Letters to the editor for Sunday, October 16, 2022
Elect proven Collier school leaders
Hurricane Ian has shown us once again that this community has the power to come together in a time of crisis. There are many kinds of crises, and necessary responses vary. But working together for the common good is always essential.
The Collier County School Board election has the potential to create a crisis for students, parents, teachers, and the community — all of whom currently benefit from having a consistently A-rated district with exceptionally high graduation rates and sound finances. I cannot overstate the importance of electing school board members who have proven themselves: their commitment to high quality education for all students, their ability to engage in respectful dialogue and productive collaboration, and their integrity and effectiveness as elected leaders of a large, complex district. The school board election is nonpartisan; qualifications matter, not party affiliations.
Thus, I enthusiastically support the CCPS School Board incumbents: Westberry, Mitchell, and Terry. All voters get to vote for all three.
Their opponents collectively do not have the education, temperament, qualifications, or commitment to lead our district. They do have a political agenda, however, discernible despite the lies and misinformation promoted by their campaigns. Their election would create a crisis. The district would quickly fall into turmoil, at the exact time the board must select a new superintendent.
Now is the time for the community to work together for the common good — to elect a proven team of outstanding school board members: Westberry, Mitchell, and Terry. We must avert a crisis.
Rev. Dr. Sharon Harris-Ewing, Naples
Senior living staff outstanding in storm
On behalf of my mother who has been a resident of Springwood Court here in Fort Myers for three years, I extend sincere thanks to the entire team at Springwood Court and Charter Living for providing outstanding planning, preparation and delivery to all residents during the catastrophic events from Hurricane Ian.
Protocols and due diligence could not have been better and the team's decision to stay in place vs. evacuation with the enormity of variables turned out to be quite prudent.
My mother as well as all residents and staff were safely protected, nourished and all resources available including on site nursing and staffing to assist during a very difficult and frightening few days.
Fran Gray, executive director, is a remarkable leader, resilient and continues to persevere given any challenge and should be praised and thanked for her Herculean and remarkable efforts.
Diana Kurtz, Fort Myers
Time for change at fire district
Sparker’s Soapbox presented information from the candidates for the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District (GNFD) Board of Fire Commissioners (BofFC) race. It should raise many questions for the taxpayers.
In a conversation with Dave Boothby candidate for Seat 1, he has chosen not to run and places his support with Mark Cherney.
The GNFD budget of over $50,000,000 is nothing to be taken lightly. Check the record the BoFC approved over $7,000,000 increased revenue in property taxes and $2,500,000 from reserves. The fire chief threated reduced service levels if his budget was not approved.
A recent email from the Conservative Stars of Collier endorsed Charlie Cottiers. This Electioneering Communications Organization endorsement does not mean the candidate is a conservative. The current BofFC may be a Conservative in Name Only (CINO). The GNFD BofFC voted for a tax increase. When we pay more this year than last year that is a tax increase.
Why did the BofFC approve a union contract they did not give the fire chief authority or direction to negotiate. How many working people in Collier County get 14 PAID holidays, sick leave, vacation, personal, and education leave.
It is time for change. These three candidates will do their homework, ask the tough questions, and be fiscally responsible. They are not beholding to any group. Vote for Mark Cherney (Seat 1), Brian Cross (Seat 3), and Patrick Dearborn, (Seat 4).
Ellen Mason, Naples
School a safe space for Halloween
Halloween Is usually a fun and sweet time for our children. This year there is reluctance on everyone's part whether to allow the children to trick or treat on the streets.
A suggestion would be for parents to take their candies to the school. Let the children dress up and spend the day going to room and room for a treat. It could be a party time for teachers as well as students.
With all the evil and mess from the hurricane we can help keep them safe and still enjoy Halloween.
Marie Dekkers, Naples
Disrespectful cartoon
The cartoon in the Sunday, Oct. 9 edition of the Naples Daily News was disrespectful and insulting to all the hard-working, struggling, taxpaying Floridians who lost homes, possessions, family farms or businesses, health, a lifetime of photographs and/or jobs as a result of Hurricane Ian. It is heartbreaking and unbelievable that the (local?) editors of the Naples Daily News thought this cartoon was "funny" and "appropriate" and printed it! You both owe our proud Floridian neighbors a huge apology.
