http://www.marconews.com/news/opinion/columns/?partner=RSSmarconews.com Stories: Guest Columnsen-usopinion/columnshttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/dec/23/guest-column-housing-market-statistics-marco-islan/?partner=RSSSeason is here and things are busy! Welcome back to our Northern friends! Statistics for Marco Island only properties, from the Marco Island Area Association of Realtors multiple listing service show high sales activity since the beginning of the year compared with the same time frame last year. Statistics from Jan. 1, 2011 through Nov. 30, 2011, all property types, show an increase of activity and price compared to the same period of time last year, Jan. 1, 2010 through Nov. 30, 2010. Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:39:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-296026-734494opinion/columnists/allBy Gerry RosenblumMarco Island, FLGuest Column: Housing market statistics on Marco Island continue yearly upward swingmarconews.comguest-column-housing-market-statistics-marco-islanurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-296026-734494Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/dec/15/guest-commentary-remember-alamo-wall-tribute/?partner=RSSIn June of 1964, Karl F. Perry wrote across his face in my high school yearbook: Remember the Alamo! Then he signed “Karl.” His handwriting was bold and beautiful; perhaps of all my male classmates who signed my yearbook, his showed a stunning display of cursive. That year he was casually seeing a friend of mine who went on to be a doctor. She was bright, one of the top in our senior class; Karl was in my German class, and based on my foreign language abilities and low grades in Mr. Teeter’s class, Karl was most likely much better than me, but I don’t know for sure. In fact, I know nothing else about him, other than Karl died in Vietnam, just shy of his 22nd birthday in April of 1968. So his yearbook inscription was most prophetic. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:09:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-295187-734486opinion/columnists/allBy Lynn M. Holley, Fiddler’s CreekMarco Island, FLGuest Commentary: Remember the Alamo! A Wall tributemarconews.comguest-commentary-remember-alamo-wall-tributeurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-295187-734486Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/dec/15/guest-commentary-christmas-island-style-presents-a/?partner=RSSAs December continues to wind down, Marco Islanders continue their celebration of the holidays at Christmas Island Style events and gatherings. This weekend is no exception as islanders prepare for a holiday movie, a remembrance of a local icon, a street parade and a celebration at the oldest church on Marco. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:06:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-295185-734486opinion/columnists/allBy Steve Stefanides, Christmas Island StyleMARCO ISLANDGuest Commentary: Christmas Island Style presents another big weekendmarconews.comguest-commentary-christmas-island-style-presents-aurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-295185-734486Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/nov/22/guest-commentary-where-marco-island-heading/?partner=RSSLet he who is not poorer in real estate valuation than he was five years ago cast the first stone in rebuttal. Marco Island has lost approximately 50 percent of its property value since the last real estate price peak. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-294629-734463opinion/columnists/allBy George PercelMarco Island, FLGuest Commentary: Where is Marco Island heading?marconews.comguest-commentary-where-marco-island-headingurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-294629-734463Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/oct/27/halloween-story-skeletons-discovered-under-marco-r/?partner=RSSAn ancient burial chamber was found late last Wednesday under the southern end of the new Marco Island Bridge. A routine test piling was drilled and filled with concrete during the construction of the new causeway and after the six month standard test; the piling was removed and revealed the skeletal remains of 13 original Marco inhabitants. Dr. Simon Howell, an anthropologist from the University of Florida was called in to investigate the discovery and immediately organized a press conference. capttom@marcoislandtoday.com (TOM WILLIAMS)Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:32:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-290424-734437opinion/columnists/allTOM WILLIAMSMarco Island, FLA Halloween story: Skeletons discovered under the Marco Rivermarconews.comhalloween-story-skeletons-discovered-under-marco-rurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-290424-734437Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/oct/27/letter-editor-wastewater-and-water-assessments-und/?partner=RSSAt the Monday Council Meeting, held Oct. 17, Community Forum section, I made a presentation concerning the Wastewater and Water Assessments on Undeveloped Properties (vacant lots). I requested that the Agenda Item 2(B) from the Aug. 15, council meeting, which was tabled indefinitely, because it was repugnant to a councilor, be included on a future council meeting agenda for further discussion. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:30:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-290423-734437opinion/columnists/allStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Wastewater and water assessments on undeveloped properties (vacant lots)marconews.comletter-editor-wastewater-and-water-assessments-undurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-290423-734437Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/oct/27/guest-commentary-support-marco-eagle-sanctuary-pol/?partner=RSSWe, the voters of Marco Island have an opportunity to have our voices heard. By voter referendum the citizens can compel that the City abide by our wishes. Our city officials are elected based on promises they make to us while campaigning. Once they are elected, all too often, they see their own “grand design” for how they want Marco Island to be. To our dismay, their campaign promises no longer seem to matter. A group of Marco Islanders have formed the Marco Eagle Sanctuary Political Committee (MES PC) and found a means in which registered voters of Marco Island can be guaranteed that City officials proceed in the manner we desire. