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Wait a minute: didn't all that lovely mulch from the medians clog the sewers during the last heavy rainfall? We could not believe our eyes watching it all be replaced. Hey fellas -- there's a perfectly lovely example of flourishing waterless planting right in front of city hall - what more do you need??We think natural rocks are pretty organic!
Be careful what you wish for or we could end up with the useless and overpaid city clerk managing the city (God forbid!)-- that is her goal, after all. Soon Herr Doktor will be on Market patrol -- what a great use of taxpayer $$ for him to sit there - so we can all tell him what we think.So when is someone going to have what it takes to get a REAL city manager?What a nice surprise for returning visitors some of whom drive poorly anyway - and who reads the signs? You'll know you're driving at the speed limit when everyone else passes you. We're surprised there aren't more speed traps - wait 'til city coffers are empty.
Some environmental group did a great job of landscaping the area in front of city hall with waterwise plants and it looks like shell groundcover that doesn't clog the sewers like that ugly red mulch. We think they used Florida native plants. Maybe the committee could learn from this and save water at the same time. All the plants seem to be flourishing. Would be good for cul de sacs that residents can't be bothered to care for as well as medians.
Why do we have to wait 12 months for these changes to take effect? Budget?
In addition to possessing a beautiful voice and being extremely knowledgeable, Hari Jacobsen and her husband Jack epitomize the best of their community by LIVING their beliefs. More than any others they participate in one of the holiest and most thoughtful acts: visiting the sick and taking the time to ask, and REALLY care about how one is feeling. Anyone can (and does) provide lip service: these are truly special people who live by example of their faith.
"And I believe him, being a banker and all."Oh, are you (writer) a banker too?Your grammar says you are ....... (briefly, "being" modifies the pronoun "I")
On Earth Day? Either the elf-like Environmental Denizens (that hang out in mangrove trees) or the Calusa Indian Curse is finally kicking in. The message: don't mess with Mother Nature! Such genteel behavior, especially if one has nothing to hide.
Where are all the yellers and screamers now? Party time on taxpayer money. Since we have no say in how our bucks are squandered, we hope every single person has nothing better to do than to go and freeload -- since you paid for it. Where's the transparency? Why not put a detailed price tag on all the new goodies - TV sets, furniture --FREE--- nothing is ever FREE that comes from City Hall -- it's just creative accounting at work with taxpayer money. Why, the whole job didn't even go out for tender until it was all arranged -- another cover-up. If you believe the $85,000 price tag that is being publicized, we'll sell you a third bridge to Marco Island.The most expensive office furniture on the planet (Steelcase) -- do you think city staff cares? They'd rather have raises -- just ask them - not the city clerk. Sounds more like "Kiddy Day" -- and the end users of balloons and face paint can't even vote! Don't forget to get over there and have a free defrosted hotdog from the firemen's stash! The whole event is a disgrace in these economic times!
We thought the Smithsonian was originally asked to visit the site many years ago when Key Marco first was established. Why not ask them how they feel about all of this?Not every qualified environmental specialist is a politician, even when he or she works for a government agency. Most of them are highly qualified, educated people, REAL graduate biologists who deeply care about the environment and do not make loose and unfounded statements. They sleep at night because their comments are based on fact and scientific information. Because of their knowledge and dedication they make good stewards of the environment and often, we understand, are even heard and respected by the cities for whom they work. It would be interesting to know if Marco's environmentalist agreed with whatever Community Development person gave you permission to do exactly what was done on Key Marco.
We could not believe what we were seeing and thought perhaps our satellite had connected us to another planet. How can such mean and nasty people run a city -- while accusing their code board of having bad attitudes - what, no mirror handy? Maybe they think they should control the poor souls they appoint -- but how about councilors serving at OUR pleasure - we're the poor dumb sods who put them there! Since Forcht lost out, has any one of them cared enough to ask us how he should vote on an issue? Oh me oh my - I do believe they are mind readers who use their own discretion. You mean their appointees should not? In the middle of a vote at a meeting should they make a phone call to find out what they should do? We'd like a list of all the naughty votes out there so we can really know what that board member dared to do that got so much attention. Why weren't the others told to resign? Love that Jerry Gibson - he knows how to treat a human being with dignity and do unto others. Good man!