Julie Wyman, North Naples
How women are addressed is significant
At this Tuesday’s Board of Collier County Commissioners meeting, one commissioner condescendingly and repeatedly referred to female Collier County department heads, community leaders, and candidates by their first names, and to the men with various honorifics. The use of first names for females and not the males suggests that there was some sort of close special relationship with the women, which there was not. It also demonstrates gender bias, pure and simple, and was a put-down to all of the women, whether intended or not, as if they did not deserve the titles they had acquired during life.
How should women be addressed respectfully? At a minimum, in an environment where men are all Mr. or commissioner, I am Ms. Kanter or candidate Kanter. My name is on the ballot and I am running for commissioner in 34108, 34109, 34110, and 34119. Other women are director, Ms., or commissioner (in this context) but please don’t just use our first names, unless men are addressed in exactly the same manner.
Bebe Kanter, Naples
Vote for Cindy Banyai
Congressman Byron Donalds is a Trump supporter. He contends that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. He is opposed to women’s choice. He is opposed to gun control. He denies climate change in spite of Hurricane Ian. He even voted against aid to Floridians after the wrath of Hurricane Ian. What’s not to like about him?
Instead, vote for Cindy Banyai. She is a mother, teacher, fighter (a pro boxer), and activist. Visit her website at cindybanjai.com which makes it clear that she has the impeccable qualifications and life experiences to make her the best candidate for District 19 representative for Congress.
She has honorable principles. We need virtue in governance. We need truth in our democracy. We need intelligence in our legislation. We need a heart in adversity. Cindy Banyai will deliver.
Sally Lam, Naples
Don't just vote; Vote Smart
Over the years I have become more and more concerned about the political ads and the speeches that I am seeing. The substance and the fighting between the politicians, the venom and partisan attacks, leave me with the questions of who are they and what do they really stand for.
I have recently found a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization called VoteSmart.org. which has helped me get through the self-serving, often manipulative claims they make. This organization takes no funds from special interests. They just collect the facts. They are so good at it that Google, Bing, and even the Defense Department have depended on their work.
At VoteSmart.org you can instantly see:
1. Every word that candidates have ever said in keyword searchable databases.
2. Every key vote ever made listed by subject with easy to understand descriptions of how that vote affected you.
3. Every special interest group evaluation ever made of them.
4. Their positions on each major issue facing the nation.
5. A list of their major financial backers.
6. Their biographical backgrounds in detail.
Instead of collapsing under the weight of our current political climate, take action -- explore Vote Smart's resources and learn who and what we are really voting for. All free, easy to use and understand. You can also call the Vote Smart hotline at 888-VOTE-SMART to speak with a researcher who will help you find the facts.
Martha Selby, Naples
Generosity, love, compassion post storm
We could not weather the loss of our home and possessions without the generosity, love, and compassion of friends.
Cherished loved ones are now our safety net and lifeline post hurricane. I am humbled by this outpouring of love and feel much gratitude. As a type A personality with an independent streak, I find it painful to ask for help. But I’m thankful it’s extended.
Some have commented that we’re all “rich” so a hurricane, outside the inconvenience of no internet or electric for a few days, isn’t a big deal.
It’s true that a few people in our hard hit area are financially better off through their own hard work, marrying money, being trust fund babies, or by inheritance. They have the means to rebuild with a shrug. Even so, I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.
But most of us are not “better off.”
Imagine for a moment: you wake up the day after a natural disaster and you have NOTHING except the clothes on your back.
Go outside. Sit under a tree and imagine, that’s all you’ve got. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
You have no water, no home, no toothbrush, no bra, no pets, no toilet, no food, no credit or bank cards or documents, no ID, no car, no clothes, no job, and no phone to call for help. All of your heirlooms or artwork — your books — any and everything you most value is forever gone. And you’re not getting the news about supplies or meals and have no family here.
Now, imagine you’re over the age of 80 and alone — or you’re 8 and your mother is fretting because she has no ability to put a roof over your head, let alone find child care and get food into your belly — and what about school and clothes and shoes and other supplies?
Average rent in Naples costs around $4k/month. This typically requires first and last month’s rent plus a security deposit. The majority of rentals do not take pets. Now imagine you worked hard enough to buy a home but still hold a mortgage. Just because you lost the ability to live in your home doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for the monthly payment. Now you have rent and a mortgage — and must find the money to renovate when insurance hands you a check for a pittance (or none at all) and FEMA offers you $400. And you’ll need a car and probably a phone and computer too.
