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MARCO ISLAND — A crucial forum allowing the candidates, who seek to lead Marco Island for the next four years, to lay out their visions was held on Wednesday evening. There was also a Presidential debate in Denver.
The local gathering, which will arguably have a substantially greater impact on Marco Island than the national campaign, was MICA's City Council Candidates Forum, held at the Rose History Auditorium, on the stage set up for the ongoing Island Theater Company production of "It's A Scream!" Any theatrical production would be thrilled to have an audience like the standing-room-only crowd at the MICA forum, approximately 250 people. They filled every available seat, lined the sides and rear of the hall, and hung on every word spoken.
When they could hear, at least. The beginning of the debate was plagued by technical glitches with the sound, as microphones were repeatedly cut off, and had to be swapped out.
Questions, including some submitted from the audience, were posed to the candidates by Ruth McCann, executive director of MICA, the Marco Island Civic Association. After a two-minute opening statement by each candidate, each was given 90 seconds to respond to each question, but encouraged to keep their answers brief. Timekeepers Christine DeSantis and Charlotte Roman timed the responses, with Roman dinging, sometimes repeatedly, to signal first a 30-second warning and then "time's up."
Some questions were yes or no, although in most cases, that didn't stop the candidates from finding nuance, creating wiggle room or proposing alternate solutions.
There are nine candidates running for the City Council, including three incumbents seeking re-election. Incumbent Frank Recker, a previous MICA director, was absent due to a prior commitment, and his opening statement was read for him by Keith Dameron, who closed with a request to the audience – "please, don't shoot the messenger."
Fellow incumbent candidates Jerry Gibson and Wayne Waldack were joined at the long table onstage by council hopefuls Ken Honecker, Larry Honig, Amadeo Petricca, Paul Meyer, Larry Sacher and Duane Thomas. Of the nine candidates, the top four vote-getters will be seated in the new council after the election November 6.
Questions ranged over hot button issues including parking problems, water and sewer rates, sidewalk construction, seawall replacement, and trading increased density with developers in return for beach access. Opinions among the candidates spanned a wide gamut, and often allowed the audience to draw a distinction between their various viewpoints.
One question garnered a unanimous response.
"Are you in favor of eliminating the three percent spending cap?" on city expenditures, asked McCann, eliciting eight "no's" almost as fast as the microphone could be passed from one to the next.
Some questions made assumptions, that the City Council doesn't respond to citizen input, and agrees with and then ignores the surveys sent out by MICA.
"This is why I'm running," said Honecker. "I can't get a response back." Waldack said that often in MICA surveys, "the questions give you the answers," and hoped for better survey questions.
Some responses generated laughter or applause from the audience, generally in favor of cutting spending, although there was general agreement on funding the Fourth of July fireworks. Even there, a number of candidates spoke up for the split between city funds and private contributions, and Sacher said he would prefer to see the merchants who benefit from increased business pay for the display.
Meyer, the youngest of the candidates, with his children still at Tommie Barfield Elementary, said his generation is the one that is going to have to pay for the debt incurred, largely by the city's purchase of the utility plant.
Petricca stressed his financial background and in-depth knowledge of the city's budget and revenues. "I'm probably the only one on the dais who knows as much about city finances as they (city staff) do."
Each candidate was asked what, in his opinion, is the biggest issue facing the city. Gibson replied that replacement of seawalls "will be very expensive, the biggest problem for the next 10 years. Thomas, whose company performs much of that seawall work, said the top priority is keeping Marco "the way the Mackle brothers envisioned – a sleepy island in the sun."
Honig singled out the personal finances of island residents, after drops in home values and "the collapse of interest rates. Homes can't be used as ATMs any more," he said.
Additional City Council candidate forums include one on Oct. 9, sponsored by the chamber of commerce and board of Realtors, an Oct. 12 event held by MITA, the Marco Island Taxpayers Association, and an Oct. 16 gathering at Hideaway Beach.
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Comments » 15
KlausStoertebeker writes:
"Some questions made assumptions, that the City Council doesn't respond to citizen input, and agrees with and then ignores the surveys sent out by MICA.
"This is why I'm running," said Honecker. "I can't get a response back." Waldack said that often in MICA surveys, "the questions give you the answers," and hoped for better survey questions."
This two answers shows you just one thing: "Waldi is out and Honecker is in!" Life is so easy.
Throat_Yogurt writes:
Duane's just in it for the money. He needs new barges so his cranes don't sink again.
Russ writes:
Here's one Marco voter's opinion on the council candidates:
1.Ken Honecker - DEFINITELY YES - Ken needs no introduction to those who follow our local politics. Volunteering and serving in various committees, I’ve watched him engage the council in the best interests of the residential community whenever those interests were being ignored or compromised. Ken Honecker is a natural “People’s Choice”.
