakeland. I wish them all the best.

And to the person who honored me with the nomination, thank you. I will continue to do what I can for Lakeland.

Since I use Flickr, I substituted FlickrSlidr for SmoothGallery . The rest of the changes are minor.

My online presence is primarily through as the editor, writer, and occasional photographer for a news site, Lakeland Local. It’s a sampling of the news, concerns, and events for Lakeland, Florida.

As a hobby, I manage a forum and some web sites that feature a pulp fiction series written by Lester Dent — Doc Savage Organized, Doc Savage Info, and Flearun