Additionally, If you got through the hurricane unscathed, please think before you complain that a wayward but tied up boat might be encroaching on your dock space, or your neighbor's tree limbs fell over your fence line, or there’s someone’s damn dog (likely missing) in your yard.
Think about how you’d want to be treated or spoken to or cared for if this happened to you — if you suddenly had everything yanked from you through no fault of your own?
Then ask yourself: What does the exercise of compassion mean to you? What does it look like? And how can you help? (This message excludes hundreds of beautiful souls who’ve selflessly helped others.)
B.A. Crisp, Naples
Biden vs. Trump no contest
The letter of Oct. 9 (“What Biden has accomplished”) hit the nail on the head. Biden really performed miraculously. Compared to his accomplishments, the results of the previous president pale beyond belief. Since the Naples Daily News is always very fair and bipartisan in its reporting, I'd like to provide a list of the so-called “accomplishments” of the previous administration, namely: Best economy in decades; Lowest unemployment in 40 years; Lowest unemployment ever for Blacks and Latinos; Highest stock market levels, much increased IRAs; Most secure southern border ever; Energy self sufficiency; Reining in the nuclear dictator in North Korea; Replacement of NAFTA by USMCA; Rejection of the one-sided Paris Climate Accord; China to task for unfair trade practices; Repeal of restrictive regulations; Cancellation of the one-sided Iran nuclear deal; Forcing European NATO partners to adhere to agreements; Development of COVID vaccines in record time.
The list goes on and on and the Naples Daily News and it’s readers will agree that all the so-called “accomplishments” pale in comparison to the massive accomplishments by the Biden administration. They do not even come close.
Erik C. Meyer, Naples
Florida's charlatan
It is pathetic that Sen. Rick Scott is embracing the candidacy of Herschel Walker, Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Georgia.
It should be clear by now that Walker, who has campaigned against abortion rights, paid for an abortion for one of his girlfriends with whom he has another son.
In his campaign speech supporting Walker, Scott didn't address his choice's hypocrisy or lie, but instead espoused the need for Republicans to regain control of the Senate. Whatever the cost.
Scott is saying that a candidate's immorality and lies, however repugnant, are unimportant to a candidate's ability to lead this country. Better men would have avoided this race. Scott, however, is not a better man.
I pray Georgia voters, particularly Christians, are not persuaded by Florida's charlatan.
Jason Sage, Naples
The evidence keeps mounting
As former Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney’s old boss Donald J. Trump is known to do, I would like to offer a “counterpunch” to his thesis in his “Your Turn” column of Oct. 2, “Recess Gave Jan. 6 Committee a Credibility Problem.”
Although Mr. Mulvaney admitted that Congress goes out of session every summer for its “August Recess,” he failed to mention that most of the congressional staff, especially their staff of attorneys that actually perform the bulk of the committee’s work, remained on the job conducting interviews, collecting facts, and writing reports. Thus, no matter what the representatives are doing during the summer recess, the wheels of investigation continue to turn out summaries and reports, just as the wheels of Justice continue to slowly turn even if the attorney general goes on vacation. New information and investigative leads continue to be followed up daily, and the evidence for a seditious conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election is mounting. And a growing body of evidence indicates that conspiracy was centered in the Oval Office by Mr. Trump and his carload of clowns.
Like the wheels of justice, public opinion in America turns ever so slowly. Do you remember how long Watergate dragged on before Republican opinion finally turned against the previously popular Richard M. Nixon? It may take years, but some justice will be served.
Bruce J. Kennedy, Naples
Better way to communicate
It may give us a certain amount of pride to show our children a vitriolic letter which we wrote and was printed in the daily newspaper, but is that the legacy we want to leave them? Instead of bashing others, why not write your own reasons for feeling the way you do. You will leave the next generation with a greater respect for your opinions and a better way to communicate.
Marian Lauck, Naples
Trump vs. Biden: What's important?
Trump loved Putin, undermined NATO and interfered with and even blocked shipment of military gear to Ukraine in an extortion attempt to undermine Biden. Trump’s divisive actions may have caused the war in Ukraine by emboldening Putin.
