by Penny Wheat
Those of us who serve the public, in any capacity, do not do so by ourselves alone. There are many friends, allies and supporters who have our backs with their various expertise, words of wisdom, and a kick in the pants when necessary. Joe Little was just such a person for me.
Joe’s principled demeanor and public service advocacy served as a blueprint for my 16 years as an Alachua County Commissioner. A former Mayor of Gainesville, Joe was a public service mentor to many of us who were elected after he served. He was also the Professor of my law school Torts class, where he both scared the hell out of us students and enchanted us with his numerous stories that cogently explained the ethical choices we would face in the legal world.
During my tenure (1986-1994, 1996-2004) on the Alachua County Commisison, I frequently called on Joe. Despite his law school schedule and the varied public interest cases in which he was always involved, Joe was patient, kind, and – as a former elected official himself – able to explain legal issues to me through the lens of public service. Several cases remind me of his tenacity and disgust with stupidity or outright injustice.
In the 1990’s, the then-County Attorney supported my County Commission colleagues when they wanted to use an improper tactic to place an issue on the ballot outside of the legally allotted time to do so. I will never forget Joe’s admonition to me when he took this Constitutional case on behalf of the people of Gainesville: he said, “I’m only interested in the opinions of the attorneys who wear black robes and sit on the Bench.” Joe won that case and ensured that the City of Gainesville was able to maintain its own law enforcement agency.
Then there was the time that an Alachua County Manager wanted to use a restricted fund, paid into by City of Gainesville residents, for an Alachua County purchase not remotely connected to the fund requirements.
Joe made sure the County repaid the fund and City of Gainesville residents were made “whole.” There were times I called Joe after being threatened with a lawsuit by a former County Attorney or Manager who did not like my questions. Joe reminded me that I had the absolute right to question the Manager and/or Attorney, and made clear he was willing to represent me should such a lawsuit be brought forward. None ever materialized.
After eight years on the Alachua County Commission, I decided to go to law school to better understand the legal framework of public service. Though I had known Joe for some 15 years, he was now “Professor Little” to me and all us students. And he was a taskmaster in class – “no wearing hats, no eating or chewing gum, no sleeping.” His final Torts exam, a 4-hour ordeal, made me feel as if a vampire had sucked out my brains.
My final eight years on the Alachua County Commission were fraught with numerous land use issues, and thanks to Joe’s incredible talent, I now understood the legal tools available to me to better represent the public. In all his students – whether in the classroom or in our community – Joe planted the seeds of belief in the justice of our public sphere – IF we are ever vigilant.
Though we mourn his passing and pay homage to his fine work, remember that it is we – all his many students – who are his best work, and that it is up to us to be the friends, allies and supporters of those who are – as President Franklin D. Roosevelt said – “actually in the arena.” And especially now, to be ever vigilant.
Penny Wheat served 16 years as an Alachua County Commissioner.