Well marcosandflea (& dc5799)-- wasn't that the day you turned up in dirty shoes and with a spot on your shirt, and Glassman used a green pen to write with?? Like how relevant is any of this petty garbage? My wife noticed that and always said before or since, Glassman always takes notes everywhere-- and since it was a public meeting and there were reporters present -- and what has all this nonsense to do with anything in this article? Give it a rest already. If you didn't want her there at the time you should have asked her to leave. My God you must be tired of carrying around all this garbage! Did you have something to hide? Hey, didn't you see the city engineer who also attended? Someone pointed him out to you too at the time -- I may be old but nothing wrong with my memory. Go pick on him too. Stick to the topic.
Seems like a lot of fluster over one rather unimportant person, so it begs the question: what is REALLY going on? Since we are into words and definitions today, try this: ex·pe·di·ent (k-spd-nt) AS IN - the City and its councilors and 'manager' do what is expedient -- not necessarily what is morally right, polite, or decent and honest.
adj. 1. Appropriate to a purpose.2.a. Serving to promote one's interest: was merciful only when mercy was expedient.b. Based on or marked by a concern for self-interest rather than principle; self-interested.3. Obsolete Speedy; expeditious.n.1. Something that is a means to an end.2. Something contrived or used to meet an urgent need.
WHEN the city does something like this you know it precedes a coverup of some kind. Some decent, idealistic people actually volunteer for these positions thinking -- mistakenly it seems -- that they can do some good. Unfortunately, as shown here, the chain cannot be brokenand heaven forbid an individual should have an independent thought. No one has to name names or be nasty about it - just lay the blame where it belongs and try to see through the trees to the core for once. When blinded by small-minded emotion, you lose sight of the real problem: who will benefit by the loss of a code board - isn't that what this agenda is really about? Follow the dollar.
What attorney in his right mind would want to represent a city whose leaders do whatever they want and make their own rules? It certainly does not seem cost effective to us to hire one that has to commute.
"Spartan"? My keister! What is spartan about Steelcase furniture, an expensive renovation and new furnishings, a sparkling new TV set for your office, a lovely corner office, vanity plates (that we no doubt paid for) on a car probably financed by city taxes also. Be very afraid citizens! A leader who claims not to know salaries of top dogs? We wonder what he does all day anyway - oh, TV maybe!
I guess you will need another topic to rant about: my wife just told me she saw TWO whole Chanukah banners on Collier near Bald Eagle. Does this mean someone is afraid of public reaction? Does this mean THE REST will go up shortly?
Talk about city spending and not each other - Smart people spend most of their time discussing issues and ideas, and seldom discuss people unless it's in a hypothetical way or as they apply to a situation. Not gossip. Stupid people don't have the abstract thinking processes to discuss issues and ideas. Concentrate on what has been spent to renovate an old dump of a building, while employees have gone without raises for several years. Justify the expense of luxurious STEELCASE office furniture, known to be the most expensive and luxurious. We double dare you to estimate the cost of the new desk for the receptionist: you may start your bidding at $5,000 and move up. You will all no doubt have an opportunity to check out how your money was squandered when you are invited to the city manager's open house, where he will shower you with gifts, ice cream and popcorn (at your expense, of course) -- if he can tear himself away from the new TV set you all just purchased for him.And for those of you who have the basic intelligence required to understand it: our police force is the reason Marco is not a crime destination, and if you understand statistics at all - read the numbers -- the crime rate has gone down steadily since the existence of the police here.
Such a tempest in a teapot and such an easy solution: only those who celebrate Christmas should participate in and donate to this "Christmas Island Style". There, now wasn't that easy? Since the others beliefs are not part of it, we are sure they can find better uses for their time and money - celebrate your HOLIDAYS ISLAND STYLE and withdraw support, ESPECIALLY FINANCIAL, from where you are obviously not wanted. Perhaps the Marco tax collectors would like to collect only from Christians also, to pay for their banners. Back to the Middle Ages.
Here's a little LIGHT and INFORMATIVE reading for you ajm3s -- see if you can peruse and understand the Key Marco PUD, the City's Vegetation Ordinance - (NOT the Landscape Ordinance) and if that is too light for your reading and super intellectual pleasure we suggest you study the Deltona Settlement Agreement. Go and check the membership of the Conservancy and you'll find many Conservancy members just happen to live on Marco Island.
