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Example of a special interest.

Answer: Mr. Magel (although NOT a current candidate for council, but serves as Chairman, and is seeking to form a coalition to promote HIS vision)

Mr. Magel, is himself, his own special interest as evidenced by bringing forth a resolution to have the voters decide on the creation of a special taxing district.

Mr. Magel took a recent emergency debacle, and interpreted as an opportunity to fund a health care clinic for expanded 24/7 service.

I will provide as evidence that it was self motivated:

1. No public petition submitted to Council
2. No public outcry at bimonthy council meetings requesting such resolution or suggestion
3. No workshops or public review by the city or council of elected representatives.

This begs further inquiry as to what promoted this interest, or special interest?

Folks, we can all debate what constitutes a special interest, but the most dangerous special interest in an individual elected official, serving as chairman, making a decision that this NEEDS to be placed before the voters in a quick fashion.

Folks, then ask yourself who on council was convinced and supported Mr. Magel in moving this resolution forward:

Mr. Gibson
Mr. Recker

These three votes were a majority, enough to continue this absurdity because two council members were absent due to family and health matters beyond their control.

So I say to every Marco Island resident:

ARE YOU BEING SERVED? A SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICT?

Voting records matter! Pay attention! Let the voters hear the council members defend their positions, but from my perspective they are puny and narrow.

I DO NOT wish to limit free speech or any individual/group from advertizing, promoting or lobbying for some interest or concern, but any interest that goes unchallenged is a travesty. Especially, when an elected official promotes an interest to a heightened level without clear public discourse or outcry. I can only conclude that Mr. Magel is his own special interest, unless there is someone else in the wing... because it is certainly not coming from the public.

As a recovering apathetic, I understand those that do not wish to get involved or peer behind the campaign rhetoric, I will provide the Cliff Notes for my cast of votes:

Mr. Petricca
Mr. Honecker
Mr. Sacher
Mr. ________