Water and the economy, forum on civil discourse, fire district consolidation | Letters
Letters to the editor should be 250 words or less. Include your name and city or community of residence. Guest opinions should be 600 words or less and include a brief summary of the author’s credentials relevant to the topic. Guest opinions may include a head shot of the author. For the Fort Myers News-Press, email submissions to mailbag@news-press.com and for the Naples Daily News to letters@naplesnews.com
Clean water, economic health
One million acres of Florida’s estuaries are polluted; 9,000 miles of our recreational waters are polluted; 80% of our natural springs are polluted. Every year we have toxic red tide that causes people to have severe allergies, coughing, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms. Additionally, the marine life our community and state rely on so heavily for tourism revenue suffers from blue green algae growth that shades their habitat and prevents them from flourishing during warmer months. According to a study performed by Greene Economics LLC and published December 20, 2023, if Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties experience another harmful algae bloom of a scale similar to that of 2005/6 and 2018, our area would lose over $460 million in commercial and recreational fishing, over 43,000 jobs, $5.2 billion in economic output, $17.8 billion in property values and a resulting $60 million in tax revenue, and $8.1 billion in value from outdoor recreation. The economic health of our community is at risk! We must take immediate action! Please go to this website to make a donation and or obtain a petition, sign it and mail it in: floridarighttocleanwater.org/donate. The Florida Right to Clean Water is seeking to hold those contributing to the pollution accountable for cleaning it up so taxpayers don’t end up footing the bill. We can no longer afford to ignore this issue!Whitney Taylor, Cape Coral
Reduce the Rancor forum
2024 has begun with political campaigns that hurl insults at each other, endless lawsuits to solve conflicts, death threats against adversaries, friends and neighbors unable to speak with each other, mean spirited harassment everywhere we turn. The entire world looks at us and wonders, what has become of our society? Is this really how we want to live?
Change happens when each of us makes a decision to be different. It takes courage to talk about the important issues, but we have much to lose if we don’t. Our democracy was founded on the idea of E pluribus unum – out of many, one. Through constructive and civil dialogue we learn and arrive at the best solutions. The issues we confront are enormous. We cannot continue to avoid them and devolve into camps of people who no longer trust or communicate with each other. We can take the initiative and talk with those who think differently from us. We all care about our community, our nation, and our world. By making a commitment to try, we might just find ways that we agree and things we hold in common.We live here in SW Florida for the beauty, the safety, and the calm. We have a stake in making it civil. The Greater Naples Leadership is holding a free forum called Reduce the Rancor on February 7 from 3 to 5 pm. Why not begin by attending this forum. You can find all the details and register at gnlwebsite.org/reduce-the-rancor.
Joanne Huskey, Naples
Consolidate fire districts
In Collier County every property owner pays the same yearly tax rate of $6.70 for every $1,000 of assessed valuation of our homes or commercial property to fund all county services. These services include the public school districts, public transportation, county infrastructure such as roads and bridges, and other municipal projects, and county functions. As an example, these taxes fund our all-county Sheriff's Department and our all-county Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Ambulance Services.
If one lives or has commercial property in the unincorporated part of Collier County, they also pay additionally for their local independent fire agency service.
In the North Collier Fire Agency area, the yearly tax is an additional $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property valuation. The Big Corkscrew division of North Collier Fire has an additional tax of $3.75 for every $1,000 of assessed valuation.
In the Greater Naples Fire Agency area, the yearly tax is an additional $1.50 for every $1,000 of assessed valuation.
In the Immokalee Fire Agency area, the yearly tax is an additional $3.75 for every $1,000 of assessed valuation.
Perhaps a better and more economical and efficient structure would be to consolidate North Collier Fire, Big Corkscrew Fire, Greater Naples Fire, and Immokalee Fire, (thus eliminating the costs of unnecessary, non-responding functional duplication), into one functional and cost-conscious organization similar to the all-county structure of the CC-EMS and of the all-county CC-Sherriff's Office, thus reducing and standardizing the taxing costs for these critical county public safety services throughout the unincorporated county for those paying for these services, and standardizing the labor contracts for those providing these critical services, in addition to utilizing the skilled responding personnel and the appropriate equipment countywide.
