http://www.marconews.com/news/opinion/letters/?partner=RSSmarconews.com Stories: Lettersen-usopinion/lettershttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/may/17/letter-editor-need-less-speed/?partner=RSSThe City Hall report: "Study to Determine Speed Limits" (Marco Eagle, May 10), illustrates a key politically incorrect truth that has increasingly plagued the quality of life existing daily on Marco Island since city-hood. Thu, 17 May 2012 20:44:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-309155-734640opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: The need for less speedmarconews.comletter-editor-need-less-speedurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-309155-734640Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/may/17/letter-editor-sons-daughters-thank-you/?partner=RSSThe Sons and Daughters of Erin fifth annual Golf Tournament in support of the Marco Island Charter Middle School was surely blessed with great weather for which we were all extremely grateful. On behalf of Sons and Daughters and Marco Island Charter School I would like to thank you for your support. Thu, 17 May 2012 20:42:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-309154-734640opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Sons & Daughters thank youmarconews.comletter-editor-sons-daughters-thank-youurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-309154-734640Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/may/17/letter-editor-sip-fifth/?partner=RSSJust a note about our experience last Friday night at the “Sip of Fifth” in Naples in case you have not had a reply about this horrible event: Family and friends joined me for what we thought would be another wonderful evening last Friday evening for the Sip of Fifth. For the past few years we have attended the wine walks & beer walks up and down Fifth Avenue which also included Tin City & Bayfront areas. These were fantastic events which were about $25 for the beer walks and $35 for the wine walks. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed these annual events and looks forward to them every year. Thu, 17 May 2012 20:40:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-309151-734640opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Sip of Fifthmarconews.comletter-editor-sip-fifthurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-309151-734640Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/may/10/letter-editor-heres-you-ms-robinson/?partner=RSSWith reference to Wisconsinite Mary Robinson’s diatribe against the residents of Marco Island and their alleged unfriendly attitude toward visitors as published in your April 30 edition, let me suggest that this lady obviously is the one with a negative “snooty” – as she claims – attitude. We’re criticized for not providing “bathrooms,” “parking,” “garbage collection” and “fishing walkways” on our bridges for her and her beloved resort-owning husband to fish off? Thu, 10 May 2012 17:50:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308585-734633opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Here’s to you, Ms. Robinsonmarconews.comletter-editor-heres-you-ms-robinsonurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308585-734633Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/may/10/letter-editor-parking-suggestions/?partner=RSSI hope this e-mail finds you well in idyllic Marco Island! I guess you would call my wife and I “sunbirds” because we usually visit Marco in the summer, leaving our sunny residence in the Ocean State of Rhode Island for our part-time residence there on Marco. We usually prefer the summer to escape the crowds you speak of in your article. This past winter however, we broke with our norm and visited in February. It was remarkably nice and extremely enjoyable! Thu, 10 May 2012 17:49:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308584-734633opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Parking suggestionsmarconews.comletter-editor-parking-suggestionsurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308584-734633Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/may/10/letter-editor-majority-marco-islands-councilors-do/?partner=RSSIn their attempt to establish equitable (?) water capacity rates for single family and condos users based on utilization of the water plant, they neglected to consider two classes of customers. That is, single family and commercial low volume water users. It was determine that based on volume of water used by Condos (includes internal use, external use, irrigation, pools, cooling towers, etc.) per unit is approximately 5,250 gallons or 40.5 percent of an average single family home (15,000 to 16,000 gallons usage), after considerable debate. The water capacity charge for single family homes is $35.26 and for condos it’s $14.27, which does not include the customer charge of $7.01. What they neglected to do was to consider that there are low volume water users in the single family and commercial customer class. It was recommended to council and the consultant that an affordable or block capacity charge be created (same as Condos) for Low Volume users, but that recommendations were not considered. Thu, 10 May 2012 17:48:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308583-734633opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Majority of Marco Island’s councilors does it againmarconews.comletter-editor-majority-marco-islands-councilors-dourn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308583-734633Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/may/10/letter-editor-thank-you-hideaway-staff/?partner=RSSMay 2, the Islanders celebrated Liberation Day at Hideaway Beach Country Club. It was the beginning of the reciprocal season and the scene of many merrymakers reclaiming their Island Paradise. There were so many celebrants that it’s a wonder the entire Island didn’t tip over into the Gulf! Many thanks to the Hidaway staff, who took it all in stride: Parking, serving, gourmet food - all with smiling, good