On W. D. Childers

When Wyon Dale Childers, one of Pensacola’s most successful political sons, was convicted in 2003 of bribery and unlawful compensation, the State of Florida stripped him of his state pension.  Childers appealed the decision, arguing that he should still be paid the portion of his pension he accrued before his “service” on the Escambia County Commission.  As the PNJ‘s Mark O’Brien reports, late last month the Fourth District Court of Appeal upheld that decision.  I applaud the Court.  Public officials should be held to a higher standard;  and those officials who betray the public trust, who break the law, should be prepared to lose not only their offices and reputations and freedom, but any and all government compensation and benefits.

Yet, still, at Alcaniz Street near the Civic Centre, a small bypass street is named for Childers — ”W. D. Childers Plaza”.  Only in Pensacola would a convicted felon, a man who fleeced taxpayers, continue to be honoured as namesake of a street.  The worst part about it is that they wouldn’t even have to find a new name for it if they took Childers’ off;  it’s just a bypass street for Chase Street.  Just slap a Chase Street sign on there.

Eh.  Maybe it’s good that we name our streets after the corrupt.  Maybe that way we won’t forget what a mess they make.  Why did we stop with Childers?  Why not have a Willie Junior Street?  A Mike Bass Boulevard? Let’s honour the whole scandal.  Maybe we can by the soccer complex back and make it a big memorial park.  If we surround ourselves with constant reminders of the folks who have fleeced us and betrayed our trust, maybe we’ll stop electing them.  On that note, maybe we should rename L Street near the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.  How does “McNesby Avenue” sound?