Abel Harding Departs Mayors Office

[Timkin]

Abel did the right thing, all the way around. It was clearly his decision to make, as he has said.
Alcoholism is a serious problem in our society. He needs to find out if he has a problem with drinking.
Only he can answer that question, in terms of avoiding the event that just occurred. For the four to
four thousand posts one can make in Abels favor, just one in which one has lost a child, mother, brother, close friend
defeats the argument.
If anything, this case proves the need more accessible public mass transit for those who choose to drink (responsibly)

What?  No proof of drinking.  He was stopped for speeding.  Are you telling me everyone stopped for speeding also was drinking?

There's no question that alcoholism is a huge problem in society.  That fact can't and shouldn't ever be diminished. 

You make an assumption about the incident.  Have you considered that it is very possible that some people who have had nothing to drink have been unjustly pulled over and accused of drinking & driving in Hampton, Florida, or other similar rural communities of the same ilk?

Does it make sense that a small rural town of a few-hundred writes as many traffic tickets in a 400-foot span of Highway 301 where the speed limit changes from 65mph to 55mph as many of Florida's largest cities?  Is this fulfilling the police department's traditional stated mission "to protect and serve"?

You suggesting that Abel "did the right thing all the way around" and your assertion that "he needs to find out if he has a problem with drinking" are fairly strong (and ignorant/presumptive) character statements on a public message board - especially from someone posting anonymously.  (If I am mistaken and your first name is "Hillary" and your last name is "Supporter", then please accept my full apology).

It's a crack-up to see you use this incident to make a case for "Accessible Mass Transit along the Highway 301 corridor for those who choose to drink (responsibly)". 

Theres little to assume at this point
1) He refused the breathalyzer test
2) he resigned his office over the issue
3) While it may not be able to prove this without any doubt, these two points should leave any person to believe that Abel was under the influence beyond reasonable doubt.
You acknowledged yourself how alcoholism is a huge problem. The only way one can work towards a solution to seeing if they have a problem is to look at themselves and decide that themselves. I find it very reasonable and far from "strong/ ignorant/presumptive"  that if one is arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, that person should see if they have a problem with alcohol.
I believe a large number of traffic accidents, injuries and deaths attributed to alcohol were committed by people who didn't consider themselves alcoholics. If such isnt true, why do they drink and drive?
While its senseless that the town does enforce the traffic laws in such a corrupt manner, its not a secret. The AAA even has road signs noting such to the outskirts of the town. Its been like this for 20 years.
Ive personally used mass transit as i planned to drink and enjoy a public event. That is "drinking responsibly." The problem is that isn't an option available heading to Gainesville. Such would give one another alternative to drinking and driving.
Kay, while Abel was stopped for speeding, the officer suspected he was drinking. The officer has the right to require a breathalyzer if he suspects such, just has they have the right to set up periodic road blocks to check for drivers under the influence .The only reason there was no proof of drinking was because he refused the test. Since 1)the officer requested the test and 2) he refused it, its logical to conclude he wouldnt pass the test. Because he was drinking.

Hillary...  He had a right to refuse the breathalyzer test.   I am not 100% certain, but I would bet anything that because of the public knowledge of the incident , he may have been asked to resign.    Was he drinking?  I don't know, I wasn't there.. maybe he was , but I seriously doubt Abel is the type of person who would knowingly drink excessively and then get behind a wheel.   I know that speed zone too well , and I (personally) think that some of the officers in that area practice very questionably .    There is no doubt in my mind that Abel has paid dearly for this incident,,I regret that he resigned over it..  As I stated in a previous post,  certainly there are others out there who have done far worse , and kept their position.     I do hope the Mayor's office / Abel reconsider  this.   I just do not personally see it such a serious incident that he should have had to step down.   That is not to say I think it is right or smart to drink and drive, but simply that the circumstances point to something that is less than an airtight case, to say the least, against him.

Just my 2 cents.   No retail value.

[hillary supporter]

Re Timkin, duvaldude08.
Yes exactly... this is why i supported his decision wholeheartedly.
In September 1976, George Bush was arrested for driving while intoxicated. He would later decide to quit drinking. And he would become our 43rd President. I see no less for Abel.

[AbelH]

I think I'm allowed to reply to threads about me, but I'm not sure of the etiquette on that. 

That aside, "Abel Harding" is my real name (shocking, I know....a real name on a message board) and I'm more than happy to answer questions in person from any of you. I think the fact that the charges were dropped say everything that needs to be said about the incident. However, if you have additional questions, e-mail me at abelharding@gmail.com. I'm happy to schedule a time to meet with you in person and discuss.

I look forward to attending one of the MetroJacksonville meetings in the near future - that's something my schedule didn't permit in the past.

[duvaldude08]

I think I'm allowed to reply to threads about me, but I'm not sure of the etiquette on that. 

