Comments by ChuckKiester

Written on Utility employee writes on Marco's "proactive sewer" project:

Finally, out comes the information that many of us sought knowing that leaks in the old sewer pipes is/has been the largest source of water contamination (except for stormwater runoff) and a problem that should have been addressed long before the city enacted the STRP. I commend Mr. Bradshaw for his article. Unfortunately, proceeding with the STRP and the resulting necessity of enlarging the sewer plant given the state of disrepair of the plant and collection system has put the city of Marco in the red; ergo, higher water/sewer rate increases. Chuck Kiester

Written on Bizz Buzz:

Congratulations, Bob, regarding your appointment as President of the EDC. I know, another bald-headed planner involving themselves in Marco and Collier County community affairs, but at least he, along with our city's two urban planners, adds a little class to those representing our profession (in my case, former profession).

Good for CJ's for hosting the flu shots. Chuck Kiester

Written on Leadership Marco: Class of ‘09:

See. Three out of four are either from or have ties to Ohio. All good, hardworking people. Go Buckeyes! Chuck Kiester

Written on Letter to the Editor: Forensic Audit personal comments:

Mr. Petricca. I feel I must remind you that as a councilor I tried to do away with the 5% electric franshise fee at last year's budget meetings on the basis that it was not being used for its intended purpose---and, I intend to do the same at this year's budget meetings. Keep up the good work---the citizens of Marco and their representatives on city council need you and others like you who are willing to serve on committees and "tell it as you see it" at city council meetings. Chuck Kiester

Written on Water/sewer rate increases have Marco looking to speed up sewer project:

Ed Issler, Thank you for what I consider to be my best endorsement for reelection yet. Chuck Kiester

Written on Utility rate increases, financial quandaries may halt Marco sewer project :

First, I would like to thank all of you for responding to my comments, especially those of you who have acknowledged my contributions to the city. Quite frankly, I was hurt by those of you who lumped me in with those both on and off city council as having responsibility for our current mess (due to my inability to convince other council members to support my positions). I certainly have raised the need to slow down our spending on capital projects (including the so-called "Green Building" advocated by our public works director). My objections have not just been limited to the STRP. As to my ability, or lack thereof, to convince my fellow councilors to adopt my positions, it is difficult if not impossible to lead when they, like me, have adhered to their platforms on which they were elected and THEY ARE THE MAJORITY. I would try a filibuster if I thought that would do any good. I still think the STRP was a mistake for more reasons than I have room to elaborate here. Chuck Kiester

Written on Utility rate increases, financial quandaries may halt Marco sewer project :

Shadow, I understand from where you are coming. I admit, I am not the most eloquent person in the world, but as many people have told me (even those who did not originally vote for me), I do my homework and make very reasoned arguments for my view and position on all issues, regardless of politics. Finally, I take it that you are unaware that I had the votes to revisit the decision on the STRP which had been initiated by the previous council, but one former councilor did a 180 from his previous vote against the STRP when he saw that the pro-STRP side was going to lose should he vote in favor of my motion. In summary, I did not need the vote of one of our three new councilors at that time should this former councilor have held true to his previous vote---now that's politics. Chuck Kiester

Written on Utility rate increases, financial quandaries may halt Marco sewer project :

Shadow, not sure where you've been over the past 3 1/2 years, but please do not associate me with that crowd as I have opposed the STRP since its inception. I'm sure that you, if you care to investigate the facts, will find plenty of witnesses to that fact. Chuck Kiester

Written on Marco employees all CPR certified:

Hat's off to Mike Murphy and his crew for providing the leadership and training for all city staff, not just the fire fighters and policemen on duty for the city of Marco. Chuck Kiester

Written on Marco charter high school plans expand to eco-friendly, community campus:

So am I. This fits right in with what my hope and vision of what this island can become---self reliant and home to a diverse population, old, middle aged and young. In order to support our businesses and work towards this goal, we need to do everything in our power to entice a year-round population. Yes, we are a tourist destination and that's fine, but we don't have to adopt policies which drive our middle-income and retired people off the island. Chuck Kiester

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