Comments by JohninMarco

Written on After two-year hiatus, Marco Island Planning Board revisits Midtown District:

in response to blogsmog:

monte lazarus, jack patterson and dick shannahan..no special interests being served here.....yikes

I see at least 2 conflicts of interest in the room.

Written on Marco ex-cop still hopes to get job back despite careless driving conviction:

Note to Chief Hunter. The last time the city attempted to dismiss a police officer the city got a new chief and new city attorney. Now the player at the top changed but the staff in the pd who did the investigation and paper work are the same. I wish the chief well in this attempt.

Written on Six-month report: Marco police Chief Chief Don Hunter knows what he has, what he’s missing:

in response to ed34145:

We had a referendum and the people of Marco voted to have our own police services. Perhaps you newbies or oldies with poor memories don't remember what it was like under the sheriff....45 minutes to answer a burglary in progress call, just for one. I certainly don't want to go back to that. For what little each of us pays to support our local police services, I am happy to pay for that security.

Note to you, the man you are complaining about, the past sheriff and his poor response times, is our chief of police. And our cost for security is 15 million to the county and 4.5 million to the city. So if you are a new or old time resident, do the math.

Written on Six-month report: Marco police Chief Chief Don Hunter knows what he has, what he’s missing:

Well Don here is an idea. Roll up your selves and stop going off the island to forums and luncheons. You have 4 staff officers who could be doing the work you stated, but are doing little or no police work. Your own words state that their is little to no crime here but you just hired 4 new officers, WHY? Walk into the police HQ and see the TV blarring and officers getting paid to watch the tube. If they have nothing to do, get them to do the stats. One hopes that you can manage this mom and pop operation!

Written on Immokalee fire wins, East Naples and Golden Gate lose in bid to increase tax cap :

in response to Ruger:

Sounds like its time for them to rewrite some of those union contracts and actually balance their budgets.

Checkout who is making the money. Not the workers but a large group of Chiefs who don't respond to the calls. Each district is top heavy with leaders and few workers.

Written on Marco Island property owners question Mackle Park building expansion costs:

in response to naples_rocket:

YMCA is far from free

Neither is this. I do not see any where in the story how the city plans to pay for the buildings up-keep or it utilities. As per usual their is no plan, aka the sewers.

Written on Marco Island homeowners could face new swale landscaping requirements:

in response to dc5799:

I remember years back when Moss was in charge he purchased a 4 wheel vehicle, created a position and had an employee drive around the city sidewalks and spray paint any crack's or inperfection's with red paint.
The city was supposed to repair the sidewalks. Pinter want's us to repair them? Anyone remember this project that fell through the crack's? Also what happened to the 4 wheel vehicle?

If you remember the city realized that it was cheaper to put the cost on the homeowners. They then passed a law assigning owership of the walks to the residences. That way the residents were liable for any injuries occurring on their walkways. Thank Glenn Tucker.

Written on Marco Island homeowners could face new swale landscaping requirements:

Mr Pinter is not correct. New sidewalks must conform to the Amercians with Disabilities Act. Not existing. Again a Marco official re-invents the laws.

Written on Boehner bash for cash – Speaker squeezes juice from Southwest Florida Republicans:

Can Joe Granda just go away. Last year he was Jose Granda, telling the Eagle that the citizens of Marco do not pay enough in taxes. Then at the Code Board he is Joe Granda patting himself on the back for the code violations he and fellow board members levied, only to find out that the fines go to Collier County. Remember this guy when he runs for council. It was his idea to separate the police and fire from the city budget and give them a special accessment.

Written on Arbiter's report reinstates Marco police officer fired last year for misconduct :

in response to Commander:

This guy did more than 90% of the work in the dept. You can't make everyone happy when your taking people's freedom away. With that said, I'm sure you people want this Officer to respond to your house when someone is breaking into your home, don't you. ...........

NO! And how many of his arrests were dropped for poor police work!

Written on Marco police developing special training for officer fired, rehired :

in response to shadow:

this is a joke....we hire officers that have not had training...come on...what do they do at the police academy? this is a prime example of UNION POWER.

