Letters to the editor for Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Appreciate Lee sheriff's message

It’s time to stop criticizing our sheriff and appreciate his hard stance on crime. Kids today are adept at using social media for everything. Whether it’s a threat or a joke neither is acceptable.

A 10-year-old boy made national news for a stupid social media post. Not once did I read that his father discussed with him the consequences of his actions, his punishment or that he now has limited use of social media.

I only read about a father defending his son and blaming the sheriff for overreacting. What message does that send to the child?

Carmine Marceno’s message to all youth today is pretty clear and he’s not joking.

Sherry Snowden, Fort Myers

Sheriff mishandled situation

Columnist Ken Paulson may or may not be 100 percent about the meaning of the First Amendment in his "School Safety" column in Sunday Views section. But he is absolutely correct that the sherriff's department grossly mishandled the situation involving a 10-year-old and his text messages. Whether there were grounds to make an arrest may be debatable, but there was no justification for the perp walk and the surrounding publicity including the student's name. And the order for 21-day detention seems excessive and grossly unjust.

Jay Wright, Fort Myers

Warning signs must be taken seriously

Regarding the 10-year-old arrested for threat, I think your coverage overlooked the real point of why the sheriff made such a public demonstration. He has repeatedly told the community that his highest priority is school safety and he has a zero tolerance approach. Thus he indeed wanted to make this an example. Just as you can't joke going through TSA, you can't joke on social media and/or messaging. The facts seem clear: A complaint was made. The deputies followed up and found probable cause and arrested the boy.

The perp walk, in my opinion, should have been the father -- who kept telling his son he did nothing wrong and made this a public fight. He obviously is not monitoring his 10-year-old's cell phone usage! The child had a picture of an AR style weapon and the father owns one! Joke or no joke, you have to take these possible warning signs seriously.

Lastly, why don't you ask the people in Uvalde if they thought this was an overreaction.

Philip Prinzi, Fort Myers

Register Republican to have a voice

Members of Collier County Districts 2 and 4 will soon select their next county commissioners. This upcoming August primary is extremely important, for whoever wins the Republican primary will, in all likelihood, be the next commissioner. The winners will help determine direction on critical issues such as affordable housing, new towns and villages in rural Collier, water quality, tourism promotion, etc.

Unfortunately, given our closed primary system, those with no party affiliation (NPAs) will not be able to vote for a commissioner. With only one Democrat running in District 2 and none in District 4, all eyes are on the Republicans. To have a voice in this election, you need to be a Republican. There is still time for NPAs and Dems to register as Republican — but not much! The deadline is Friday, July 25; to register/change your registration; go to colliervotes.gov or call (239) 252-2630).

Among the District 2 Republican candidates, Nancy Lewis stands out for her integrity, commitment and hard work on issues affecting residents in her district, as well as her knowledge of broader county issues such as the RLSA program which guides growth in rural Collier County. Among District 4 candidates, there is no better choice than incumbent Penny Taylor. She brings essential institutional knowledge, as well as competency and commitment, to the position of commissioner.

Your vote counts! Register/change registration at colliervotes.gov by July 25.

S.L. Calkins, Naples

Re-elect Penny Taylor in District 4

Penny Taylor is the incumbent running for the District 4 seat on the Collier County Board of Commissioners. She has represented us well and is always informed on the issues. She supports smart growth, but does not believe in giving a green light to all developers. Her concerns are to protect current residents and make sure that proposed development is not threatening the life they are enjoying. This includes the impact of new communities on water, taxes, roadway usage, beach availability, etc.

She has not been afraid to vote against the majority, to make a statement that the majority is not always right and that its decisions may have adverse consequences.

She has the experience which the other candidates lack and because of this can be a more effective advocate for her constituents.

Judith Hushon, Naples

Elect Daija Hinojosa for new leadership

Daija Hinojosa is running for Collier County Commissioner in District 4 and District 4 is fortunate to have a new, fresh face on the political horizon.

Ms. Hinojosa is very innovative, resourceful and driven, to say the least. Ms. Hinojosa’s belief in faith, principles and integrity exudes from her in any given situation. She does not believe in division or discord, she believes in solidifying and bringing people together. Ms. Hinojosa is paving the way to unite the citizens of Collier County. She is very involved in our community.