What does it take to avoid paying fines? Money? Influence? Friends in the 'right' place? Seems to us that a law (or two) was broken, some City ordinances ignored, and Key Marco wants to walk away with a clean record. Why would the City allow that? Nothing like using the City for its own purposes and utilities when it suits them but not participating in respect for its government. You'd think those who choose to live in a semi-wilderness environment would appreciate it and not attempt to turn in into a boring, manicured suburb. The reckless ravishing of the native plants was apparently deemed irreparable and irreplaceable: how can you replace hundreds of years of history that you have destroyed? The Conservancy is a wonderful steward of public lands - why would their opinions be ignored? Carte blanche is not allowed in any other part of the City -- why should Key Marco be allowed to do this? When Capt. Horr's Island aka Key Marco was first developed, longtime historians here will recall the hoops the developers had to jump through in order to satisfy various environmental entities such as the Smithsonian, Army Corps of Engineers, and a whole string of others just to get permission to build their bridge. The place never really got off the ground as a successful community, possibly because of poor marketing strategies. Do the current inhabitants and property owners think that by tearing out trees and vegetation they will increase the real value of lots and attract more buyers? Obviously Mr. Riviere is not, as he confesses, an 'environmental expert' - but the City already has one of those and I wonder why her opinion is not quoted here.Key Marco should not be considered equal to Hideaway Beach - they are quite different in our opinion.We believe the City's code board agonized for years to come to a fair and equitable decision regarding Key Marco -- and now, as with many other decisions made by its boards, the city stomps all over it - what a waste of time and energy - and what a show of disrespect for hardworking volunteers led to believe their decisions matter. Foolishness to state the Conservancy's position is not in the best interest of the City: at least they are trying to protect what little natural beauty remains around here without turning another residential plan into a commercial eyesore. We doubt that ALL residents of Key Marco agree with ignoring the Conservancy: an organization that always steps up when needed, with an intelligent and educated spokesperson like Nicole Ryan should not be ignored in this way. She has nothing to gain personally and is looking out for the City's best interests. Welcome to the dictatorship.
Learn from the past and move on. You elected these people now live with their decisions. Or move. Save your breath and energy and forget pointing backwards. Where are all the watchdogs? Bark while the city spends and furnishes a new utility location trailer with new furniture; bark while the city spends and renovates its mold-infested building while employees who have not had raises in years watch helplessly; bark while they hire yet another new salaried body to oversee the kids at Mackle Park. There is a lot to bark loudly at right now, but we don't hear you.
Oh my, when are the Dana promoters going to wake up and smell the cappuccino? Dana did a great job in the position for which he was hired: Parks & Recreation. However, do you really think he came up with that critique of city staff all by himself? If you did, you're delusional. If you think ex-councilor (who can't keep her fingers out of Marco politics and envisions herself as some kind of 'mayor') diSciullo fed him the information, you get 5 stars. The fellow simply is not qualified to sit as a city manager in any way, shape, or form. That goes for everyone in city hall at the moment, from the also-deluded city clerk (whose mirror, mirror on the wall needs cleaning) to some of the aspiring directors whose butts barely missed the slings and arrows that Thompson took for them last night.Now that the city is about to donate $175,000 to Mr. Thompson as a parting gift, no wonder the chairman is going to 'save a bundle' by appointing a search and hire committee. We can't wait to see the lucky ones who get appointed to that! We sure hope we don't recognize any of them -- especially the loonies who waste time pretending to be 'civic activists' as they repeatedly air private agendas.We may never know if what was done was 'the right thing' or not, but THE WAY IN WHICH IT WAS DONE was demeaning. Mr. Thompson's rapid and thorough response was not the result of 5 minutes of research: no doubt he was made aware of the 4 votes against him and came prepared to reply to Bonaparte Recker.
Hello Sunshine! It seemed to all who observed, that this hijacking was pre-ordained before the meeting. Hard to swallow, that 4 people, without warning, were immediately able to side with Recker, while 3 others asked for time to make a 'thoughtful' decision. After this humiliating attack, Thompson is fortunate to close the door on a community that vocally opposed him in such a way. Why would he want to be here? Although Trotter may not get his news from the media, enough others obviously knew what was afoot as the city hall meeting room was quite full and speakers had prepared speeches with them. Council may have learned in the past to leave no trace in e-mail, but not everyone is naive. Makes us wonder who is working the marionettes from behind the curtains, and surely the next city manager will be experienced, have a lot of education, and not bring a history of being relieved of positions (fired) with him.