Unless you are new here, this problem has occurred over and over. It is the Marco Island Police's job to train the officers on the policies and proceedures for this agency. The acadamy just gives the basics. Please remember the incident at Capt. Briens. Again there the judge pointed out to the city that the police dept. had no policy for the transportation of prisoners. This depts. middle management just collects their checks and is totally clueless.

Written on Arbiter's report reinstates Marco police officer fired last year for misconduct :

Let ever resident take notice. This clown was know by citizens as well as his fellow officers for his " tuning up " of the public. But Capt. Baer charged him with not turning on his recorder. Both Baer and Carr knew of this jerks action but would never admit it was occurring. We just gave this fool a 6 month paid vacation. Now Capt. Baer MUST go. We see now why he was passed over for the chief's position. The upper management of this dept. has not a clue.

Written on Marco Island Planning Board weighs regulations for temporary real estate signs:

in response to 26yearsonmarco:

After submitting my comments above, I checked the salaries of Mr. Milk, over $90K before his current promotion & Ms. Carr over $50K, plus other benefits which I assume brings their total salaries somewhere near $200K per year.

Does anyone, other than me, find this a little disturbing in light of the economic situation in this Country???

The percentage of my total County tax bill for the City is sixteen percent (16%). For what??, so people can run around inspecting signs?? Can't our huge police force be cross trained to do this?? Wake up Folks.

Well stated!

Written on Roundabout medians top issues for Marco Island's beautification committee:

in response to magic:

These are great projects that will continue to make Marco Island a remarkable place with so many places to enjoy visiting. Appreciating the plants that are best adapted to the area, especially native plants, and efforts to decrease reliance on irrigation and pesticides, it particularly commendable. Kudos to all involved.

You love it and want it, then YOU pay for it ! Another project that a group wants taxpayers money for so that they can have a hobby.

Written on Fiala suggests Collier Boulevard overpass at I-75 before one at U.S. 41 :

She wants this for one reason, so her supporters will get money for both construction and landscaping from the taxpayers for building this waste. She still will not admit to the 11 million spent for landscaping the area around the Jolley Bridge.

Written on Marco Island considers city ambulance service, talks to Naples leaders :

Note to Mr Gibson, if the county spent 10% of what they spent on the new landscaping along 951 heading towards the new bridge, we the residents would now have a state of the art 911 system in place. But as usual for Collier Co. as well as Marco Island, monies are spent on flowers, trees and bushes instead of necessary services.

Written on Report: Connie Mack to run for U.S. Senate seat:

Wait till this fool has to debate his rival. He always refused to do this while in the house. He is not the sharpest tool in the shed.

Written on Marco Police Foundation holds 10th anniversary dinner:

Have to admit, MIPD is the best police that money and powerful people can buy. Maybe next week the Capt will be washing Grandas' car.

Written on Marco man dies after ambulance delay - 911 call:

I bet if the patient was a city employee or their family, EMS would have arrived and transported them.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Are Marco Island councilors acting as potted plants? :

in response to islandeye1#236971:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Again you shoot from the lip. The fired officer was charged with 10 department violations in addition to careless driving. Officers did circle the wagons in their co-operation with this investigation. Please limit you sillyness to Marco woman.

Written on Marco officer fired for role in August car crash:

in response to captnjimbo:

Okay...three wrecks...out.

My observations of this police department have been that it is professional and the cops are pretty good people. But 85 MPH lights or no lights is poor judgement.

You may want to speak to the owner of Joey's Pizza. He may want to enlighten you.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Are Marco Island councilors acting as potted plants? :

in response to islandeye1#236971:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

And he is unemployed now. And what I stated was correct.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Are Marco Island councilors acting as potted plants? :

in response to marco97:

I'm still waiting for the report on the officer who crashed his police car on Collier. Do you think it would help if I called the chief and asked when the report would be available?

I believe your answer is called a civil law suite. The PD has already circled the wagons for this one. The officer involved was head of the patrolmen's union and no one can figure why he was going the wrong way.