Marvin L. Easton, Naples
Margaritaville and Beach traffic
Hurricane Ian didn’t ruin Fort Myers Beach, but Margaritaville might. We have owned a condo on the south end of Fort Myers Beach since 2016 where spend our winters. It used to be our “happy place” where we could go to relax, re-charge, and enjoy the beach and restaurants. Today, living there is nothing but aggravation – almost entirely because of all the traffic problems caused by Margaritaville. The street crossings and traffic light at Margaritaville are pedestrian controlled, meaning anytime anyone wants to cross Estero, they press the crossing button and the lights change. This random and all-too-frequent occurrence has resulted in traffic backups much, much worse than at any time when Estero Boulevard was undergoing its multi-year reconstruction. Now, it almost always takes well over an hour to go north on Estero with backups usually beginning at Publix. Travelling to Dixie Fish or Wahoo Willie’s or any other restaurant on the north end of the island for dinner has become a miserable experience. In the past, during construction or during the season, there used to be an officer directing traffic at the old light near Times Square that helped keep things moving along, but not now. Because of Margaritaville, Fort Myers Beach risks becoming an unwelcoming and unmanageable place to live and visit. Judy & Paul Wood, Fort Myers Beach
Taylor Swift phobia
The list of people and things the MAGA world is terrified of just keeps getting longer and longer: 1. rigged elections 2. Taylor Swift 3. vaccines with micro chips 4. Taylor Swift 5. history 6. Taylor Swift 7. books 8. Taylor Swift 9. LGBTQ 10. Taylor Swift 11. people of color 12. Taylor Swift 13. immigrants 14. Taylor Swift 15. electric cars 16. Taylor Swift 17. politically rigged NFL games 18. Taylor Swift
Marc Bellagamba, Fort Myers
Usurping local authority
When people say and act in opposite ways in different situations they clearly have other motives. Our state legislators say they are against big government when it comes to the federal government imposing limitations on our state. However these same legislators continue to impose limitations on our local authorities.
In the past week alone bills were filed (and I hope do not pass) limiting the amount of increases a local authority can increase the mill rate on property tax. This was followed by bills to limit the removal of statues by a local authority.
I would think the state legislators have better things to do with their time like meaningful changes to our laws that encouraged massive claims resulting in property insurance increases many cannot afford, car insurance bills 2-4 times what exists in other states.
Stop treading on the local authorities. We elect them as well as you.
Steve Wiener, Fort Myers
Floridians' health put at risk
The Florida Republican legislators and the governor do not support the health of its citizens, especially if you are elderly, poor, or a woman. Here are some things to consider as you make your decisions about the upcoming elections. Consider that Florida turns away more than $4 billion dollars in Medicaid funds because they will not approve Medicaid expansion. Those funds would provide health insurance to more than one million poor Floridians. Consider that the legislators and the governor signed into law a six-week ban on abortions. This ban impacts the health and well-being of women, especially those with difficult pregnancies or those who are victims of sexual assault. Consider Dr. Ladapo, appointed by the governor as Florida’s surgeon general. He has warned everyone not to take COVID vaccinations because of totally unsubstantiated claims that the vaccine is unsafe. Elderly and immunocompromised Floridians are those most likely put at risk by these pronouncements, and we’ve seen the consequences in recent years. In Florida, Republican legislators and the governor care little about your health and have turned Florida into a state with some of the worst health outcomes in the U.S. I urge you to vote against these policies by voting against Florida’s Republican incumbents.
Addison Woodward, Naples
Misplaced blame
I just read the article on Francis Collins' admission about COVID mistakes while working in the White House. He was looking at the people dying by the hundreds and whole families passing away from COVID in cities like New York and trying to make decisions for the whole country based on what he was seeing there. Keeping kids out of school and people home safe to save as many lives as you can around the country sounds like what you would advise. The whole COVID pandemic was and still is a hardship on people and their families. There was nothing to save those lives at the time. Now we have a COVID vaccine that is working well against all the variants. We have the freedom to work and send our kids to school and just enjoy life again. Why put the blame on those who never saw anything like COVID in their lifetime, trying to save as many lives as they can? Why are so many of our family and friends quick to be angry and attack those who tried so hard and they themselves can't see what is right in front of them? The COVID vaccine. Instead they are still getting sick, costing themselves money and time off work, losing family members. Vaccines are good and they work. How do we know? Because many are not vaccinated and measles, polio and whooping cough are back. I saw them in my lifetime. We didn't have some of those vaccines until I was in grade school. They were not fun and many died.