This is not so funny when it happens to you and should be treated very seriously. Unsuspecting people get calls that their friends or relatives have either had a terrible accident, have been arrested, kidnapped, or are in trouble. The caller is a pro and often uses a throwaway phone that cannot be traced. He plays on one's sympathy and often picks up on the name of the person involved. He usually says he is calling from a pay phone, or somewhere you cannot call him back. He might ask for bail money and tell you specifically how to wire it - money for an ambulance or medical costs - they can get quite creative. They may speak Spanish if they think you can understand the language.The scam and several versions have been written up in SNOPES.COM - the home of urban legends and scams. It has also been written up in the AARP NEWSLETTER when the friends of a Tampa woman sent money to help her get home when scammers e-mailed them to say she was penniless and without luggage when an airline lost her belongings in Europe. Those who quickly wired the $1500 can kiss it good-bye!Many elderly people might panic and rush to help a friend or relative without thinking this through thoroughly: ask the caller some specific questions that only the person involved would know; insist on a legitimate place to call back - such as border patrol, a police station, a hospital -- and watch them go from simple pleading to whining and demanding. DO NOT SEND THE FUNDS!Only the very stupid and ignorant will find this amusing.BRAVO TO THE MARCO ISLAND POLICE for taking this seriously and taking the time to alert people.
Hallowe'en is coming -- forget the witch hunt, get off your brooms and use them for a clean sweep. Get rid of every director and person earning over $65,000 at the City and start fresh. Then elect 7 new councilors. If we need a fresh start, (AND WE DO) we need to fumigate first.
The caption under the photo in the newspaper is deceptive and misleading: there are NO private beaches in Florida. It is overly dramatic and irresponsible reporting to refer to it in this way. However, if this is to be judged by public access as being "below the water line' - we believe this is already washed away at the beach in question.. As we float around Marco Island waterways by boat during the season we see as many boats and people on the Hideaway beach as there are anywhere else. We have never stopped to ask if they are residents or tourists, or why some of them on this public beach are taking advantage of it as an opportunity to walk their dogs and use it as a dog toilet. Certainly no one gets all hot and bothered about Keywaydin, which is only accessible by boat.Refusing financial aid to renourish this beach can have far-reaching and severe consequences and it seems to us it's not all about sand and the environment. for years - until it became too painful to witness, we sat through hours of TDC and Coastal Advisory Meetings, watching the body language and sour-puss facial expressions of some of their members whenever Marco Island or Hideaway were mentioned. They did not even wait to heqar what the issue was - they already made up heir minds to say "NO" to anything involving us. Is it jealousy and sour grapes? Could be. It's time that everyone looked at the larger photo and cut the political crap. It's not all about disappearing beaches, or action would be taken. People who pay chokingly high taxes and participate in the community for the dubious pleasure of living here are about to lose their homes as the beach vanishes. Wake up! As we have observed, folks who live in Hideaway are no different from the rest of us. They seem to have worked hard all their lives to achieve a certain lifestyle -- good for them! They pay tremendous taxes and frankly, we have heard that many are suffering similar financial problems during these troubling times. Hitting them with extra fees to pay for a beach that anyone can use is criminal.You may not wish to admit this, but many philanthropical organizations in the community would be a lot poorer in many respects, if it weren't for the generosity of these people, who may be forced to leave if they are faced with even greater financial obligations. Just look at the millions - and we do mean millions - of dollars they have contributed over the years to local organizations such as the Historical Society, The American Cancer Society, Friends of the Library, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, - to name just a few.If this were about a beach in Naples - granted it receives more traffic - there would be no question.
As always, there's good news and bad news, but it will take a while to sort out. In a few days, weeks, or months - like everything else around here - will it matter? Moss will move on and so will time. He will do the job - he is competent - but we're not sure his fuzzy warm personality was evident in interviews. Question is, who will replace him - someone who felt Naples was the plum job - will he or she settle for the grape - or the raisin?Unfortunately, when Moss packs his city hall bag, he'll leave behind all the incompetents he hired and was too chicken to fire,We can barely wait to see the list of those who apply for the his position and actually think they can do it - ( or those who are SURE they can do it, but don't apply) -- finally Marco will have something to laugh about.