2. Amadeo Petricca – DEFINITELY YES. Here again, Amadeo should need no introduction. A bona fide “numbers man”, full-time resident Amadeo Petricca has faithfully tracked, examined and challenged the money trails that city councils and special interests create. He’s the man you want on your side of any audit.
3. Larry Sacher – DEFINITELY YES. Mr. Sacher earned my respect (and my vote), when he, with one other Marco Islander, created the Marco Island Property Owners group, (MIPO). This group advocates for the best interests of all Marco Island property owners. You may have read recent newspaper articles indicating that local political activist John Arceri does not want Mr. Sacher elected to city council. That alone is a wonderful recommendation for Mr. Larry Sacher.
4. Duane Thomas – UNKNOWN. A late-comer to this race, and relatively unknown to me, Mr. Thomas will bear watching by all Islanders as the campaign season unfolds, especially during the scheduled public forums. At least, unlike candidates Honig,Recker, Meyer,and Gibson, Mr. Thomas doesn’t seem to belong to Marco's “good ol’ boys’”club.
Some readers may not know that the voting record of each councilor since 2008 is finally available to you on the city’s website at www.cityofmarcoisland.com/index.aspx?page=409. There you’ll get a fair idea of what the above incumbents have been doing since you elected them in 2008.
One more thing: IF ANY GROUP OR CANDIDATE EVER ASKS YOU TO LEAVE A PART OF YOUR BALLOT BLANK, (IT’S CALLED “BULLET BALLOTING”), YOU ARE ACTUALLY BEING ASKED TO GIVE UP YOUR BASIC AMERICAN RIGHT TO EXPRESS AN HONEST POLITICAL OPINION. Judge such shameful requests, and its requester, accordingly.
Russ Colombo
Russ writes:
Uh, it occurs to me that, in the interest of fairness, perhaps I ought to also mention the other candidates, including my opinion regarding their candidacy:
1. Wayne Waldack – DEFINITELY NO, he’s an incumbent, suffers financial shortcomings and is a political illiterate with a rather dim-witted sense of direction for Marco, (i. e. he was the one and only councilor that moved to approve horse & buggies for Marco Island streets.)
2. Jerry Gibson- DEFINITELY NO, he’s an incumbent and, like Waldack, also suffers financial shortcomings. Marco’s debt increased approximately $53,000,000 (that’s 53 million dollars) during his so-called “controlled spending” watch. On the council, Mr. Gibson has exhibited an unfortunate “us against them” attitude towards the community, except, of course, during an election year. He’s asking for four more years of his “controlled spending”. I don’t think so.
3. Frank Recker – NO, he’s an incumbent. Once thought of as an independent thinker, he has now disappointingly wrapped his arms around Jerry Gibson, (above), and shares in the fifty three million dollar increase of so-called “controlled spending” debt.
4. Paul Meyer – NO. He’s an appointee of city councilor Larry Magel and chairs the Parks & Recreation Committee that advocates for the multi-million dollar Mackle Park expansion. Additionally, Meyer has been favored by John Arceri, the major player in Marco’s water utility debacle. That favoritism, in and of itself, is enough reason for me to reject Mr. Meyer.
5. Larry Honig – NO. Many readers may be familiar with the list of questions I submitted to Mr. Honig in an effort to get to know him. Of the seven questions, only ONE was answered in a straightforward manner. His other answers were waffling enough to make me wonder who could be backing him. Then I received the mail-out flyer that advertised Honig teaming up with Gibson and Recker…so much for Honig’s claim of being an “independent voice”. BTW, if anyone would like a copy of my seven questions and Mr. Honig’s responses, just email me at Rskipperna2@comcast.net. I’ll be happy to share.
Thanks for your attention, (sorry, Mr. Magel)
Russ Colombo
20_Days writes:
Russ,
As always, you are a man of honesty and integrity.
ajm3s writes:
Excellent review. You are the best!
KlausStoertebeker writes:
1.Ken Honecker - DEFINITELY YES - Ken needs no introduction to those who follow our local politics. Volunteering and serving in various committees, I’ve watched him engage the council in the best interests of the residential community whenever those interests were being ignored or compromised. Ken Honecker is a natural “People’s Choice”.
100% agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. Amadeo Petricca – DEFINITELY YES. Here again, Amadeo should need no introduction. A bona fide “numbers man”, full-time resident Amadeo Petricca has faithfully tracked, examined and challenged the money trails that city councils and special interests create. He’s the man you want on your side of any audit.
100% agree !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. Larry Sacher – DEFINITELY YES. Mr. Sacher earned my respect (and my vote), when he, with one other Marco Islander, created the Marco Island Property Owners group, (MIPO). This group advocates for the best interests of all Marco Island property owners. You may have read recent newspaper articles indicating that local political activist John Arceri does not want Mr. Sacher elected to city council. That alone is a wonderful recommendation for Mr. Larry Sacher.