Don't keep losing your families and friends. Don't let your kids suffer when they don't have to. The illnesses keep your kids out of school longer than the shutdowns. Believe me I know. The vaccines keep you alive and well.
Lynne Sparrow, Fort Myers
Barton for Naples City Council
Berne Barton is a candidate for Naples City Council. I have known Berne for over 50 years and know him to be intelligent, truly honest, wonderful family man, and a man who was born in and dearly loves Naples. Berne attended Collier County public schools and earned his degree in Operational Management from Auburn University. He well knew that returning to small Naples after graduation earning a living would be a struggle, but Naples is where he wanted to live. And, it was a struggle, for a short time driving a concrete truck, a good honest job, but having little to do with his interest or education. Today Berne is a successful insurance executive, VP of NIS Insurance Group.If you are looking for a City Council member who will always have the best interests of Naples forefront in his mind, cast your vote for Berne Barton in the March 19, 2024 election.And incidentally, Berne is my son, and how proud I am of him.Bill Barton, Naples
Folley for State House District 81
I write this letter in support of Greg Folley's candidacy for the State House District 81 seat with enthusiasm. Having served alongside Greg on the Marco Island City Council, I can attest to his unwavering commitment and effective leadership.Greg's actions consistently align with his words, proving reliability and providing a sense of trustworthiness. His steadfast dedication to conservative values, profound understanding of crucial issues, and genuine passion for our nation, our community and its citizens set him apart.In a political landscape often marked by discord, Greg stands out for how he turns his passion into constructive action. His approach has a refreshing absence of acrimony, reflecting a genuine commitment to bettering our community and country.
Greg is a champion for individual freedoms, limited government, the rule of law, free markets, and human dignity. Importantly, he maintains a firm grip on fiscal responsibility, ensuring a balanced and responsible approach to governance.I wholeheartedly endorse Greg Folley's candidacy and encourage others to join me in supporting him. His proven track record and dedication make him the ideal candidate to represent State House District 81.Claire Babrowski, former Marco Island city councilor
Reject progressive agenda
It’s that time of year and snowbirds are here along with people also looking to move here. As a resident of this beautiful state, recent developments that may potentially impact the unique charm and character of Florida are becoming a problem, some people are trying to turn Florida blue and a progressive state.I believe it is essential to preserve the values and principles that have made Florida a desirable place to live and visit. Seeing some newcomers and snowbirds attempting to change the very fabric of the state is concerning. It is important to remember that most people chose Florida because they appreciate its values, customs, weather, and way of life. People should not come to Florida and replicate the problems they left behind in their previous progressive states like in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, California leaving behind crime, high taxes and limited school choice and insane spending on entitlements that people think they deserve, and the taxpayers foot the bill.People should consider the impact of their actions on our state. While some change is good and can bring growth, it is crucial that people approach it with respect for the existing communities and their values, instead of focusing on their progressive political agenda.
People should work together to find a balance that allows for progress while preserving the unique identity of Florida without having high taxes, crime, and progressive programs. Attempting to change the political landscape to fit your ideology would undermine and disregard the wishes and rights of the people who call Florida home. Let’s celebrate the differences that make this state unique and strive to uphold the values of freedom, low taxes and prosperity for all in Florida.