Now go and download the results - make your own decision on it. Not everything is a "story" -Yesterday we heard an ignorant person blabbing at great length and volume how he had become very ill and thought he had "food poisoning" from eating lunch in a Greasy Sleeve on Marco two weeks ago. He had a rapt audience, swallowing this tripe. He was sure it was from "what that gas is that's leaking here from the sewers". This is what we deal with: people who don't know anything, acting as if they know everything - and are spreading it around. That is more dangerous than the alleged 'gas'. Too bad he doesn't have some strawberries so it won't go to waste.
We would rather hear from every single doctor on the island and in this area, instead of one (whose history of diagnosis within our family has been so totally incorrect). We need second, third, and as many other opinions as it takes until truth and facts are uncovered. The very competent Dr. Colpher is always on top of situations like this.According to some of the data from the Tourist Development Board, if one cares to believe it, this area is enjoying the benefits of a busy tourist season, and with tourists usually there is a list of flu and illness bugs at any ime of year. Many people self-medicate because of the high cost of healh care or because they are merely temporarily indisposed, not terribly ill. Then of course - but heavens, we would never find these people on Marvelous Marco - we have those who hear of illness and immediately discover they have all the symptoms including the accompanying hysteria.Let's see what the facts uncover before making any pronouncements.
We have never had a problem parking here - ever - regardless of the day or time.Furthermore, this is the first time this location has had any taste and panache - the fountains are lovely, and the entire area looks clean and cared-for. Agami has taken a dead place and pumped a little energy into it. He is obviously no fool and a good business person - who seems to have had experience with some intelligent city officials in other places.Do you think it's possible that 'someone' changed the rules after the game began?
We wonder how many people are involved here - is it a massive list of 50? 100? 20? Or none of these?How much time would it take for an accommodating person to compile this list - and let's face it - how long would it take LL to delegate the job?We also wonder who is more equipped to comment on whether or not they need a union - the city clerk, or the employees - who must feel their rights are not being addressed.We suppose she digs in her heels -- because she can. Another reason for a union. Wake up and smell the cappuccino.
Don't you have anything useful to say? How , shameful, pathetic, and unfortunately, typical.
Maybe she won't be missed by lawbreakers, nitwits, and trash mouths who can only discuss people and not issues, but Liz Carr has historically been one of the hardest-working, honest, and least recognized of city staff. She is often criticized by those who try to get away with making their own rules, but she's a no-nonsense person, always interested in her own professional development; we'd be proud to hire for our firm any day. It is a loss to the city - the good stuff goes north, while the inferior seems to move south.Good luck to Liz - and may she enjoy the fresh air of a new position.
By the way - a quick scan of every major newspaper around the country and the world shows -99.9% of the world is looking at bridges in the same way. But only on Marco would you see a stupid comment like this:"Leave it to Marco news and politics to twist a tragedy like MN to try to scare people into thinking we now need another multi, multi million dollar project. Ms. Williams, you should be ashamed of your opening sentence. Give the people of that bridge collapse some respect and just report the story instead of making it all about Marco politics in the first line."THAT'S WHAT'S REALLY SHAMEFUL (and typical)! Creating trouble where none exists.
Every evening as we return home, whether it's 8 p.m. or midnight, we see the patrol cars doing just that - patroling the streets. Go to the police station some time - it's empty - they are always out doing their jobs - whether it's marine patrol, youth programs, or coping with paperwork. Not everyone can - or wants to deal with disgusting drunks, the dead and wounded, tragedies, or the scum of humanity that make up the criminal world. These guys are human too, with wives, husbands, kids and families - and big bills to pay on inadequate salaries. If you had ever been through the area where the police worked out of the fire station, you would have wondered how they could have been as efficient as they are. And don't think the fire department enjoyed being cramped either.A cop hater is a cop hater, and no one will ever convince him of anything good about the police. We wouldn't even try - even though we have also witnessed what our police force does during a storm - all hands on the Marco deck. The building isn't just for a disaster - how narrow-minded can you be! I guess there must be a shortage of new items to complain about.We personally would rather see our tax dollars spent on prevention and the kind of citizen care these dedicated fellows show, than throwing the money to Collier county or wasting it on more legal fees caused by interfering citizens with inflated egos.If you want to see a travesty of justice and tax dollars, watch a fender bender in Naples: 6 squad cars appear to take down the details - I'd hate to see their payroll.