natured expertise. We could use them in D.C. Thu, 10 May 2012 17:46:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308581-734633opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Thank you Hideaway staffmarconews.comletter-editor-thank-you-hideaway-staffurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308581-734633Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/may/10/letter-editor-marxengle-2-lockesmith-0/?partner=RSSThe results of the elections in France and Greece warn of grave prospects for the forthcoming elections in the US. The forces of socialism have won the day and will propel Europe into a deeper recession and more socio-economic chaos that will have worldwide repercussions. It is abundantly clear that “austerity” to the French and Greek electors is a hollow concept and one to be avoided. Thu, 10 May 2012 17:45:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308580-734633opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Marx/Engle 2 – Locke/Smith 0marconews.comletter-editor-marxengle-2-lockesmith-0urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308580-734633Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/may/10/letter-editor-yappy-success/?partner=RSSBedtime Bundles & CJ’s On The Bay collaborated in 2009 to present Mutts & Martinis Yappy Hour to the Marco Island community. On behalf of our Board of Directors, Committee Chairs/Co-Chairs, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Jaquie, Curt, James and their staff for doing an outstanding job in helping to make Mutts & Martinis an overwhelming success! We couldn’t do it without you! Please mark your calendar for next year, Wednesday, March 6, 2013 and remember all dogs must be on a leash, humans are free to roam. Karen Saeks Thu, 10 May 2012 17:44:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308579-734633opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: A yappy successmarconews.comletter-editor-yappy-successurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308579-734633Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/may/10/letter-editor-response-mr-honecker-letter/?partner=RSSThe Taxpayers of the City of Marco Island paid approximately $97,000 to Burton & Associates for a Cost of Service (COS) Study plus we probably spent a similar sum for staff time and supplies to supply the necessary documentation that was required/needed to perform the COS “estimate $194,000.” Hundreds of emails were sent to me by residents requesting that rates should be fair and equitable and that we should abide by the findings of the COS study. Thu, 10 May 2012 17:43:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308577-734633opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Response to Mr. Honecker’ lettermarconews.comletter-editor-response-mr-honecker-letterurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308577-734633Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/may/07/letter-editor-why-not-let-we-people-decide/?partner=RSSAs most Citizens who have been paying attention know, there are some major issues that affect all of Marco that could or have already been brought before the existing City Council. As one of the few announced candidates to run for election to City Council this coming November, I would like to suggest that items that are not ‘time-sensitive’ be deferred until the next Council is elected. Among the potential or existing issues and why I believe a decision on these can be deferred (in no particular order): Mon, 07 May 2012 18:34:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308296-734630opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Why not let 'We the People' decide?marconews.comletter-editor-why-not-let-we-people-decideurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308296-734630Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/may/07/letter-editor-roal-disband/?partner=RSSAs a WWII and Korean Conflict veteran, I am a member of the Reserve Officers Association. My wife Emily is a member of ROAL, the spouse organization and we attended the State convention this past week in Cape Coral. I was sad that the attendance was less than 50. More sad news is that the ROAL of Florida has decided to disband due to the drop in membership. Emily joined many years ago which I encouraged her to do. Her interest was great and became, over the years, local, then state and in 1992, she was selected as president of the national office of president. I encouraged her in all of these matters as she saw the need of support for the ROAL, veterans and active military. Mon, 07 May 2012 18:33:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308294-734630opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: ROAL to disbandmarconews.comletter-editor-roal-disbandurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308294-734630Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/may/03/letter-editor-visitors-not-welcome/?partner=RSSThis is our first time to Marco Island for a three-week vacation. Usually it’s to the Keys. I have a suggestion. Put up two gates on both sides of the bridges with a sign, “Visitors Not Welcome.” I’ve never felt so out of place as in Marco Island. I’m one who says hi to everyone with whom I come face-to-face. I encountered many people who just looked the other way. Reading the paper about parking and beaches, when did beaches become so private? I thought beaches were public domain for all to enjoy. Thu, 03 May 2012 17:11:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308021-734626opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Visitors not welcomemarconews.comletter-editor-visitors-not-welcomeurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308021-734626Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/may/03/letter-editor-utility-rates-why/?partner=RSS I congratulate City Council for finally making a decision on the utility rates. However, it is unfortunate that council did not accept the scientific M1 approach proposed by Mr. Magel and Mr. Waldack (Aug. 