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:29:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-290422-734437opinion/columnists/allBy Dr. GERALD D. SWIACKI, Chairman of the Marco Eagle Sanctuary PCMarco Island, FLGuest Commentary: Support the Marco Eagle Sanctuary Political Committeemarconews.comguest-commentary-support-marco-eagle-sanctuary-polurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-290422-734437Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/oct/17/guest-commentary-mica-surveys-anyone-listening/?partner=RSSThe Marco Island Civic Association has surveyed its membership on an annual basis for at least the past 30 years. Great thought goes into preparing the survey questions. Way back when, some claimed that some of the questions were biased and could have been worded better. It is true that we could all do better at times! To that end, MICA consulted with professors at FGCU and incorporated their suggestions into the survey writing. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:40:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-289536-734427opinion/columnists/allBy Ruth McCann, executive director, Marco Island Civic AssociationMarco Island, FLGuest Commentary: MICA surveys; is anyone listeningmarconews.comguest-commentary-mica-surveys-anyone-listeningurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-289536-734427Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/oct/10/guest-commentary-economics-behind-fireworks-decisi/?partner=RSSIn order to make prudent decisions, sometimes you have to look beyond today, sometimes beyond tomorrow, and sometimes, outside of your immediate circle of impact. The last of those is often the hardest to do. On a national level, this seems to be a common hindrance to progress. Let’s not make the same mistake on a local level. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:01:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-288846-734420opinion/columnists/allBy Vip Grover, Marco IslandMarco Island, FLGuest Commentary: The economics behind the fireworks decision on Marco Islandmarconews.comguest-commentary-economics-behind-fireworks-decisiurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-288846-734420Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/jul/11/true-cost-war-when-johnny-comes-marching-home-agai/?partner=RSSLike many Americans, my emotions were mixed as I listened to President Obama’s speech on June 22. I was pleased that the withdrawal has begun, although the number seems a bit meager. And, like many Americans I too, question the President’s motives for the timing seems questionable; especially since this action could have been taken shortly after inauguration day or immediately following the death of Osama bin Laden. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-281078-734329opinion/columnists/allRoy EatonMarco Island, FLThe true cost of war: When Johnny comes marching home againmarconews.comtrue-cost-war-when-johnny-comes-marching-home-agaiurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-281078-734329Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/jun/22/guest-commentary-why-not-referendum-please-let-peo/?partner=RSSThe previous plan of our City Council was for the new Mackle Park Community Building to go to referendum, as reflected in the fiscal year 2011 capital budget (currently posted on the city’s website). Somehow, the sentiment of the majority of our current council seems to have shifted to avoid a referendum by having the City enter into a design-build lease back arrangement. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 20:47:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-279587-734310opinion/columnists/allBy Donna Kahn, Marco IslandMarco Island, FLGuest Commentary: Why not a referendum – Please let the people speakmarconews.comguest-commentary-why-not-referendum-please-let-peourn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-279587-734310Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/jun/02/forum-email-sets-flag-debate-marco-island/?partner=RSSOn Monday, Dave Rice set off a firestorm of email responses after he sent out a photograph showing U.S. flags piled up on the ground, presumably removed so that landscapers could navigate the medians. Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:49:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-277816-734290opinion/columnists/allMarco Eagle StaffMARCO ISLANDForum: Email sets off flag debate on Marco Islandmarconews.comforum-email-sets-flag-debate-marco-islandurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-277816-734290Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/may/31/touch-comfort-our-wounded-warriors/?partner=RSSDevastating pain from the wound in his abdomen sent ribbons of searing ache through his body, as this young Marine corporal was lifted gently onto the cot aboard the evacuation C-17 Air Force Medivac plane at Balad Air Base in Iraq. His nurse, an Air Force captain, tended to him with an increased dosage of morphine to ease his pain while an attendant slipped an unusual small soft flannel pillow under his head to make him a little more comfortable. He managed a smile through the pain. Tue, 31 May 2011 15:36:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-277523-734288opinion/columnists/allBy Bill Walsh, submittedMarco Island, FLA touch of comfort for our wounded warriorsmarconews.comtouch-comfort-our-wounded-warriorsurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-277523-734288Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/may/17/pending-interest-rate-cycle/?partner=RSSThe private and public sectors of our economy have had a relatively easy ride the last three decades, although it is difficult to imagine when one looks at the current state of our economy: The vast number of unemployed, the rapid increase in the number of homeless and those living in poverty, plunging home prices, the meager increase in our gross national product, the surge in our annual deficits, and the spiraling national debt. Tue, 17 May 2011 17:12:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-276070-734274opinion/columnists/allBy Roy EatonMarco Island, FLGuest Commentary: The pending interest rate