Get a life, OP - nitpicking will get you nowhere. You are most likely one of the Marco 'geniuses' who interprets engineers' studies, showing total washouts under bridges and rotting pilings as needing "just a little backfill or gravel for $300 to remedy all of it." Then (God forbid) if a terrible disaster happens, you'd be the first to yell and scream about public works' incompetence. Sit down, already - we've heard enough from you and yours at city meetings <yawn>.My my - when God created Marco Island, we wonder if he was aware that he settled all the world's experts here?The proctologists sure know where to hold their conventions!Nothing wrong with this REPORT - every person we spoke with yesterday had Minneapolis on his mind - no disrespect meant, noted, or taken.A pleasure to read unbiased news.
RJDictor has always written fair and balanced letters - just because you don't agree with him - Fair and balanced is something Bania never learned. We always wondered why he was snatched up by the Eagle before his butt was out the door of the Sun Times - someone was not too fussy. A few spelling and grammar lessons wouldn't have hurt either. He's not a bad guy - just wonder how far up his elevator goes.Some reporters take their info and lessons on bar stools - and either don't check facts or are in no condition to do so. Others think popularity is more important than morality. Get a guy with a "past" running a website, trying to tell everyone here how to think - like him? Oh no! How can you allow yourselves to be browbeaten and influenced into opinions by someone that biased? Think for yourselves. His supporting Bania was surely the kiss of death.All reporters know there is no such thing as "off the record" - but some actually, over the years, have managed to practise that trust.We'd be real happy if those running for office PAY for their ads instead of clogging the Letters to Editors and hogging the mikes at city meetings. We all know what they are promising - same old, same old - it's like buying a car: the salesmen promise you the moon, stars, and even the sun until they get your name on the dotted line. Once they have you - don't even THINK about service - it doesn't exist. All these 'mouths' with their promises - most of them promise stuff that isn't even legally possible.You don't know these people who are running any more than you know the ones who are sitting there - they were once the golden ones - the chosen few - who were going to solve everything. Right. Wake up - every one of them and the city manager as well - all simply human beings. They have good and bad days - make good and bad decisions - and with few exceptions, are pretty nice people you might even like if you met them on other terms.Read this in about 2 years, when you hate the new city council. Ever think - maybe it's not about them?
What a great (NOT) idea. Hope it takes less than 60 seconds for Code Enforcement to swoop down and remove the signs. We don't care how wonderful they are - why trash the island? We know how you feel - take out an ad in the paper if you must go public.Anyone with the brains to keep his mouth shut is certainly not going to put his opinion on 164-square feet of public space.Do your own dirty work.
This sounds more like opinions than facts to us.Who will be thrown under the subway car for this one? Or will the law prevail?It seems as if one can easily solve this 'black and white problem' with a calendar in one hand and knowledge of native species in the other. Did they or didn't they?
Hey Blue Tongue - aren't you an 'environemental expert' when it comes to real estate?
It wasn't the 'leaders' of Marco that gave us Marco Man - it was none other than Ms LilyLips - who seems to have given us the finger along with the Man. Don't forget to thank her - she is almost PERSONALLY responsible for bringing this horror to the City. Just ask her - she'll tell you how she runs the place. How many City Clerks do you know, in a position of knowing what goes on everywhere in the city, who are allowed to work/moonlight selling real estate? Isn't that a wee bit of a conflict of interest? Inside info, at the very least?The City has an Art committee - what the heck happened? Were they blindsided too? Again? Oh I forgot - City committees have no power whatsoever - it's their advisors who do.Take a good look at this piece of tin: never mind the rumors of a "surveillance camera in Marco mans belly button" (Barfield's spelling, not ours) - it's his fault - after all, we have to blame someone - that everything is wrong with Marco Island. He has bad, bad mojo. Just look at the face of evil carved out of his torso! It's enough to grow hair on grandmothers' faces, remove it from your head, and scare the sponge pants off kids.Remember the song - "Am I blue - you'd be too" - if you had to look at this mess on a regular basis. It really does belong in front of City Hall where MsLilyLips can gaze at it out of her window.It seems to us that Marco's Foundation for the Arts has far too much clout with Ms Lilylips - whose obvious lack of artistic taste is screamingly evident. If we see another ugly palm tree painting in City Hall we'll toss our coconuts.The Man's artist was "smart enough" to name the ugly thing Marco Man - we wonder what he names its clones - depending on where they are delivered - so that the city feels obligated to buy it? Oh my - maybe there's a Buffalo Man, Detroit Man, Los Angeles Man - and so on - depending on who else got snookered into buying one of these overblown sardine cans. We can hardly wait until we see the cost of actually putting it on a stand, touching up his "makeup" after a few years, or maybe, the Almighty willing, picking up his pieces after a hurricane.We picture him draped in Delsey following Halloween - Mummy Man - a bisexual statue for Marco - the forward looking city (in the artist's words, we believe.)If it took you this long to wake up to the reality of Marco Man - you're not only a day late, you'll be more than $10,000 short before it's over.Thanks, LilyLips.