That aside, "Abel Harding" is my real name (shocking, I know....a real name on a message board) and I'm more than happy to answer questions in person from any of you. I think the fact that the charges were dropped say everything that needs to be said about the incident. However, if you have additional questions, e-mail me at abelharding@gmail.com. I'm happy to schedule a time to meet with you in person and discuss.

I look forward to attending one of the MetroJacksonville meetings in the near future - that's something my schedule didn't permit in the past.

Glad to hear your ok Abel! We wish you the best!

[ChriswUfGator]

I think I'm allowed to reply to threads about me, but I'm not sure of the etiquette on that. 

That aside, "Abel Harding" is my real name (shocking, I know....a real name on a message board) and I'm more than happy to answer questions in person from any of you. I think the fact that the charges were dropped say everything that needs to be said about the incident. However, if you have additional questions, e-mail me at abelharding@gmail.com. I'm happy to schedule a time to meet with you in person and discuss.

I look forward to attending one of the MetroJacksonville meetings in the near future - that's something my schedule didn't permit in the past.

You don't have to answer squat to me, Abel. I know how the 301 cops operate. I'm guessing they bumped it down because they realized there was no PC for a DUI investigation at all, they should have simply issued a speeding ticket and let you go on your way. Frankly, the reckless can probably get tossed as well (unless you already made a deal) and your license suspension can likely be avoided by challenging the administrative suspension with the DHSMV, given the facts at least as reported that I've read. I think it's incredibly unfortunate and premature for your relationship with City Hall to come to such an early end over such a minor issue in a sterling career. Ignore the people who are giving you moral lectures on "Well he musta done SOMETHING wrong..." it's irrelevant and immature. As they say...there but for the grace of God go, well, all of us.

[Timkin]

+1   

[Springfielder]

I think I'm allowed to reply to threads about me, but I'm not sure of the etiquette on that. 

That aside, "Abel Harding" is my real name (shocking, I know....a real name on a message board) and I'm more than happy to answer questions in person from any of you. I think the fact that the charges were dropped say everything that needs to be said about the incident. However, if you have additional questions, e-mail me at abelharding@gmail.com. I'm happy to schedule a time to meet with you in person and discuss.

I look forward to attending one of the MetroJacksonville meetings in the near future - that's something my schedule didn't permit in the past.

You don't have to answer squat to me, Abel. I know how the 301 cops operate. I'm guessing they bumped it down because they realized there was no PC for a DUI investigation at all, they should have simply issued a speeding ticket and let you go on your way. Frankly, the reckless can probably get tossed as well (unless you already made a deal) and your license suspension can likely be avoided by challenging the administrative suspension with the DHSMV, given the facts at least as reported that I've read. I think it's incredibly unfortunate and premature for your relationship with City Hall to come to such an early end over such a minor issue in a sterling career. Ignore the people who are giving you moral lectures on "Well he musta done SOMETHING wrong..." it's irrelevant and immature. As they say...there but for the grace of God go, well, all of us.

Well said.....+ 100

[Dog Walker]

IMHO, it takes a secure and classy person both to respond directly to what is written about him here, but also to remove himself as a possible problem for the administration that had hired him.  I don't know Mr. Harding personally, but judging by what he has done will bet that he fits very comfortably within the definition of "gentleman".

[Timkin]

+1,000,000

[ronchamblin]

Every time I see someone post on this Harding thread, I find myself wishing we could somehow end the posting on this particular title.  This is because the very title "Mayorial Spokesman Able Harding Arrested" is simply a "negative".  It is of course true, but I am wondering if the title will be thrown up on the front page of MJ for months.  In other words, we are perpetuating a negative image for Able.  I know that if I were to have a thread about me being arrested, I would wish it to end as soon a possible.

Therefore, I have a suggestion.  What do you posters, who are really concerned about Able, and think highly of him, as I do, think about beginning a new thread with a positive title.  How about something like.... "Guess Able's next challenge".... or "Hope Able stays close to downtown". ... or "I have confidence in Able's abilities and future success."

Any any case, it would be wonderful to remove the negative title by some means because I am afraid that every time it leaves the front page, someone will want to wish him well, and it will reappear.  This negative title could go on for years.  I realize that we all wish the best for Able, and have confidence in his character and integrity, but we need to move on, at least from the current thread title.

I offer for someone to choose a title, start the new thread, and then perhaps we can allow this title to go into history.

[Charles Hunter]

Good idea, ron!

[Ralph W]

Looks like the moderators agree...

The title has been changed.

[Timkin]

I am glad the title was changed, and I wish Abel the very best.

[Charles Hunter]

Good job, MJ!

[Jaxson]

Excellent idea, Ron.  I am glad that the title has changed.  Abel deserves a chance to move on...