Assessor, florist respond to Cressa letter

Last week's issue carried a letter to the editor by Karen Cressa taking Assessor Bill Coons to task for a floral bouquet delivered to her. She called the inscription on the accompanying card ("Love you too, Karen) "an offensive, condescending jibe."

The Eagle contacted Coons for a response, which didn't make it into last week's edition. Here it is:

"On October 11, I ordered six bouquets delivered. Two went to supporters, one to a letter writer, one to The Eagle, and one to my wife. The last one went to Karen Cressa. I wanted to try a nice gesture after she had written such a vitriolic letter [Oct. 11 edition--ed.]. The florist thought it was a good idea, to try kindness with a detractor. I asked that the bouquet be sent on October 17.

"When I inspected the Cressa’s property for new construction at the end of July, we engaged in discussion. At that time, I posited that ‘There is nothing that I can do that you will think is right,' and Karen Cressa agreed with that statement. I am now completely convinced of its veracity."

Florist Nicole Emery added her comments. She had delivered the arrangement to Mrs. Cressa on October 17. It was professionally arranged and in good condition, not a tired, seasonal arrangement in a vase of cloudy water.