Lou Walker, Cape Coral
Aggressive driver
I live in a community on Island Park Road, about one mile from Rt. 41. Often, when I make a left turn onto Island Park from our community heading towards Rt. 41, there are no vehicles behind me. Then, all of a sudden, I see a vehicle coming down Island Park in my rear view mirror about a mile back. As I progress towards Rt. 41 going 38 miles an hour in a 35 MPH limit that vehicle begins to approach me rather quickly. I am now about half way to Rt. 41 and this white pickup truck (Nothing against pickup truck drivers) is now right on my tail. Just to prove a point I slow down to 35 MPH. I can see the driver's anger. Even as I make the bend to get to Rt. 41 he is still almost bumper to bumper. When we both get to the light at Rt. 41 that light is RED, which it is 99% of the time. Hopefully, having to wait a minute or two the anxious driver will calm down. We both make a left onto Rt. 41 and head north towards the light at Briarcliff Road. Apparently, he has not calmed down because he flies by me, maybe, going 65 mph. Gee, when we get to that light it is RED. I usually turn right onto Briarcliff. I wish the speeder a good journey as he travels north on Rt. 41. I wonder how many lights he will speed up to. Oh well, there is nothing I can do about it.
Anthony Farina, Fort Myers
More policing the answer
The letters section and the weekly articles about traffic in SWFL are true, truer, and truthest! Living in the Cape, we experience much of Collier's pain and we also have the same type of leadership where more building is better and more tax money is even better than ever!
I disagree with writers who tell their tales of woe, sharing traffic stories from the 70s. Today is today and we can't change tomorrow unless we address today. We do have one simple solution and they are on the streets of our cities every day, the police. These men and women patrol our cities with honor and diligence. And in cities growing much like the Cape, crime comes with a price tag. Safety rules the day. But we could also call traffic safety a Southwest Florida emergency.
Sitting in the front row of a major intersection in the Cape, going straight and waiting for the light to change. Three incidents happened all at the same time, the driver in the left turn lane went straight, she was talking on her hand-held phone, and she had her turn signal on to make a right turn. Shazam! A traffic turkey!
Here is my solution. Increase the presence of the police near major intersections, write many tickets for all the stupid things we do, and increase the cost of a traffic ticket based on the congestion and weather. Write a lot of tickets, make a media splash, and collect a lot of money from this new source of revenue to hire more police. When driving stupid costs real money, then this emergency will end.
That's it.
Jack Holt, Cape Coral
Republican claims about economy
For months, Republicans have been bemoaning the poor condition of the economy, with their titular leader, former President Trump, leading the charge.
But a funny thing happened on the way to the economic abyss. This week the front-runner for the party’s nomination, the ex-president, declared that the economy is in such good shape because of the strong foundation established by him and his prior administration.
Consistency has never been a trait of the former president. That may be a virtue for, as Ralph Waldo Emerson once stated, “consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.” But he qualified that remark by referring to “a foolish consistency.”
While his aversion to “consistency” may mean he goes not have a “little” mind, as noted by Senator Marco Rubio, one of his rivals in the 2016 GOP primary campaign, another part of the former president’s anatomy is small: his hands.
Our senior senator deserves a hand for pointing out that key feature for posterity.
Marshall H. Tanick, Naples
Biden, Donalds and legislation
In reference to the letter printed on Sunday, January 28 titled “Donalds sponsors legislation” the writer incorrectly stated that President Biden “was elected to the House for two terms (1973-1976).” President Biden did not serve in the House of Representatives, he was elected to the Senate in 1973. Furthermore, the writer is incorrect when he stated President Biden “did not sponsor any bills” early in his first term. In fact, during the 1973-1974 Congress, then Senator Biden sponsored 19 bills and four resolutions. During his second Congress (1975-1976), Senator Biden sponsored an additional 17 bills and three resolutions. During his first full term as the junior senator from Delaware, Mr. Biden sponsored a total of 48 bills, 9 resolutions and one law.
Eugene Kelsey, Bonita Springs
Border security bill
Republicans have been whining about border security since there's nothing else they've done in their year. But when President Biden gives them a detailed border security/Ukraine aid bill, Trump's puppet, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson says "it's dead on arrival." Because Trump wants to use it politically, i.e. "Blame it on me. The bill is horrid." Wrong. Why do puppet Johnson and his faction of "crazies" have to depend on Trump for a voice since he's not in Congress? The bill has been detailed and is good; Ukraine needs aid. This is the worst House of Representatives in decades.
Rochelle Holt, Fort Myers
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Water and the economy, forum on civil discourse | Letters
