User profile: Russ
Joined: Jan. 11, 2006
Comments posted: 38
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Comments by Russ
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Posted on July 17 at 6:26 a.m.
Van:
It would appear that either
a) Ms.Farrell got the story all wrong (possible) or
b) Mr. Waldack hasn't a factual clue (probable).
You can be assured the "clarification" you requested, if acknowledged at all, will be interesting.
Russ Colombo
Posted on June 26 at 6:44 p.m.
Refreshers for selective memories:
"I don't bother with my e-mails. I just delete them." (Councilor Glen Tucker)
" Me too." (Councilor Terry DiSciullo)
"My e-mails are just going to disappear" (Councilor Forcht)
Mockery being mocked...or selective vendetta?
On Marco councilor Kiester, residents sound off on top city issues
Posted on June 25 at 5:51 p.m.
Councilor Kiester must be recognized and thanked for the time and effort he has consistently volunteered to Marco Island's residents. For the past two years of his office, I believe he's been the ONLY councilor willing to hold open "town meetings" with the residents to get their unfettered opinions. He also initiated and chaired an ad hoc committee to address homeowners complaints against unregulated single family rental homes. Chuck's approach to elected office and his genuine concern for the voters is in stark contrast to what Marco has been subjected to from some other councilors, both past and present. It should be noted that Mr.Kiester's honest concern for the residents has earned him the abuse and disfavor of some members of Marco's administration. He has endured admitted "spite" persecutions apparently because he will not take marching orders from those who presume to control Marco Island. Councilor Kiester and I have disagreed strongly on some issues, but his is the sort of honest dissent and integrity that I, for one, will always respect. Those independant qualities have been all too rare in Marco's administration. Thanks for being there, Councilor Kiester!
On Marco councilor Kiester, residents sound off on top city issues
Posted on March 15 at 3:10 a.m.
Lisa:
You're correct: Robert's Rules are an invaluable tool for orderly & civil proceedings. Unfortunately, Marco's City Charter does not mandate the use of these Rules, a fact that some councilors, particularly Mr. Tucker, point out when it's convenient. A simple Charter amendment would correct this oversight; however, don't hold your breath.
Russ Colombo
On Guest commentary: Robert’s Rule of Order, turning chaos into consensus
Posted on February 10 at 3:49 p.m.
Veridicus:
I don't believe I've labeled groups with whom I happen to politically disagree anything at all nearing "hateful", "negative", "nutty", "divisive" etc., have I? Regrettably, you're following the "spin" that tries to paint me as a Hitler sympathizer simply because I made reference to an analogous WW II historical fact. That is about as misguided, disingenuous and insulting as a frustrated opponent can get. I'm sorry you felt compelled to fall quite that low.
Russ Colombo
Posted on February 9 at 4:08 a.m.
Lolala & Veridicus:
I'm afraid that as long as dissent or political opposition is regarded on Marco Island as "hateful", "negativism", "nutty", "divisive" or any of the other labels used by some folks, hope can only flicker instead of flaming. Sailingby's comments demonstrate all too well the sort of mentality that will accept only those who march in lock-step with their own opinions. To these mindsets, disagreement is something to be destroyed. In contrast, Mr. Barry French's comments (above)certainly are intelligent and educated. Yet he too seemingly embraces the propaganda that honest opposition, disagreement or critiscism is anti-everything, uncivil or destructive. If Marco Island had political "bosses", they would seem to have done their work well. Note how I am attacked for expressing my views. I believe it's supposed to intimidate.
Russ Colombo
Posted on February 7 at 6:56 p.m.
Thank you, Mr. Schwartz. You're brilliant!
Russ Colombo
Posted on February 7 at 4:49 a.m.
Dear "Para_Rescue_38th":
1. Did you mean "INTELLIGENT"?
2. I'm sorry you couldn't read my letter. It said: "However, I can certainly hope that somehow this new City Council will prove me wrong."
Thanks for the attempt anyway. I'm sorry to upset you so much.
Russ Colombo
Posted on February 6 at 6:38 p.m.
Well, judging from some of the above threatening comments, Marco Island citizens are being served notice (by a few) that dissent, or differing opinions will not be tolerated. They must be silenced and/or deported across the Jolley Bridge. These strutting individuals seem to consider themselves stormtroopers that must beat down any who dare disagree politically. A rather strange and sad concept of their "positive" thinking. I reject it totally...so what?... concentration camp??
Russ Colombo
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Posted on August 29 at 8:49 a.m.
Dr. Biles' commentary is timely, truthful and quite telling. Among other things, I was reminded of one occasion wherein a woman called Marco police because she had locked her car keys inside her automobile. It was startling to witness a fire truck, an ambulance AND a police car all responding to her call! If this is Marco's "standard" procedure, it might explain why Chief Murphy needs more personnel, more fire engines and more budget protection.
If City Council votes to change all, or even PART, of the Chief's budget from dependance on property taxes to a separate, special assessment, it could become financially possible for the Fire Chief to turn his department into the "gold standard" of Fire Departments. I have nothing against "gold standards" of anything, including Fire Departments. They're certainly worthy models to strive for PROVIDED YOU NEED IT AND CAN AFFORD IT. I suspect that in today's economy only people that sell firefighting equipment will join a Fire Chief in trying to create a "gold standard" Department on a tiny island, especially where a lesser level has proven equally effective.
A prudent, pragmatic Marco City Council would reject the idea of a special Fire Assessment, particularly since (1) Collier County is actively considering consolidating ALL fire departments and (2) Florida legislation is considering making all such assessments ILLEGAL because they are designed to avoid the taxpayers' savings that the State's recent property tax "roll-back" law mandates. It'll be interesting to see how this city council will vote.
Russ Colombo
On Guest commentary: MITA president dissects fire assessment fee