To quote the editorial: “…we believe the city possesses a $2 million asset that calls for smart, public-interest handling.” The current Marco Island city council is not noted for its “smart, public-interest handling” of any issue, especially ones which involve development and increasing density. Nor was the previous one, which sold the populace a load of bull to get the votes to buy the Glon property in the first place.

Two recent polls showed the will of our citizens is not to limit density but to halt it. Why would any Council consider selling the development rights to go against those wishes? 2 million reasons are not a fair trade for the market value of 156 motel/hotel units or 72 homes. The writer sounds like a promoter for the Chamber of Commerce. All indicators of public will indicate the public wants those credits to go away. What is so hard to understand about that?

"We believe voters’ intent was for a little less development and a little more space around there." Where did that idea come from? As the author of this editorial is not identified I assume it represents the Eagle's viewpoint. I agree with Lolala. A recent MICA poll overwhelmingly showed that their membership wanted to HALT density increases. The most powerful tool citizens have in any municipality to stop growth is to purhase land for greenspace. That was what our citizens did when they purchased Veteran's park. They did not do so to permit a developor to build more commercial units at another site, they did so to first acquire a park and second to control credits. The public's action was an attempt to take control of their City and exercise their will. Now this paper wants to promote the sale of those rights for a mere 2 million dollars? Is that to say our hometown paper does not endorse the will of our citizens? Our citizens have realized that our current infrastructure cannot support anymore growth. The MICA survey also showed that citizens expected their park to be built within 5 years. Our hometown paper should promote the completion of our park before they start talking about building a new hotel or highrise that our roads cannot suport.

If those rights are worth 2 million now, they will be worth more later...what's the rush.

Joey, one of the polls was the MICA poll.

The city tells us in one breath they are going to limit development and in the next breath they are going to sell development rights. We need people we can trust running this government.

The newspaper prints this editorial to sell development rights and then endorses the slate that they believe will do it. Be careful Marco residents, certain people are out to make a lot of money on Marco Island at our expense. We need a shake-up here on Marco. It is time for a big change. Vote for BATTE, HALL, NEYLON and GUIDRY to bring our government control back to all Marco Residents. Ignor this paper,s endorsement to support their real estate advertisers in stead of supporting the local residents of Marco Island.