I believe Ms. Hinojosa has the perspective, the passion and the dedication to work toward resolutions; clean water, affordable housing. and economic development.

Vote for Ms. Hinojosa for Collier County commissioner, District 4. She will be of value to this position. She is a trailblazer, without question!

No one is more competent for this commission seat than Ms. Hinojosa. We need new leadership in District 4 and someone who knows the principles of management.

Mary Zarroli, Naples

Penny Taylor a proven commissioner

The upcoming election for the District 4 Collier County commissioner’s seat could not be more important for those of us who care about controlling the growth of this area. We need a commissioner who understands and will preserve the integrity and values of our community, while still enhancing responsible economic growth. As a Collier County commissioner, Penny Taylor has worked effectively as the liaison between the county commissioners and the Naples City Council in helping to coordinate the many critical issues. Penny works hard at every level – county, regional and state -- to protect and improve our complicated water systems that range from the Gulf of Mexico and the Everglades to storm water drainage systems. Her many years of knowledge and experience in these areas is invaluable in helping to forge rational, permanent long-term solutions. We need someone representing District 4 who knows the community and shares its values. Penny Taylor has already proven she can do the job. Join me in voting in the Aug. 23 primary election for Penny Taylor for Collier County Commission!

David L. Vaughan, North Naples

Voting for Penny Taylor

I am voting for the re-election of Penny Taylor for District 4 for county commissioner. I believe she has done a good job and should return. She is always conscientious about the City of Naples that is in her district. Penny is the only commissioner who voted NO on several big developments including the one the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has filed suit against. All the other commissioners, all men, vote yes on every big development that comes before them.

One of her opponents, McLeod has taken credit for Baker Park. Just because she sat on City Council at the time doesn't mean she get credit. She was NOT out raising private monies for the park. She had nothing to do with the successful fundraiser held in the Park with no water or electric available. Why is it that McLeod has construction donors on her list? Are they developers?

Susan H. Earl, Naples

Retain current leaders at Collier schools

Next month we voters have an opportunity to cast our ballots to retain the current leadership of the Collier County School Board. Roy Terry, Jen Mitchell and Jory Westberry are proven leaders whose singular agenda is to address and serve the educational needs of the students, parents, teachers and community. The current board is transparent and has earned the respect of reasonable people. In turn, this board has demonstrated wisdom, patience, fortitude, responsiveness. It welcomes differing perspectives. Through most-turbulent times, it has maintained a vision and stability that has and will continue to provide a quality education for all rather than the few.

With guidance, prudence, and exceptional leadership, our current board, administration, teachers, and staff, have witnessed achievement and a graduation level at exceptionally high rates, outperforming the state in all tested areas and the retention of an A-rated district.

In short, Collier County needs the exceptional individual and collective leadership and experience of Roy Terry, Jen Mitchell, and Jory Westberry in order to navigate the oft-sensitive matters of rezoning, the opening of a state-of-the art high school, and the selection of our next superintendent of schools. In addition, each incumbent candidate will sustain and improve upon the continuing goals of increasing student achievement, maintaining fiscal oversight and accountability, expanding technical education and career paths, recruiting and retaining exceptional teachers and support staff, and working with law enforcement and other partners to continue to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all of our children and staff.

George Bond, Naples

Rethink 'uncommon friends' sculpture

Ever wonder what they might be taking about, those three "uncommon friends" whose photo camping in the Everglades inspired that sculpture in Centennial Park?

According to Neil Baldwin, author of "Henry Ford and the Jews: The Mass Production of Hate," putting down Jews was a "common" campfire topic for Ford, Edison and Firestone on their frequent motor-car "safaris" along the East Coast.

The Fuhrer kept a photo of Henry Ford, the American he most admired, in his chancellery office and saw to it that Ford was awarded The Third Reich's Grand Cross of the German Eagle medal, the highest honor it bestowed on foreigners. Anyone with even a passing knowledge of American history between the wars understands that Henry Ford was a notorious Nazi sympathizer and ferocious anti-Semite.

And while few could match Ford's hatred of Jews, Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone were not that far behind, perhaps even a common denominator for these "3 uncommon friends." Several years ago a misguided attempt to name one of the bridges across the Caloosahatchee after Henry Ford was turned back after Ford's sordid past was made known to our local political leaders.

