The case against Anna Maria City Commissioner Harry Stoltzfus has reached the tipping point. Barring judicial intervention, voters will head to the polls Sept. 7 to decide, first, if they want to recall him from office and second, who should serve out the remainder of his term.

No single issue has so polarized the community in recent years as this one. And why wouldn't it? Recalling an elected official is a serious matter, a drastic remedy that should not be undertaken lightly. It does, after all, circumvent the will of the people by attempting to nullify the results of the last election.

But it absolutely is the right of Anna Maria residents to do so, provided they meet all the requirements set forth under the law, which a judge says they have. Now the voters can decide for themselves if Stoltzfus deserves to stay in office.

In our opinion, the case against the embattled commissioner is strong and one of his own making. In his own emails, made public only after a public records request, Stoltzfus: displays a disturbing and blatant disregard for the state's Sunshine Law by using intermediaries to secretly discuss city business with another commissioner; and encourages and hints he would help fund and might join a lawsuit against his own city. The emails also reveal, despite the commissioner's denials, a clear bias against business in general in the city and against one local developer in particular.

As a result, we recommend voters elect local architect Gene Aubry to fill out the remainder of Stoltzfus' term. Aubry presents a calming alternative to what has been a tumultuous tenure of the sitting commissioner. We believe he will bring a fresh outlook to the city, one where compromise and cooperation will prevail over combativeness and ulterior motives.