The City Council DOES listen to the people. The problem is - there are no two people who think exactly alike around here. As a result, each councilor reacts differently as well. What's the matter - don't they all agree with YOU? Well, they may agree with others. It's highly unrealistic to expect all of them to do your bidding.Let's not get overwhelmed with our own individual importance.If you think Marco is the ONLY place with municipal government problems, your head is tucked in a very, very dark place. Marco just does its laundry in public.And while you're airing e-mails - bring on all of them! There are 7 councilors - let's read all their mail - even those that have been deleted. It will only cost more thousand of dollars of our money ------ what's a few more when you've already cost us a mortgage or two.
What a wonderful event this was - thanks to the CITY, CELEBRATE MARCO, The Marco Island Sun Times, and other sponsors who donated months of time and energy on the planning. Many community organizations were involved. From beginning to end - with a showing of the movie HOOT in Mackle Park in the evening, this was a terrific family day. There was so much to see and learn. Nancy Richie and her team assembled a fine group of people who spoke with everyone interested in their displays - how many people get to see bats up close and learn about them? wolves? And don't forget the contests that precluded the event - for school kids - posters and essays - great learning and involvement! The photography contest - imagine having a distinguished person like Connie Bransilver as one of the judges - what a coup! The entire day was handled with good taste and positive feelings throughout. Well done, Ms Richie, Ms Kelber, and assistants.Just look what a united community can produce!
Well - doesn't that stink! Goodlanders - wake up! Haven't you learned your lesson yet? You wanted a park and what did you get? An over-sized, 75-place parking lot for a boat launch. Meanwhile, neighbor turned against neighbor while county staff sat and watched. What's the county Parks & Rec. department afraid of? That they are planning another white elephant that will trample whatever is good about Goodland to death? Rather than enhancing communities, they seem to excel at destroying them with over-sized development-style recreation areas that do not fit with the surroundings and put a major strain on already overburdened traffic. Can you imagine 75 vessels being dragged by trucks through the residential streets of Goodland on a Sunday - and the residents are expected to grin and bear it? Wait 'til the lot is full and those lumbering loads try to turn around and pass each other on the way out!No wonder they don't want residents to witness their plans - and what does the residents' committee have to hide from its own residents? Troubles in Goodland always seem to erupt from a small group that thinks it knows better and tries to control what is done - from behind closed doors. Do your business out in the open - confront truth and reality - allow all the public input you can get. The county staff is totally out of touch with the reality of Goodland and most other communities - and seem to thrive on the dictates of their boss who lacks the sensitivity of what community life means - he just wants to get the job done to make his resume look good.A 'public' meeting that wasn't properly advertised - with no public? Does that make sense? Duck - something nasty is probably in the air.
Isn't it a little late in civic life for representatives to be learning the Sunshine laws and to be crying 'ignorance'? We were told that all of them were given a complete introduction to Sunshine upon their accepting office. Surely they can't have forgotten! This is as appalling as the thought of their running as fast as their chunky little legs can carry them, to purchase some kind of computer eraser that will cleanse them of their illegal sins. While they are pretty quick to recommend that the cuckoos call for all city records and personnel files that are public record, how quick are they to turn over their own - untouched and unedited? Those who recommend they "use the telephone" would, no doubt, be among the first to tar and feather a perceived opponent who did.It's the same old story - do as I say, not as I do. I'm always right - you're always wrong.For as long as e-mail has existed, we are aware of companies that made it VERY clear to their employees, that anything created or composed on the company computer belonged to the company. Employees then began, wisely, to create e-mail accounts that could be accessed from work but were in their own names and used different servers. Does this exonerate them from culpability? Not really - they are still using company time and equipment. However, what is at question at the city is not just the action of sending e-mail, but the content.A person without morals doesn't need e-mail to communicate - make no mistake - he has been doing it by mouth since he gained office. And, as has already been publicized, he will make sure in his amateurish way to attempt to erase any proof of it.We'd all be pretty naive to think we do not look at 7 people who are guilty every time there's a city council meeting. -- some more deliberately and "in your face" than others.Time to cut the crap and quite wasting taxpayer time and money with stalling tactics - get back to the business of running the city!
