Letters to the editor: Nov. 30, 2003

Letter of the Day -- What's next -- moving pictures?

Editor, Naples Daily News:

How do you guys do this?

I read the Naples Daily News online and I still get newsprint on my hands.

Great stuff!

Winning way

Editor, Naples Daily News:

Who's in charge here?

The recent approval of ordinances implementing economic initiatives to pay companies to move to Collier County has provided interesting insights into the internal workings of local government.

The Economic Development Council (EDC) lobbied tirelessly to get approval of this annual $2 million program. On Sept. 4, the County Commission voted 4-0 to reject a countywide program, accepting a limited program only for businesses locating east of Collier Boulevard. (County Road 951).

On Sept. 9 the EDC and county staff returned to the commission to push for a program adding "high impact areas" west of 951. (Anyone own commercial property west of 951?)

After considerable debate, the commission again voted (4-1) to have the incentives apply only to businesses east of 951. That decision was very clear: Commissioner Tom Henning, staunch proponent for keeping the program east of 951, made the motion and Commissioner Fred Coyle, lone proponent for west of 951, voted against the motion.

On Nov. 18 county official Joe Schmitt and the EDC returned to the County Commission for final approval of the economic initiative ordinances. Guess what? The ordinances were written to include "high impact areas" west of 951.

Apparently being told "no" twice is not enough.

Only Commissioner Henning appeared concerned about this blatant manipulation by staff and the EDC. And the commission voted 4-1 (Commissioner Henning against) to approve the program for properties west of 951.

The moral: Ignore your bosses, push your own agenda and you too can win.

Spare the airpark

Editor, Naples Daily News:

Some entities don't create a profit, yet are maintained for the good of the community, such as beach access and re-nourishment, roads, parks, libraries, and special events.

Everglades City neither uses nor requires many of these things because we are a rural area whose commerce is fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, biking and ecotourism. We remain a significant, working, fishing village. This does not mean that we do not need or deserve equal consideration for funding related to our industries and activities

Because we are small and remote, we sometimes need proportionally greater financial support, such as seen for our school

We consider our airport vital to our commerce. It has historical significance, is essential to storm-aftermath emergencies, and has unique recreational air use. We are a developing city which will promote airport use by new home and condo owners, a drawing card to our area

We are Collier County taxpayers too. To take our funding for our airport to bolster others is ridiculous and unfair.

The Everglades Airpark should be retained under the Collier County Airport Authority or returned to the city from whence it came.

Thanks for nothing

Editor, Naples Daily News:

Squirrel monkeys -- anthropoids in need!

Way to go, Naples City Council! By making an issue of this, not only have you alerted every poacher in the area but have now forbidden protection for the monkeys against these very poachers.

It seems the council can go all out to pass a lemonade law, but for these our ancestors, living among us, there is no help!

Illogical, inconvenient

Editor, Naples Daily News:

I recently inquired about filing for a yard-sale permit in Collier County. I had visited their Web site and found "building" and "remodel" permits that could be done online. They all cost money.

However, a no-cost yard-sale permit must be done in person at the county offices on Horseshoe Drive.

How much sense does this make? Free permit, in person; building permit with costs, online?

Seems a little backwards to me.

With the limited access to the Horseshoe Drive area, as well as lack of parking, it would seem to make sense to keep nonessential traffic to a minimum, but a yard-sale permit taking priority over a building permit?

Collier County's lack of logic strikes once again! And people wonder why there is corruption, deceit and lack of communication between our community leaders? No one knows how to use common sense and logic!

Just my two cents on yet another illogical inconvenience in our county government!

It's on

Editor, Naples Daily News:

Is it me or are there more terrorist acts going on around the world? I guess when you prompt a challenge to someone you don't understand, how will their response be understood?

One thing I refer to is the challenge to "Bring it on." Well, guess what? It's on.

Another statement made was "If you're not with us, you're against us." Isn't that what the terrorists are saying to their own? Kind of ironic, I think.

I'll be the first to admit I'm confused and concerned with world events; how and why does this continue to happen?

Fighting fire with fire seems only to create bigger flames. Iraq seemed an easy target, a clear message to the Middle East that we would solve their problems we perceived as being caused by not having a democracy by giving it to them, even against their collective will.

I believe one thing is true: This will be a long, long, long and bloody road.

I hope it's not just a ploy as others have been in the past.

P.S. -- Good job, troops. Keep your wits about you and come home safe. We will always hold you near and dear to our hearts.