Written on To pay or not to pay: Fireworks become hot topic at Marco Island City Council:

Why don't we lay off one department head. This should cover it.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Saddened, angry:

With all due respect to you, as a Vietnam vet. I am happy just to see people flying the flag. Whether the are following proper procedure is just a very small thing to me.

Written on Residents express concerns about proposed U.S. 41 — Collier Blvd. overpass:

I must say their is not a car insight after 9pm. I can not see spending millions on this.

Written on Marco Island increases tax rate, decreases utility surcharges:

Both Ms. Bliss and Jerry Gibson patted each other on their backs about how Marco does not add surcharges to the utilities, really. Then I guess the past charge added to our electric bills for the underground wire project for Collier Blvd was just a mirage. And where did that money go?

Written on Naples-Marco Island lost 3,000 jobs since last August, one of biggest losers in Florida:

in response to islandeye1#236971:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Please explain the difference between Washinton DC and the city coucil. Both groups are spending money they do not have. Our city leaders are proud of the money they got from the stimulas for the bridge as well as federal monies for the sewer and water projects. Now the city is spending more money on a bridge over smoke house bay that needs minimal repair.

Written on Justice and mercy: Marco Island Code Enforcement Board deals with fallout of downturn:

in response to WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Well stated!

Written on Justice and mercy: Marco Island Code Enforcement Board deals with fallout of downturn:

The only thing that this board is good for is keeping a group of old, angry people off the streets and giving them something to do. Next these fools will run for the city council where the will really create a mess!

Written on Former Marco city official Rony Joel files libel, slander suit against critic:

in response to liberator100:

Rony Joel will prevail in his lawsuit and Mario Moron Sanchez will have to pay up.

I do not know if he will or will not prevail, but I know that their are a few very nervous city employees who are worried about depositions.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Marriott Convention Center still alive?:

in response to islandeye1#236971:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

And why should she not. You put your 2 cents in everyday and are concerned about a fellow resident expressing hers. Last time I looked we are in the USA and are allowed to freely express are views.

Written on Former Marco city official Rony Joel files libel, slander suit against critic:

Note to Mr. Joel, Be careful what you wish for.

Written on Marco Island City Council hears public grievances at meeting:

Remember him at the polls when he runs again. This fool voted for the STRP with no idea how they were going to pay for it.

Written on Marco council to decide whether to raise tax rate as proposed:

in response to lauralbi1:

It never ceases to amaze me how, when unchecked, the bloggers actually believe that they represent the "citizens/voters" of Marco Island. Every election, every one, has proven that NOT to be the case.
So, please continue to rant and rave and believe that past City Council members are responsible for your woes, but our Council (and past Councils) is running things just the way the MAJORITY of voters want them to be run.
I guess it is a good thing that this site exists for those FEW that need an outlet for their frustration.
Looking forward to 2012 and our next local election.
Ed issler

Well Ed the group you so support have buried the city in 235 million dollars of debt. They raised taxes, and while calling themselves conservatives, continue to take federal money from Washington. And like the Feds have no idea how to pay off the debt.

Written on Labor pains: Marco Island not reporting its work force breakdown, feds not reacting:

in response to islandeye1#236971:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

I do not have a problem with what you have said. But you should also state that the city should also STOP taking federal moneies. That means no new bridge, no grants for water and sewage. Pick your poison.

Written on DON HUNTER: Marco Island Police Chief Don Hunter answers readers' questions :

Note to the new chief; We don't have a need for an internal affairs officer? In the past two years we removed 2 LTs., demoted a Sgt.' fired a patrolman, forced an officer to re-sign, and had the former chief acussed of being drunk at a crime scene. If I were you I would take a long look at your upper managers. It seems to me that maybe you are going down the same road that the former chief followed.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Objecting to the assessments:

in response to captnjimbo:

anybody that bought under diferent conditions should be grandfathered. Not fair to change the rules.

Welcome to Marco Island where the rules change daily.

Written on Loan an option for Marco to replace ‘totally obsolete’ Smokehouse bridge:

Let see, we are only paying the interest on the 235 million we owe for the sewers, and now we need another loan for a bridge. Looks to me that Marco has a lot in common with Wash. DC.