Ahh nature and things natural. Let's all put on our woven grass and palm clothing and head for home - that is, our shelters made of shells and mud. I must hurry because guests are coming and the wife will expect me to serve drinks - fermented coconut juice of course. We can sit and watch the sunset while being eaten alive by noseeums and hope the flint catches soon enough to cook the fish - if we caught any.I hope no one is too 'moved' by the drinks - the ground was so hard I could barely dig a hole - so much for a natural outhouse - hope the neighbors aren't offended.Who needs a dog park! All our neighbors simply let their pooches' chips fall where they may - we watch it every day - along with all those 'For Sale' signs - we'd miss them too. Our new game is to predict how many will spring up overnight - like dandelions of yore.No need to name names (or call them) here - every one is guilty and pointing fingers is not what it's about. I'll tell you all exactly what you need: another committee of no-nothings, professing to be lovers of Marco Island, while all they really want is another excuse to get into the newspaper and bore everyone with rhetoric and a lot of that stuff that polluted the water at Naples Pier. And now, we'll climb into our hammocks, watch the stars, and reinvent a wheel in our dreams.
Aw come on, Ancient Mariner - you know palm frawns are those things you fry with a lot of garlic! But first, you have to be virtually tanked to find them as I undestand they are quite rare. No doubt these were observed by the reporter, swimming up the trunk of the tree. I'll bet the poor trimmer's injuries ARE serious - and I surely don't mean to belittle an injured man (only the report of it) - them thar frawns have teeth like 'gators.Facts is facts, ya know. Can ya tell us where we can find some?
Freedom of speech is a double-edged sword, not always used by intelligent, sensible people - you will not always see what you wish to read - move on. Very typical of this area - people who open mouth and insert both feet before considering feelings of others or "truth".Thanks to Coast Guard, police, fire and other service people who arrived quickly and worked into the night.Sad for anyone involved - condolences.
Visually assaulting? SO MANY people complaining - is that the usual Marco majority of two? Those with the undying urge to be negative?Anyone with half a brain will reserve judgement until the building is finished.The interior is a work of fine art, with every square inch utilised to the max.He or she who knows not what the heck he or she is talking about, should sew the lips shut and avoid terminal stupidity.
Quite significant - don't you think? Why would fools look any different just because it's Christmas? Leopards and tigers don't change their spots and stripes - why would the kings and queens of negativity, bah-humbuggers, and trouble mongering? Can't give it up for one day, can they - or miss one chance to grandstand and publicize themselves. Typically - it's all about them and their one-track agenda. Shame on those who dare to use religious figures to justify their personal cow-patty ideas!Best Season's Greetings - to the REST of you.Bania - why don't you wake up and smell the Limburger - ask some REAL humane people the next time - or would you know one if he came up and smacked you in the chops?
or oral arguments IN IT'S APPEAL? It looks as if both local newspapers have the same BAD copy editor!
You all need a copy of Strunk and White - read it and find out the difference between ITS and IT'S
I think outright firing may be bit harsh on an editor for trying a creative idea - although it's his responsibility to know where to draw the line. I wish all newspapers (hint, hint) had such stringent moral standards about truth and honesty over drama, sturm un drang to appeal to readers. On the other hand, perhaps the charge against ex-editor Lysiak should be murder - of the English language. I am appalled that he would say, "This has nothing to do with Daniel and I." Oh oh - what would your elementary school grammar teacher say about that? In case you don't know, it should read "with Daniel and me" - both the noun and the pronoun are OBJECTS of the preposition 'with'. Sloppy errors like this filled the Sun Times papers - and you can't blame it all on a poor reader of copy.Since the departure of Editor Pritchett, the quality of this newspaper has gone downhill.It's just another opinion - but I believe a newspaper should set high standards, not break them.
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