Likewise, honoring Ford and his ilk with that statue downtown needs to be revisited, and now that it needs fixing is a good time to rethink its place in a public park. If it belongs anywhere, it's on the grounds of the Ford and Edison estates on McGregor.

"Cancel Culture" can often go overboard to the point of foolishness, but in this case, "cancelling" the honors mistakenly conferred on Ford, his memory and on his fellow- travelling bigots is right on target!

Bruce Diamond, Fort Myers

Kathy Fanny for Lee school board

As a retired educator and advocate for school-aged children and youth and their families, I recognize the importance of electing school board members with good educational experience and sound family values. I am writing today to endorse Kathy Fanny as a candidate for the Lee County School Board. After receiving her bachelor’s and master's degrees, Kathy went on to serve in many capacities as a teacher, child and youth director, mentor, and family advocate with an emphasis on individual needs of each of her students. Serving, also, as a computer coordinator, she is familiar with the programs and systems necessary for sound educational practices. She is a loving grandmother (Logan and Dylan), a foster care mother and an active community volunteer. Kathy Fanny will definitely be an asset to children, youth, families and the Lee County School System.

Rene Leininger, St. James City

Kathy Fanny well qualified

Leeschools.net published results in May of this year showing that only 48 percent of third graders in our local public system were proficient in grade 3 reading. Math scores are somewhat better, but still well below 60 percent. This is a disservice to the students and very troubling given today's students are future mothers, fathers, and workers. An educated population is key to maintaining a healthy economy, productive workforce, and informed citizens.

While several of our District 1 school board candidates seem serious about serving on the School Board, only one seems to have an actual background in public education. Kathy Fanny of Cape Coral has spent her entire career life as a classroom teacher and reading specialist in public schools. She has the education, training, and experience to help our schools improve their dismal reading and math achievement scores.

Our public school system has many challenges and has faced some controversy, but the bottom line is that the purpose of a public school system is educate. We need experienced leaders who know how to do that. If you live in District 1, vote for Kathy Fanny for school board.

Melanie Hoff, St. James City

Re-elect Lee County Judge Hayward

Re-elect the Honorable Archie B. Hayward for Judge of the Lee County Court.

These uncertain times require that we have justices who are wise and experienced. Judge Hayward, a native of Fort Myers, was educated at UF Law School and has 14 years of experience as a judge in Lee County focusing on civil and criminal matters.

Judge Hayward has also been broadly involved in Lee County. He was a trustee at FSW (formerly Edison Community College) and at the SWFL Community Foundation. And, he served on the Advisory Board of the Youth Shelter of SW FL and the SW FL Juvenile Detention Center. He understands our community.

Judge Hayward has the intelligence, knowledge, experience, and commitment to our community to warrant your support for re-election.

Samuel B. Stewart, Ed.D, Fort Myers

Judge Hayward earns voters' support

With the 2022 election cycle upon us, we voters must educate ourselves about candidates as well as issues. The 20th Judicial Circuit includes Lee County judges. Judge Archie Hayward is a 14-year veteran Lee County judge who has earned Lee voters’ support.

A native of Lee County, Judge Hayward returned to his community after earning his law degree at the University of Florida. In addition to practicing law, he used his talents to help improve the quality of life for his fellow citizens.

He began mentoring elementary school students through high school and on to college, ensuring that students earned scholarships and resources necessary for success. Further, Hayward took on other community service work as a member of the Ruth Cooper Center, the Alzheimer’s Resource Center, the Downtown Redevelopment Agency, and the SWFL Juvenile Detention Center. He demonstrated his commitment to education through membership in Take Stock in Children, the Edison Community College Board of Trustees, adjunct professor and advisory board member of the Paralegal Program, past trustee of the SWFL Community Foundation (now the Collaboratory) and membership in the Rotary Club of Fort Myers, elected president in 2019. Judge Hayward remains an active member of Mt. Olive AME Church.

Judge Hayward continues to serve his beloved community with his time and talent. As a jurist, he is well experienced in criminal and civil matters and has earned Lee County’s continued support. Let’s re-elect the Honorable Judge Archie Hayward.

Audrea Anderson, Fort Myers

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Letters to the editor for Wednesday, July 20, 2022