cyclemarconews.compending-interest-rate-cycleurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-276070-734274Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/may/05/guest-commentary-american-icon-trump-you-should-kn/?partner=RSSI’m sure that most of us during our lifetime have questioned our future course of action by reiterating to ourselves one of Shakespeare’s most universal lines, “To be or not to be that is the question.” Lately this question seems to be on the minds of many Americans including those seeking the Republican nomination and those in control of the Republican Party as they ponder over what is going through the complex brain of the most publicized Republican candidate to date, Donald Trump. But, the purpose of this article is not to analyze the probability of which course that Trump may take, or the degree of his electability. Instead, I hope to provide personal insight into the character of the candidate himself so that you, the reader and voter, can form your own impression of the man and the path that he may select. Thu, 05 May 2011 19:41:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-274995-734262opinion/columnists/allBy Roy EatonMarco Island, FLGuest Commentary: An American Icon – The Trump you should knowmarconews.comguest-commentary-american-icon-trump-you-should-knurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-274995-734262Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/apr/26/time-again-loggerhead-sea-turtle-nesting-and-hatch/?partner=RSSAs the Gulf of Mexico water temperatures warm up, the protected Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) will soon return to the Marco Island beaches. Living year round in the open and near shore waters to feed and rest, the adult female sea turtles will begin nesting on our beaches between May and August. Sixty days after the nests are laid, the hatchlings will emerge and begin the trek to the Gulf of Mexico usually between July and October. So, the next six months – May 01 through October 31 – is a crucial time of year for this threatened marine sea turtle population on the Marco Island beaches. Tue, 26 Apr 2011 20:00:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-273988-734253opinion/columnists/allBy Nancy J. Richie, Marco Island Environmental SpecialistMARCO ISLANDThat time again: Loggerhead sea turtle nesting and hatching seasonmarconews.comtime-again-loggerhead-sea-turtle-nesting-and-hatchurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-273988-734253Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/apr/26/guest-commentary-utility-rates-facts-over-emotion/?partner=RSSIn November, the Marco Island City Council voted to spend $50,000 to complete a water and sewer rate study to obtain the impartial facts relating to the usage of water and sewer by customer type, i.e. single family, condominium multi-metered, condominium individually metered and commercial. To accomplish this goal, they authorized the establishment of a committee of four city councilors and the head of the utility advisory committee (the steering committee) to request proposals from experts in utility cost of service studies. Nine firms responded and the committee unanimously selected Burton & Associates, a nationally renowned utility economic service consultant to perform the study. The founder and lead consultant, Michael Burton, has over 30 years experience providing services to public and private utilities and has written manuals published by the American Water Works Association for utility rate design work. Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:50:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-273986-734253opinion/columnists/allBy Don Crockford, Marco Island residentMarco Island, FLGuest Commentary: Utility rates – ‘Facts over emotion’marconews.comguest-commentary-utility-rates-facts-over-emotionurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-273986-734253Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/apr/21/guest-commentary-nest-fest-supports-our-feathered/?partner=RSSThe Marco Eagle Sanctuary Foundation (MESF) is celebrating their first annual “Nest Fest on from 4:30 to 7 p.m., May 1, at Marco Island’s Art League Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Drive. This wine and hors d’oeuvres fundraising event will focus on the protection of Marco Island’s bald eagles and the preservation of their 11.6 acre habitat, the Marco Eagle Sanctuary located on Tigertail Court. The guest speaker is Randy McCormick, Environmental Manager at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve who will discuss native and environmentally friendly landscaping. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 20:11:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-273619-734248opinion/columnists/allBy Linda J. Turner, Marco Eagle Sanctuary FoundationMarco Island, FLGuest Commentary: Nest Fest supports our feathered friendsmarconews.comguest-commentary-nest-fest-supports-our-featheredurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-273619-734248Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/apr/19/guest-commentary-marco-island-utilities-rate-recom/?partner=RSSMost property owners on Marco Island probably know by now that the much-discussed water and sewer Cost of Service Study has been underway since the Consultant, Burton & Associates, was hired in December of 2010 and actually started their work in January 2011. Over the years City Council, city managers, and city finance directors have all been involved in varying degrees with the rate structure for water and sewer from Marco Island Utilities. Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:34:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-273309-734246opinion/columnists/allStaff WriterMarco Island, FLGuest Commentary: Marco Island Utilities rate recommendation ... Fair and equitable?marconews.comguest-commentary-marco-island-utilities-rate-recomurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-273309-734246Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2011/apr/12/lettter-112th-congress/?partner=RSSProposed remedies to reduce the national debt. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:02:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-272546-734239opinion/columnists/allRoy EatonMarco Island, FLGuest commentary: Lettter to 112th Congress:marconews.comlettter-112th-congressurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-272546-734239Change0Usable