There’s always been a certain reluctance in Bob Cuff, the attorney who spent years with ITT, in private practice and in numerous community organizations before letting himself be convinced to run for the Palm Coast City Council four years ago.
He ran, he won, but the limelight isn’t his thing. The trappings and ceremony of the office, its presumptions or assumed powers, have never impressed him. He approached the job as he did service on, say, the Flagler Education Foundation board or for Habitat for Humanity–as a civic service, to be accomplished wholeheartedly, pragmatically, with cheer but without fuss. Recognition makes him uncomfortable, as does ideology, as does the increasing sound and fury and lunacy of a political climate hardly reconcilable with his temperament: it’s more Eisenhower than Trump. And for a man born two years before Eisenhower was elected, it’s enough.
“I have decided not to run for re-election. I have really agonized over it,” Cuff said today. “As much as I’d like to continue to serve the city, it just isn’t something I felt personally I could commit to.” He’d been agonizing over it for months, finally talked it over with his wife and his daughter over Memorial Day weekend. Both told him he’d visibly aged over the past four years. Both told him he might do more than visibly age if he stuck with it over the next four, and with memories of his own father dying at 56, “I’m noticing time passing and you start making the calculation of how much you can reasonably have.”
Cuff’s departure will have a pronounced effect on the council regardless. If Mayor Milissa Holland is the council’s at times untrammeled creative force, Cuff effectively grounded her and the council, centering it and giving it a steadier direction anchored in wit and four decades of exhaustive knowledge about Palm Coast since its embryonic origins. Cuff was part of the majority that ended the city’s Ancien Regime, voting to fire Jim Landon, the city manager for 11 years, in September 2018, but in a characteristic move for caution, he’d have hired Landon’s lieutenant, Beau Falgout. When Newcomer Matt Morton won out, Cuff put aside his preference and embraced Morton’s tenure whole. That, too, was characteristic: Cuff isn’t one for grudges or political gamesmanship.
Holland herself recognizes the key role Cuff plays on the council. “Without question Bob’s departure will create a void where his sort of sound approach, a balanced approach, is definitely needed,” Holland said today, “and it’s one that I value tremendously. We all need a Bob.”
Holland hasn’t yet declared a run for re-election, but she said today that she is “100 percent running, there’s no doubt, there’s no question.” Nick Klufas, who ran with Cuff and Holland as a bloc four years ago, is also running again. Holland and Cuff have drawn opposition. Cuff’s departure leaves the Seat 1 field open, with two declared candidates–Ed Danko, a flamboyant Republican closely and financially allied with Joe Mullins, the often controversial county commissioner, and Sims Jones, a Democrat and a pastor with a flair for fiery rhetoric but an inability, despite numerous tries, to win votes enough for a seat. With two weeks left for qualifying, Cuff’s departure will almost certainly produce additional candidates for Seat 1.
Cuff said he’s been urged repeatedly to run again by numerous people. “I take that support very seriously,” he said. “Ultimately after 37 years I came to the conclusion that I have nothing but best wishes for the city and its progress and its continued evolution. I’ve put in enough time at the mill.”
“I wasn’t entirely surprised by Bob’s decision,” Holland said. “However, it would not be fair for me not to state that I’m not disappointed. Bob brings a unique perspective to the city council in regards to not only him being an integral part of the planning that went into the the makeup of the city of Palm Coast, but his knowledge of how it was planned the way it was. So his historical perspective has always been a valued perspective to the decision making process on the council, coupled with the fact that he has a passion for this community and a love for ensuring that residents’ interest are always kept in context, and the needs for the services we provide is also equally as important. I also enjoy his sense of humor. When we’re making tough decisions every day a little bit of levity goes a long way during that process.”
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Armando E Mustiga says
He’s a good man.
tulip says
Danko likes Trump and Mullins? Probably wants to act like them too. No thanks. If Danko wins, be prepared for a a fair amount of rude and bully pit tactics.
James M. Mejuto says
Think about it ! We have a republican Bob Cuff ceding power to Ed Danko, a Trump loving corrupt, republican politician who has a cloudy, jaded past in another state in this, our country.
Worst: the dems are doing nothing about it.
Edith Campins says
I am sorry to hear that. I have dealt with him in his proffesional capacity and have found him to be intelligent, courteous and knowledgeable.
Dennis C Rathsam says
Sorry to see you go Bob, you will be missed! Too bad the tax & spend mayor of our city doesnt follow your lead. Now that the people of Palm Coast see the mayor for what she is! Ms mayor is a nice lady, but she is a terrible public servant. and her ability to lead is more evedent now after her 1st term. We cant afford her taxes, her need to put a house on every plot of land in our city. Enough is enough, pretty soon we will look like Jacksonville,or Orlando… Thats not why we moved hear! Our roads were not meant for this kind of traffic. Do we really want this?
Jamie says
I’ve known Mr. Cuff around town. His announcement is so true to who I’ve known him to be. Clear, thoughtful, with a dollop of good humor.
I was so happy when he ran and voted for him. It’s sad that more “good guys” don’t run for office.
But hell, on the bright side, Bob is still our neighbor!
Not too shabby! 😃
Layla says
Very disappointed to hear this announcement, Councilman Cuff. Your support for our city is unequaled. You will be missed.
CB from PC says
Any comments from our Mayor about how to build the already pathetic business economy here PRIOR TO THE PANDEMIC AND LOSS OF PALM COAST DATA JOBS?
N-O-P-E.
Norman R. Mugford says
Mr. Cuff you will be missed! Thank You for your service to the people of Palm Coast!
Daniel Coughlin says
ED Danko will be a Great fit for Palm Coast city Council , too bad Councilman Cuff is leaving but I think Most will be Surprised on how ED Danko will show that he is the Right man for the job. Even trying to fill Cuff’s shoes which will not be easy but ED Danko will Definitely come close to doing That. Thank’s Councilman Cuff for your Excellent Service & Good Luck to ED Danko getting his seat. 🍀👍
Michael Cocchiola says
Bob Cuff is a good man. A professional civic-minded councilperson. We’ll miss him.
I heartedly endorse Sims Jones for Bob’s replacement. Pastor Jones is much more than a man of faith. He a thoughtful and fair-minded leader. He listens and considers all input before acting. And that is his greatest strength. He will represent the voices of all Palm Coast citizens.
As important as any other factor for voters to consider, Sims Jones is not an ideologue. He will not follow outside influences. He will not have an ideological master. Sims Jones thinks for himself and speaks for his constituents. He will be a calm voice of reason and comity on the Palm Coast City Council… just like Bob Cuff!
Diane Cocchiola says
Sims Jones is the man to replace Mr. Cuff as he is a thoughtful person who will take the time to listen to the people he represents. A man of modest means with a reputation of offering help went it is needed.