Letter: Losing control

This is in response to the letter from Dr. Stanley A. Scheiner that was headed “So what’s the problem?”

Though I certainly agree with the good doctor that the county’s code enforcement system “is not performing adequately,” the problems with substandard housing and structures being built or modified in violation of building codes originated with the lax oversight of immigration, growth and development for many decades past.

But to now try to play “catch-up” by using such drastic methods as allowing the county’s supposedly impartial “special master” coach code inspectors how to win their case hearings, or suddenly slamming a mobile home park owner with so many fines that he is forced to sell the property and make his tenants homeless, is not the right way of going about improving the living conditions of the non-wealthy here in Collier County.

Collier Code Enforcement should be working with the property owners in order to bring them up to compliance, not as revenue agents for the county’s treasury.

Every domicile should be inspected prior to occupancy, and the owner advised what needs to be fixed in order to receive a certificate of occupancy.

Only if, over a reasonable time, the property owner demonstrates no progress towards making the recommended improvements should penalty fines be levied.

It is important to remind ourselves once in a while of the spirit of our Constitution and the United States of America for which it stands.

Bruce J. Kennedy/Naples