100% agree !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4. Duane Thomas – UNKNOWN. A late-comer to this race, and relatively unknown to me, Mr. Thomas will bear watching by all Islanders as the campaign season unfolds, especially during the scheduled public forums. At least, unlike candidates Honig,Recker, Meyer,and Gibson, Mr. Thomas doesn’t seem to belong to Marco's “good ol’ boys’”club.
100% NOT AGREE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Some readers may not know that the voting record of each councilor since 2008 is finally available to you on the city’s website at www.cityofmarcoisland.com/index.aspx?page=409. There you’ll get a fair idea of what the above incumbents have been doing since you elected them in 2008.
One more thing: IF ANY GROUP OR CANDIDATE EVER ASKS YOU TO LEAVE A PART OF YOUR BALLOT BLANK, (IT’S CALLED “BULLET BALLOTING”), YOU ARE ACTUALLY BEING ASKED TO GIVE UP YOUR BASIC AMERICAN RIGHT TO EXPRESS AN HONEST POLITICAL OPINION. Judge such shameful requests, and its requester, accordingly.
Russ Colombo
Good recommendations. I follow you!
KlausStoertebeker writes:
1. Wayne Waldack – DEFINITELY NO, he’s an incumbent, suffers financial shortcomings and is a political illiterate with a rather dim-witted sense of direction for Marco, (i. e. he was the one and only councilor that moved to approve horse & buggies for Marco Island streets.)
2. Jerry Gibson- DEFINITELY NO, he’s an incumbent and, like Waldack, also suffers financial shortcomings. Marco’s debt increased approximately $53,000,000 (that’s 53 million dollars) during his so-called “controlled spending” watch. On the council, Mr. Gibson has exhibited an unfortunate “us against them” attitude towards the community, except, of course, during an election year. He’s asking for four more years of his “controlled spending”. I don’t think so.
3. Frank Recker – NO, he’s an incumbent. Once thought of as an independent thinker, he has now disappointingly wrapped his arms around Jerry Gibson, (above), and shares in the fifty three million dollar increase of so-called “controlled spending” debt.
100 % agree. This people showed just once:
100% INCOMPETENCE! 4 YEARS ARE ENOUGH! RELEASE THEM! I wish them a peaceful retirement.
You are very competent Ross. I am not sure about this guy: Larry Honig
I will ask my friend Bill McMullan. He is competent too.
loscabos writes:
Just my thoughts...There are only 3 candidates I know and trust. KH,AP,and LS. The incumbants will not receive my 4th vote due to their poor vision and spending debacles. The new guys are just that an unknown entity. I won't make a 4th vote because I might be selecting another Gibson or waldck type. Contrary to Russ, I won't chance wasting a 4th vote.
KlausStoertebeker writes:
Marco Island has to finish this:
"I have photos. I pictured a guy put asbestos on the street. And than picked pieces up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Excuse me.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just a hoax!!!!!!!!!!!!
But if I am dead, very soon, they will put my name at city hall of MARCO ISLAND. They will plaqued me. Turn coat Poppoff takes care. And bridge Minozzi too. Of course Trotter. And King Moss.
I am a city legend of Marco Island in my own mind!!!!!!!! John - you can count on me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
G.T.
20_Days writes:
I wish to vote for Magel's selections so that I be part of Arceri's Magelomania Club! NOT!!!!
soundman writes:
every 2 years russ columbo beats his gums on his picks. many of us wait for this and go the opposite way
20_Days writes:
Soundman,
I guess you are like our President who can not pick a winner either!
JohninMarco writes:
And we spend more and more and go more in debit. Ask Recker why he won't talk about the Island Drug settlement. And why the past police chief who lead this mess is stocking selves in publics. Why 400K for a fire dept. boat that Naples paid 275k? Lawsuits and self insured Marco!
KlausStoertebeker writes:
Magel = Magoo all the same?
Quincy Magoo?
Yes, that’s me. Most people know me simply as “Mr. Magoo” and I see no reason to change it. It’s given me a career, after all. I’m an actor. I do animated shorts and full-lengths, you know. I play myself, of course, as do all cartoon characters> Especially the cartoon characters at City Council on Marco Island, Fl.
Most of them are dummies like me. I mean - I am an intelligent dummy. I like my own house and pay for it. I can not go to Marco Island, On Marco Island I will have a condo. My nephew is city councilor. "Mr. Magel" He takes care of this condo dwellers. Get kick-backs from them. Like is old buddy. Glen Tucker. Betrayed the people of Marco Island and lied to them. As thank you they plagued him in City Hall and named it Tucker Hall. However my nephew is now in critic. But he will never care about that. So - if you have something to say, say it. But say it loud and clear. He is as character a little bit deaf. Manipulation and divide and conquer tactics should never be an acceptable course of action by honest politicians. But he is not honest. Eventually the knock will be at your door. So - call me. I will answer you what is to do. But important is that
GREAT PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA will win.
Than my nephew Mr. Magel is very shortly history too.
Wake up good citizens of Marco. Pay attention to our city councilor's actions. Your interests may be put on the chopping block next.
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