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Hernando Today

CPR Author's Rant Demands Sincere Apology

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Hernando Today

Published: March 5, 2009

The issue: CPR author Blaise Ingoglia's personal attack on Hernando County Association of Realtor's President Marilyn Pearson-Adams.

Our opinion: Credibility compromised. Apology needed.

One of the fundamental rules of public etiquette: Never personally attack those with whom you disagree.

"Play nice" is one of the first things we're taught as children. That advice especially holds true for adults in the realm of local politics.

We can always politely disagree with one another on the issues, but personally attacking someone who opposes your opinion on a public matter is a sure way to incite reprisal - especially when your suppositions are flat out wrong.

It can irreparably damage one's credibility.

That's exactly what happened after builder and community activist Blaise Ingoglia fired off a nasty letter via e-mail last week personally attacking the president of the Hernando County Association of Realtors.

Ingoglia, the architect of a plan that proposes to use $2.5 million in county money as incentives for people to buy foreclosed homes, was upset that Marilyn Pearson-Adams, in representing the Realtors' association, opposes his plan.

Ingoglia's rant was in response to a letter sent by Pearson-Adams to county commissioners on Feb. 23. In that letter, Pearson-Adams said it was her association's position that more good could be done by spending the money to attract jobs to the county. Pearson-Adams expanded on that letter in an article published in Saturday's Hernando Today, noting that the home inventory market is rebounding slightly, with 25 percent fewer homes on the market than this time last year. She's also noted that only 181 foreclosed homes are for sale on the multiple listing service.

As previously reported in Hernando Today, Ingoglia had told commissioners that he had the support of local Realtors for his Comprehensive Plan for Recovery, CPR. Pearson-Adams' letter was in conflict with that claim.

Ingoglia obviously became incensed with that and Pearson-Adams' foreclosure numbers.

In a stunningly ignorant move, Ingoglia fired off a lengthy letter via e-mail to Pearson-Adams, county officials and other community leaders, chastising the association president for "hasty political decisions," a "political agenda" and that she was "putting politics ahead of our community's best interest." Ingoglia further alleged that Pearson-Adams never fully read his CPR plan before taking a position on it and that she acted without the approval of her board of directors.

"How can the membership of your organization have faith in you, if you do nothing more than promote your own opinions...?" Ingoglia's e-mail asks.

Ouch.

Ingoglia also questioned the authenticity of the foreclosure figures Pearson-Adams quoted.

"I find it hard to believe that a person in your position, with your longevity in the real estate business, cannot find the correct data to speak credibly on such a critical issue," Ingoglia wrote, adding insult to injury.

The association's response, signed by nine board members, was like a well-deserved World Wrestling Federation smack-down on the bad guy - a metal folding chair hammered directly across the forehead.

And the crowd goes wild!

"It is obvious from your e-mail dated February 27, 2009 that your lack of understanding in regards to our structure and organizational procedures prompted you to personally, and without merit, disparage our President, Marilyn Pearson-Adams," the letter states.

The board's rebuttal goes on to say that Pearson-Adams fully read Ingoglia's plan and dispels any notion that she was somehow acting as a rogue representative of the board, noting the whole board reached a consensus on its position about the plan.

Pearson-Adams declined to comment further, sensibly noting that the association's rebuttal letter speaks for itself.

Ingoglia said he was reviewing foreclosure records and would provide a more accurate picture of the housing market in Hernando County. As for Pearson-Adam's supposed political motives, Ingoglia declined to comment beyond, "Marilyn would know what that is."

Clearly, Ingoglia was wrong to publicly attack Pearson-Adams, who actually applauded Ingoglia's efforts in her letter to commissioners.

What's even more disturbing is that Ingoglia's attack shows so little restraint that he jumps to erroneous conclusions, contributing to an even greater loss of credibility.

If Ingoglia has foreclosure and other housing figures that show inventory has grown and not decreased as Pearson-Adams suggests, that would be valuable to the discussion. Ingoglia's CPR plan, whether it meets muster or not, shows initiative and a desire to help the community in these troubled economic times.

Regardless, Ingoglia owes Pearson-Adams a public apology. That may be the only way to salvage his credibility in this important community debate.

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