An Existential Moment for Mykonos

 

Tee-shirt reads: I'm voting Andreas Fiorentinos

Jeff––Saturday

 

As many of you know, I have spent close to forty years on Mykonos among people I consider family. Over those years I’ve seen many changes take place on our island, even written three mystery-thrillers directly addressing changes I’d witnessed and many more I saw lying up ahead.

 

This past year has not been kind to Mykonos, what with searing negative press coverage and a widespread sense of an intolerable decline in the quality of life. Against that background, many see tomorrow’s election (Sunday, October 8^th) for Mayor as a truly existential moment for Mykonos. Three candidates are running for Mayor: the current mayor, a past mayor, and my best friend, Andreas Fiorentinos. Obviously, I’m not impartial, so up until now I’ve refrained from formally adding my voice to the fray.

 

Still, I felt something MUST be said, and this past Wednesday the words came to me.  They aren’t my words, but those of Lefteris Sikiniotis, a native Mykonian and well-regarded blogger on all things Mykonian. He’s also a friend and terrific restauranter.  In a post put up on his blog three days ago—Mykonos let’s do it!–he sounds the alarm for why at this critical moment Andreas Fiorentinos is the candidate to elect.

 

Lefteris’ post originally went up in Greek, but I read it after Google Translate had had its way with it. In an effort to more fairly represent the graceful style of its author–while preserving his unique voice–I’ve tinkered with the Google translation to more fairly represent the intent of Lefteris’ piece. Beyond that it’s meant to reflect his thoughts and impressions.  To the extent Lefteris believes I strayed from his intended language I sincerely apologize…on behalf of Google as well as myself.

 

As for my take on Lefteris' post, I couldn’t agree more. What follows is his post.

 

 

Good morning to the whole team [supporting Andreas Fiorentinos for Mayor of Mykonos].

 

Today [October 4^th] in Grypareio [Cultural Center] is the speech of Mr. Fiorentinos.

 

Mr. Fiorentinos completes his pre-election race with dignity, ethics, tempered tones, and telling NOT ONE LIE.

 

He, his admirable family, and his great cast of candidates, campaigned with modesty––no ridiculous posts, no videos full of lies––to tell us there is a different road available for the island to follow.

 

Mr. Fiorentinos has only good to show from his past participation in local government. He is hard-working, knowledgeable, has a huge circle of serious colleagues, speaks English that English-speakers understand, and possesses a knowledge of tourism that enables him to perceive risks, opportunities, bubbles, and clowns.

 

If he was in City Hall this year, our island would not have been dragged down in the media. There would be a press office replying to every bad post. He wouldn't hide, he would battle the media every day to defend the island's reputation and, after five months of silence from City Hall, he would not have come out to talk to us about the price of souvlaki as if this was the root problem of the ANTI-MYKONOS movement.

 

There are many capable candidates on his team, and I apologize if I don't mention them all. 

 

If Mrs. Eirini Gripari or Mr. Panteleimon Roussos were on the financial committee, much of past government waste would not have occurred.

 

Friend and doctor Zisis Asimomitis is greatly respected by his fellow Mykonians and deeply knowledgeable of local government.

 

Friend Ilias Aiginitis knows the problems of the fishermen's harbor and the sea as few others do. He has morals and positive energy, he's a fighter.

 

Neighbor Markos Santorinaios has given more time and effort than any candidate in any previous election. He has knowledge, he has compassion, he is a fighter, and an honest foe of those who would torment us.  He is an example to us all for his ethics.

 

We all know the Menardos brothers! It is an honor for me to have worked with Panagiotis at the beginning of his career. It was obvious he would go far simply because he respects what he does. He is a connoisseur of tradition, a fighter, a family man. A Mykonian who excels in the field of catering and ethical business.

 

Daktylidis Konstantinos is a modest family man who knows every stone, every step of our island, and its problems. He remembers when so much was so very different. He’ll fight to restore our dignity and reputation.  

 

Stavros Koutsothanas offers many things of substance in sports for our community, all without fanfare.

 

Papoutsas Aggelis, Xydakis Anargyros, friend Skaropoulos Fragkiskos, and all the other candidates are people who are running for office in order to help, not to take.

 

Ethics is what characterizes this team.

 

They don't have a liar on their ballot. They are united by the love of our island.

 

In conclusion, I want to make special mention of Mrs Alexandra Chanioti. She is the strongest woman of Mykonos. She just loves the place. She has a lot to give. She deserves more than any other candidate the support of the people of Ano Mera.

 

As a team, Mykonos let's do it! wishes you wholeheartedly good luck today and on Sunday.

 

Your presence honors our community and its potential for local government.

 

––Jeff