Letters to the editor for Thursday, May 12, 2022
Commission punts on rent increase bill
On Tuesday Collier County’s commissioners voted down a small bill that could have helped a lot of people. Its intent was simple -- require landlords to provide tenants with 60 days notice if they intended to increase their rent by more than 5 percent.
When our Affordable Housing Advisory Committee first observed this bill’s passage in March in Miami-Dade County, we proposed it here, thinking no one would oppose it. We were almost right.
Last week a Florida Landlords’ Association supported the bill, saying over 90 percent of their members would willingly comply. So why did three of our county leaders vote it down?
One commissioner said people would misinterpret the bill, thinking it was rent control, or anti-eviction, or worse. Following that argument, why enact any legislation? Our citizens can read.
Another commissioner explained this bill won’t solve the affordable housing crisis. Well that’s true, it wasn’t intended to.
And one commissioner said he won’t support a bill just because it will make people “feel good.” I’m not sure I understand why that’s a bad thing. We desperately need some reasons to feel good.
So today some of our citizens will continue to learn on very short notice their leases are expiring and their rents are being raised by obscene amounts. This small bill could have given them some time to apply for rent relief, or find a new place to live.
Affordable housing is a crisis in Collier County. We need less rhetoric and more imaginative collaboration to solve these serious problems.
Joe Trachtenberg, chairman, Collier County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Duped into attending MAGA rally
On Saturday night May 7 my friends and I attended the final Legends Concert at Sugden Park in East Naples. It turns out I purchased tickets to attend a MAGA rally! I knew I was in trouble when I arrived and the first shuttle golf cart I saw was flying a Trump – Make America Great flag. Before the music began, there was a half-hour ceremony honoring fallen heroes. The first speaker was Rick LoCastro, one of our Collier County commissioners, who recently made headlines for defending the Jan. 6 defendants. He was followed by a Collier sheriff and Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez herself. Each took the opportunity to turn the occasion into a political rally. In their statements they discussed how they were honoring these heroes unlike “those leftist states who create chaos and have no respect for law enforcement, veterans, etc.” and where looters receive no penalties. They also made mention of how the other side (left) is trying to take away their rights. Each made divisive comments such as this using all the right trigger words and stirring up hate in the crowd that was gathered there. The attendees, many donning Trump caps and T shirts, ate it up, all waving their flags and clapping.
When I bought tickets to hear Bob Seger and Eagles tribute bands, I looked forward to attending a concert in my neighborhood community park. Nowhere in the ads for this event was it made clear that I would be contributing money to a right-wing political group and their causes. And that once at the event, I would find myself surrounded by a sea of MAGA loving right-wingers. I felt angry and duped to have been lured into a situation which was not my choice and made me feel very uncomfortable.
Warning: If you buy a ticket to the Legends Concerts in Sugden Park, know what you are really going to and supporting.
Ellen Rubin, Naples
Naples' venerable tennis player
May I take issue with your sports page headline on Sunday. It states "Ukrainian, 98, is world's oldest tennis player." In the article that follows, it reconfirms he is the oldest competitive tennis player. Right here in Naples at the Naples Grand Resort is the ATM sponsored All The Marbles Tourney played three days a week. Bud Martin, a longtime resident, was a consistent winner of ATM trophies till he passed away in January at 101. Bud, who headed our team foursome, helped bring the cumulative age of our foursome to 369 years. God bless him.
Larry Ryan, Naples
Help for those with cardboard signs
I know there are larger problems facing our lives and I understand how challenging life can be for some.
I have noticed a larger presence of people with cardboard signs around I-75 exit ramps in town and some may genuinely need help.
Unfortunately some apparently don't feel the need to keep their work areas clean. I noticed trash on Immokalee Road this morning near the highway. They may need mental health assistance and I'm wondering if there are local government or private facilities where I could direct them.
Tim Winschel, Naples
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Letters to the editor for Thursday, May 12, 2022