16, 2010 council meeting). The M54 rate design has a major flaw in that it “paints a broad brush” (Mike Burton-rate consultant March 16, 2012) which results in over charging low users within a class. Thu, 03 May 2012 17:10:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308020-734626opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Utility rates: Why?marconews.comletter-editor-utility-rates-whyurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308020-734626Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/may/03/letter-editor-firehouse-pancake-breakfast-apprecia/?partner=RSSOn behalf of the Board of Directors and members, I would like to thank Marco Island residents and visitors for your contribution in making our April 15 pancake breakfast a huge success. We happily served over 560 people, a record high for the Foundation. This event has gained community popularity because of your continued support and participation. The Foundation is committed to providing relief and assistance to Fire Rescue personnel and their immediate families in times of tragedy, need or hardship. Thank you for helping us help them/ Thu, 03 May 2012 17:08:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308018-734626opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Firehouse pancake breakfast appreciationmarconews.comletter-editor-firehouse-pancake-breakfast-appreciaurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-308018-734626Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/apr/19/letter-editor-concerning-beach/?partner=RSSFine – the Eagle has stories about opening the island to the day trippers, but how many of those who advocate this spend time on the beach? I feel as if I should wear a patrol banner. I’m educating people on how we don’t appreciate them playing football and paddleball in front of those who are in their beach chairs trying to enjoy our tranquility. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:18:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-306795-734612opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Concerning the beachmarconews.comletter-editor-concerning-beachurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-306795-734612Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/apr/19/letter-editor-waterways-need-speed-cameras/?partner=RSSI have been renting a condo for the last 15 years on the water at the entrance to Collier Bay off of the Marco River. Every year the boats are larger and travel at a faster speed going into and out of this Bay. Every one keep’s talking about saving the Manatee’s however very few walk the talk. These boat operators should travel this water way with a closed throttle. Manatee’s swim along side of the sea walls and it almost impossible to believe the scars they carry from being hit by boats. Lets walk the talk! Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:16:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-306794-734612opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Waterways need speed camerasmarconews.comletter-editor-waterways-need-speed-camerasurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-306794-734612Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/apr/19/letter-editor-bedtime-bundles-thanks-community/?partner=RSSBedtime Bundles would like to thank all sponsors, contributors and our Island community for making the 4TH Annual Mutts & Martinis fundraiser a “hollowing” success. A special thanks to our sponsors: Slaggie Family Foundation, Seminole Casino, Immokalee, DR. Edward and Karen Saeks, Coastal Breeze, Dennis and Joan Pidherny, Jo Ann Ferina, KOA Ladies Club, Affordable Landscaping, Centennial Bank, Resort Management, Sandy Boy, Judson and Shirley Carr, Diva Boutique, Roi Gaming, Tru Payroll and anonymous donors of $5,000, $2,000 and $1,000. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:15:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-306792-734612opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Bedtime Bundles thanks communitymarconews.comletter-editor-bedtime-bundles-thanks-communityurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-306792-734612Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/apr/06/letter-editor-divide-and-conquor-continues/?partner=RSSChairman Magel’s letter to the editor again tries to divide the Citizens of Marco Island. I had thought that after the council voted we would be able to go on with our lives. But no, Chairman Magel has decided to continue his campaign of “misinformation.” He quotes a Marco Island Property Owners newsletter of Feb. 26 stating a “186 percent increase in water and sewer rates.” The notation was a question not a statement. Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:41:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-305589-734599opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Divide and conquor continuesmarconews.comletter-editor-divide-and-conquor-continuesurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-305589-734599Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2012/apr/06/letter-editor-grass-versus-stone-and-more/?partner=RSSI’m seasonal here in Marco Island, so I have no vested interest. I have no ax to grind. My dad used to say that I was free at giving advice, but didn’t take much. He was right, and there I go again. Those swales on Marco – we call them ditches back home – they seem to serve the same purpose, and this catching the road runoff, keeping it safe to drive on. Some day those swales will need to be dug out because they always fill up eventually. That’s OK because the catch basis system is worthless anyway. The basis that holds the water is low in the water table and full. Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:39:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-305588-734599opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Grass versus stone and moremarconews.comletter-editor-grass-versus-stone-and-moreurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-305588-734599Change0Usable