http://www.marconews.com/news/opinion/letters/?partner=RSSmarconews.com Stories: Lettersen-usopinion/lettershttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/18/letter-editor-secrets-tigertail-beach/?partner=RSSIf you haven’t been to Tigertail Beach on Marco Island, you are definitely missing a treat! Tigertail is one of the stops on the Great Florida Birding Trail and as many as 86 species of birds may be seen there, ranging from herons, egrets and terns to five species of plovers, marbled godwits, and occasionally roseate spoonbills. The waters of the lagoon hold many treasures — dwarf crown conchs, true and banded tulips, lightning whelks, and pear whelks. The lagoon is also a nursery for many species of sea life, including blue crabs, shrimp, and snook. Across the lagoon, Sand Dollar Spit fronts directly on the Gulf of Mexico and offers excellent shelling which includes, as the name implies, sand dollars! Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:41:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-232482-733849opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: The secrets of Tigertail Beachmarconews.comletter-editor-secrets-tigertail-beachurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-232482-733849Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/18/letter-editor-merge-zipper/?partner=RSSThe online responses to Jim Kelley’s letter [to the editor, Merging of traffic at the Jolley Bridge, 8A, March 10] certainly suggests not only the anger that many people carry within them, but also the certainty of opinion that many of us continually voice. I have seen billboards in New Zealand educating rural drivers to “merge like a zipper” at the point where the highway narrows, and not before that point. It is clearly the more efficient and safer way to drive if all drivers follow that simple rule and drive within the speed limit. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:40:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-232481-733849opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Merge like a zippermarconews.comletter-editor-merge-zipperurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-232481-733849Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/16/letter-editor-goooh-it/?partner=RSSGOOOH stands for “Get Out Of Our House” (Of Representative). It is a NON-partisan grassroots National Movement to take back “the People’s House” from self-serving career politicians, big moneyed, special interests, and lobbyists. Our Founders created the House with two year terms so that everyday citizens could be involved in their government and held accountable for their actions. When discussing GOOOH, concerned citizens often ask “Why would I want to throw them all out? Some of them are good people trying to do the right thing and besides I like my representative. The problem is those other guys!” Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:54:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-232251-733847opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: GOOOH for it!marconews.comletter-editor-goooh-iturn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-232251-733847Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/16/letter-editor-thank-you-making-marcos-st-pats-cele/?partner=RSSThe Sons and Daughters of Erin Second Annual Celtic Fest and Parade was surely blessed with great weather for which we were all extremely grateful. We’re also indebted to the people whose hard work made the weekend happen. The help and cooperation of the Marco Island Police and Fire Departments were essential in insuring the safety of all participants. Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:53:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-232249-733847opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Thank you for making Marco’s St. Pat’s celebration possiblemarconews.comletter-editor-thank-you-making-marcos-st-pats-celeurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-232249-733847Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/16/letter-editor-compelling-political-narrative/?partner=RSSThere continues a compelling political narrative that demands the critical attention of our elected officials and all full- and part-time Marco Islanders. For the record, this is our 13th anniversary as an independent city. Will this to be an unlucky, dark and ominous year portending the status quo? Or, rather, will this year be a lucky, bright presage for hope and change? (Please ignore President Obama’s genus here!) That narrative should focus on: (1) Municipal government and all the constituencies it serves; (2) Goals and visions of We the People; and (3) Public policies and practices which define the civic and civil environments of a community called Marco Island. Let me explain. Firstly, standing ovations are in order for retiring Chair Rob Popoff and Councilor Ted Forcht. Both gave us refreshing humanity, resolute tolerance, candid witticism and refined dedication in doing their assigned tasks during their tenures. Even though we criticize often our councilors, these gentlemen succeeded in changing for the better the aloof stodginess, rank audacity and arrogant pomposity so obviously prevalent in the workings of city councils past. Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:51:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-232248-733847opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: A compelling political narrativemarconews.comletter-editor-compelling-political-narrativeurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-232248-733847Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/16/letter-editor-cra----loss/?partner=RSSNew tax district: No one spoke out in favor of this motion. No property owners, no businesses, not a single soul in the 180 areas set aside. The entire room spoke clearly against this motion. Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:49:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-232247-733847opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: CRA -- At a lossmarconews.comletter-editor-cra----lossurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-232247-733847Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/16/letter-editor-no-fee-canine-cove/?partner=RSSMarco Island City Councilors; My husband Gene, “Katie” and I visited Canine Cove this afternoon and I was so pleased to see all the dogs and people having such a pleasant time. I felt so proud of our community for building this wonderful dog park and now I just heard that a proposed fee for the users of Canine Cove is being discussed. I cannot support this recommendation. We, the tax paying public raised the funds to build this recreational venue with the understanding that Marco is now a “dog friendly” community welcoming all who wish to use the facility. If a fee for use was ever intended I, and I am sure most if not all of the other donors, would not have made this park a reality. Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:47:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-232245-733847opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to Editor: No fee for Canine Covemarconews.comletter-editor-no-fee-canine-coveurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-232245-733847Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/11/letter-editor-explaining-crap/?partner=RSSI want to thank Keith Dameron and the Iberia Bank for hosting an informative meeting. City and county officials explained the Community Redevelopment Authority Proposal (or “CRAP” for short), to an audience of some 50 or 60 Marco residents. City Manager Steve Thompson, City Councilor Bill Trotter and County Commissioner Donna Fiala presented the purpose, application and goals of CRAP as clearly as could be expected of a subject that is, by its nature, quite cloudy. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:57:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231840-733842opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Explaining CRAPmarconews.comletter-editor-explaining-crapurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231840-733842Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/09/letter-editor-long-and-winding-road-driveway/?partner=RSSOn Dec. 7, 2006, we demolished our Deltona circa 1968 home. From design and throughout construction of our new home, we were excited. (Correction: I was, my wife was sometimes). In June, 2008 our dream hit a snag. Our builder had arrived at City Hall to pay final inspection fees and obtain the final certificate of occupancy after receiving notice that the final inspection was complete and signed off. January, 2008 my wife being concerned (I say confused) on landscaping and driveway standards met with building inspector to confirm if shell is allowed and exactly how many and what type of trees are required to meet minimum code. They both read the codes and agreed that shell was allowed and reviewed the regulations regarding landscaping. Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:58:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231583-733840opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: A long and winding road (driveway)marconews.comletter-editor-long-and-winding-road-drivewayurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231583-733840Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/09/letter-editor-merging-traffic-jolley-bridge/?partner=RSSI must apologize to those drivers waiting in a single line to cross the bridge on and off Marco Island. I made the false assumption that the two lanes leading up to the bridge were for the convenience of the drivers. Recently I was returning to Marco Island, the traffic was backed up to the traffic signal at the Isles of Capri intersection. Only one lane was being utilized and the passing lane had no cars in it. So I decided to use the passing lane. Some of us “old fellas” have serious bladder problems and I just couldn’t wait! Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:57:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231582-733840opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Merging of traffic at the Jolley Bridgemarconews.comletter-editor-merging-traffic-jolley-bridgeurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231582-733840Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/09/letter-editor-return-ducks/?partner=RSSLast week, I travelled to Marco Island because I love the natural beauty and serenity of the island. I especially enjoyed the park and watching the ducks and different species of birds on the lake. I was very disappointed this trip to find out that the ducks were trapped and removed from the lake. What kind of ridiculous animal control is this to remove ducks from a lake. Ducks belong on a lake. Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:56:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231581-733840opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Return the ducksmarconews.comletter-editor-return-ducksurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231581-733840Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/09/letter-editor-be-little-kinder-creatures/?partner=RSSGot to thinking the other day about why our family moved to Marco 32 years ago. One of the reasons was the abundant wildlife, many of whom frequented our backyard on a regular basis. Over the years, we have seen bobcat, alligator, otter, quail, raccoon, opossum, tortoise, rabbit, turtle and birds too numerous to list. There also was the occasional panther, bear and many deer just off island. Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:54:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231579-733840opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Be a little kinder to the creaturesmarconews.comletter-editor-be-little-kinder-creaturesurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231579-733840Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/09/letter-editor-get-and-goooh/?partner=RSSDo they have your attention yet? Harry Reid tells us that today is a good day because only 36,000 Americans lost their jobs last month. Obama is working to ram through a cataclysmic “healthcare” bill that is only superficially about healthcare. It will provide the big government statists the structure to insert themselves into every aspect of our lives and to “fundamentally change America forever.” His words. Are we ready to get off the couch and do something about this? Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:53:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231578-733840opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Get up and GOOOHmarconews.comletter-editor-get-and-gooohurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231578-733840Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/04/letter-editor-fundrasier-haiti-local-message/?partner=RSSMy staff and I at Café de Marco are holding a fundraiser for the family of our chef and friend, Randre Jean. Jean (as he is known) is from Port au Prince, Haiti, and lost several family members in the devastating earthquake in January. Jean, a natural born chef, grew up in a large family and learned to cook out of necessity from his mother. This beginning evolved into his passion for cooking and the culinary arts. He came to the United States and expanded his knowledge of cooking at culinary school, which led to various jobs in corporate restaurants, including Eagle Creek Country Club. Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:47:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231180-733835opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Fundraiser for Haiti with a local messagemarconews.comletter-editor-fundrasier-haiti-local-messageurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231180-733835Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/04/letter-editor-duck-handling-all-wrong/?partner=RSSMarge Merklinghaus had a story in the Marco Eagle and also spoke before City Council on March 1 about two missing ducks at Mackle Park. She had rescued, rehabilitated and then returned the ducks to the park upon her return to Marco this year. Mrs. Merklinghaus has a 15 year history with birds. She introduced herself to Marco Island Parks and Recreation and let them know about the special ducks in the park and also offering her help in this area. Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:45:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231179-733835opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Duck handling all wrongmarconews.comletter-editor-duck-handling-all-wrongurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231179-733835Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/04/letter-editor-return-ring-necks/?partner=RSSThanks for getting rid of the Muscovy ducks at Mackle Park! Now maybe the migrating ducks will return. It’s a few years since we’ve seen the “ring necks,” and the “shovelers”, and many other species of ducks. The Muscovy population multiplied and took over. Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:44:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231177-733835opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Return of the ring necks?marconews.comletter-editor-return-ring-necksurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-231177-733835Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/02/letter-editor-marco-island-needs-high-school/?partner=RSSAlthough we have no connection to the group promoting a charter high school, nor do we have children or grandchildren who would benefit from it, we have long felt that the city is seriously lacking a high school, especially a public charter high school which would be under local control instead of government and union control. What is a “city” without a high school? Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:14:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-230934-733833opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Marco Island needs a high schoolmarconews.comletter-editor-marco-island-needs-high-schoolurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-230934-733833Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/mar/02/letter-editor-government-bromides-destroy-exceptio/?partner=RSSHere we go again! Even before our two new and one re-elected councilors are sworn in (March 15), the “coming” Community Development Area (CRA) at Town Center will be presented at 6 p.m., Thursday at a “limited seating-reservations only” in-the-round parley at the Iberian Bank. Golly! It’s our precious family supper hour! More importantly, how many of our 12,000 registered voters will be seated? Thus, the audacity of business as usual as we witness our city and county governments continuing to hamper our rights while menacing our quality-of-life determinations in an exceptional place called Marco Island. Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:12:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-230933-733833opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Government bromides to destroy exceptionalitymarconews.comletter-editor-government-bromides-destroy-exceptiourn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-230933-733833Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/feb/25/letter-editor-sovereignty-rally/?partner=RSSTo whom it may concern: I am one of the many members of the TEA party movement, more specifically I am coordinator for the Collier Campaign For Liberty. This Tuesday we will be holding a State Sovereignty Rally at the Collier County Courthouse from 3 until 6 p.m. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:24:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-230489-733828opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetter to the Editor: Sovereignty rallymarconews.comletter-editor-sovereignty-rallyurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-230489-733828Change0Usablehttp://www.marconews.com/news/2010/feb/25/lettersto-editor-unwelcome-signs/?partner=RSSFor those of you who have the anticipated hope of traveling over the new bridge to Marco Island and seeing the same picturesque view of “paradise” that you currently enjoy, let me offer you another observation ... before you even get to the bridge, how many “No Parking” signs do you see once you pass Isles of Capri? I won’t tell you because I want you to count them yourself (say it’s a personal challenge and it will give your kids something to do on your way back home). Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:23:00 -0000urn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-230488-733828opinion/lettersStaff WriterMarco Island, FLLetters to the Editor: Unwelcome signsmarconews.comlettersto-editor-unwelcome-signsurn:publicid:www.marconews.com:news-Story-230488-733828Change0Usable