Quint Studer, co-owner of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and founder of the Studer Group, stopped by the office this morning. We talked about the Memorandum of Understanding with the CMPA and City of Pensacola concerning his proposed office building at the Maritime Park, which will part of a future IN story. Near the end of the interview, Studer talked about the mean spirit that seems to permeate the City of Pensacola and its politics.
“We just can’t disagree on an issue in Pensacola,” said Studer. “We have to attack the other side, calling them “crooks,” “killers” or worse–going after the very character of those with whom they disagree.”
Studer said that what’s worse is that Pensacola has gotten so accustomed to the meanness that people excuse it. “Some will say, ‘Oh, this is just how they are.’ They want to rationalize the inappropriate behavior,” he said. “What we permit, we promote.”
While some may claim that the negativity is just as bad in other cities, Studer disagrees, “No, it’s not. I don’t see it when I travel around the country. People have learned in other places to work towards consensus without the attacks.”
He told me that he didn’t understand the need to be so vicious on issues. “It’s as if this town can’t accept good things,” said Studer as he walked out for his next meeting. “We’ve had some easy layups for Pensacola, but Pensacola can’t handle lay-ups.”