Under Biden’s leadership Norway and Sweden have joined NATO, united NATO countries and saved a democratic Ukraine from Russian authoritarian dictatorship. Most importantly, Biden has probably prevented WW III by stopping Russian repeated aggression which is analogous to Adolf Hitler's overrunning Austria, Czeckoslovakia, Poland, France, etc. Yes, Biden has stopped Putin in his tracks and probably prevented WW III.
Trump has trumpeted THE BIG LIE about the election and facilitated states’ attorney generals to reverse the results of election. Like King Midas he has destroyed the moral fabric of nearly everyone with whom he has been in contact, even Supreme Court justices and Republican senators and representatives. McConnell and McCarthy condemned Trump for instigating the Jan. 6 riots but later under Trump’s influence claimed that the riots were just usual visitors to the Capitol.
Never have democracy and freedom been so threatened as now by the moral decay under Trump leadership. What is really important is your vote in November reflecting these insights.
William Pettinger M.D., Bonita Spring
This is nonpartisan?
I find it curious that in Sunday's "Nonpartisan Voter Guide" not one response from a Republican candidate was printed. Why would a responsible newspaper print responses from Democratic candidates only? For every Republican candidate the only information printed is "No response." Really? Not one of them responded? You call this "Nonpartisan?" I call it a joke.
Christine Sherlock, Fort Myers
Are you better off?
Because the media news cycle is 24-72 hours, Ian will be a distant news broadcast forgotten by 46 states. It's not your fault but because the horror and devastation only plays so long, it is on to other more pressing matters -- the election.
First, DeSantis -- you are the type of leader Florida wants and gets. You will make a great president but remember, they are coming for you, your family, your friends, your present and your past. Stay strong.
And now if you are being 100 percent totally honest, are you better off than three years ago?
And being 100 percent honest, have you ever seen a world so tortured and devolving into a catastrophe than 2022? Let's highlight some of the keys to our collapse.
1 - an economy no one can figure out. Inflation at 1980 levels would exceed 15 percent using the same metrics.
2 - we have spent 6 trillion, do you feel different?
3 - war, America is fighting a war and costing $50 billion, are you safer?
4 - supply chain. Have you wondered why it has manifested itself in rolling shortages but never solving the shortages? Cars, toilet paper, baby formula, hardware, produce, meat, and other primary sources of food.
5 - climate change. I think it is real but not for the reasons we are being told -- sounds like COVID sleight of hand.
6 - crime where your favorite cities are no longer safe. And just for giggles, take away the Second Amendment.
7 - immigration. tell me again why we need 5 million uneducated illegal migrants who require the U.S. taxpayer to foot the bill. Where will these people sleep, eat and work?
8 - Ukraine -- sorry, we have enough of our own problems.
9 - Drugs -- pot, coke, and fentanyl destroying our young and their future.
10 - giveaways -- government checks, student loan forgiveness. The IRA bill known as the Inflation Reduction Act will not reduce inflation but now is being referred to as the Climate Bill - Hmmmm.
11 - China -- it is more of a threat and where are the Bidens in all of this mess. Right, at the beach.
Jack Holt, Cape Coral
Actions speak louder than words
President Biden blurted “No one F****s with a Biden” to the Fort Myers Beach mayor after he was thanked for touring the hurricane devastation in his community.
World leaders have no trust in Biden after he ordered the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and abandoned allies in the middle of the night without warning. These allies are threatened by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, but provide only token financial support despite his plea. So, the proxy war burden falls on U.S. taxpayers.
After criticizing the crown prince in Saudi Arabia, Biden asked him to increase oil production to lower gas prices to fight inflation but instead the prince cut production by 2 million barrels a day which will increases our gas and heating oil prices. It also increases Russia’s revenue used to fund Putin’s aggressions in Ukraine which we oppose.
Iran promotes death to America and Israel while Putin threatens nuclear retaliation to save his expanded empire. Both are committing heinous crimes against humanity. Yet, Russia is representing the U.S. in negotiating an Iran nuclear deal that will give the mullahs billions of our taxpayer dollars while Russia and the mullahs are ratcheting up their military cooperation in plain sight, inflicting damages in Ukraine and the Middle East with our money.
Actions speak louder than words and what Biden has done in 20 months has destroyed our country economically and weakened our resolve in foreign affairs. American people are fed up and we’ve had it with his policies.
Frank Mazur, Fort Myers
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Letters to the editor for Sunday, October 16, 2022