Written on Marco Island property owners avoid thousands in utility assessments, 6 percent rate hike:

in response to shadow:

ask jerry gibson

I think Wayne was also involved.

Written on 3 Marco Island homes face fines for not hooking up to sewer:

Great idea setting a fine. Now tell the residents that ALL the fines money goes to Collier County. Remember we have no judge on Marco and the Code board is a paper tiger. Just another waste of taxpayers money.

Written on Liz Carr has new position at Marco Island City Hall:

Note to both Island guy and gator. City of Naples, 1 code officer. City of Marco, 2 officers and 1 supervisor. Naples is cutting spending by 8%. Marco raising taxes. My suggestion is follow the money.

Written on Liz Carr has new position at Marco Island City Hall:

Let the games begin.

Written on Special ceremony Monday marks beginning of new era for Marco Island Police Department:

If you wonder why your property taxes are rising, look at the Marco Island PDs. Captain. One hundred thousand per year to plan parties. How many goodby parties for the past chief and now a party for the new one. Lots of real police work done here.

Written on Marco Island City Council budget workshop: Millage rate increases unless more cuts can be agreed to:

If you wonder why Washington doesn't get it, look no farther than our city council. A 30 plus man PD, with no crime to speak of, a fire dept. the size of a small army that is over equipped. And one wonders where the money goes!

Written on Officer Thompson demoted; neither side happy with outcome of internal investigation:

in response to August8:

"Softy"
Not a union rep, for the most part not that wild about them, sometimes yes?
Like most of you I read what is printed and respond, if there is more who knows.
What I am saying is this Sergeant has reason according to media reports to rebut the Department's actions.One thing is for sure, if Joey's Pizza Guy met with the manager and the Chief and then a internal investigation was conducted by the same detective that was involved in the case, no good.For all those here that believe in due process, proof of improprioty should be objective, not bias.
If it takea a union representation or a lawyer, it certainly appears that this Sergeant should follow that course of action and avoid talking to others until that has been done.
Sometimes union, sometimes no, but this City has not exactly had a very good record in dealing properly with employee matters to say the least???

What you left out is telling. The Sgt. story does not seem to be supported by the Capt. or Lt. Now if Thompson is to sue it will be come clear that either they are lying or he is. Further the court will take into consideration Thompson's prior incident with Collier County. Next I doubt that the chief, who left in some what of a hurry, can explain how he disciplined Thompson for an auto accident in 2/11 by promoting him to Sgt.
Any way you look at this, one see a PD in trouble and at least the city manager did not promote a chief from within.

Written on Marco Island Planning Board announces new website; elect new chairman:

Same old recycled people. And we wonder how the city got so far into the red.

Written on End of an era: Marco Police Chief Thom Carr resigns, says lawsuits not part of decision:

in response to ba10da69:

I give it 6 months, Liz or Tom will recieve a D.U.I

I bet they move to another state as quickly as they can. Can not be made to come back for a civil law suit.

Written on End of an era: Marco Police Chief Thom Carr resigns, says lawsuits not part of decision:

in response to August8:

Not So Fast --- The Chief did a good job, has always worked hard and it really is time for retirement.
However, this is the point at time that the Intire City needs to come together and really decide once and for all, do they want their own police department.To let this go on the way that it has in years gone by would be a huge mistake.Most of the people,(officers) 90%, have also done a very good job in spite of everything.
Their is a very good County Police Force around that could absorb and police the city if desired.
Think this one over carefully.

Facing many lawsuites, did he do a good job or was he way over his head? We the public will be paying thousands for his many poor decisions. This department needs to be re-examined and a major house cleaning is in order.

Written on City Council Budget Sub-Committee: Marco Island ‘facing another difficult year,’ says Magel:

in response to 40dawg:

Your beating a dead horse geezercane. This subject has been brought up to the sheriff himself and he said he can not cover Marco with the reduction of several hundred deputies he has taken and his reduced budget. Stop hitting the bottle, pay attention and you might learn something.

His reduction of SEVERAL HUNDRED DEPUTIES? Maybe you should check your facts before calling some out!

Features