Letters to the Editor, July 29
Problems with Marco’s rental order
“Take Back Marco” is the name of the PAC who drafted this proposed order. This of course raises the question: take back from whom?
One might wonder why vacation rental owners are so opposed to this ordinance. Here are three answers: 1) Trash: This is not a “simple check-in,” as there are 19 legal minefield areas that are in direct conflict with Florida law as well as the Constitution. This order is tied to an immediate trial and will waste millions. 2) Government Overreach: No government has ever managed to micromanage private property with the mandates contained in this law. Not only is it invasive and absurd in nature, but it is totally impossible to control and enforce. 3) The perpetrators’ goals have been public for years and this stopgap will only serve to put a knife in the hand of your worst neighbor. They would go from simply creating lists to full stalking and harassment, taking pictures and scoping out every license plate. Get a few quotes issued, then landlords can NOT rent to ANYONE for ANY length of time. This represents a lawful taking and improper seizure of property.
Some should sell. And THAT’S exactly what “Take Marco back” means: when a group of neighbors (who aren’t lawyers) went to write their own law that doesn’t apply to them, but applies to another group of 2,000 neighbors who actually pay more. taxes, and unfortunately less voting rights in this process. Laws must be applied uniformly and be fair. Higher taxation, zero representation. Instead, let’s work together to find appropriate solutions.
Rob White, Marco Island
Vote ‘yes’ to rental ordinance
There is a last-minute campaign advocating a ‘no’ vote to Marco Island’s proposed short-term rental regulations. I guess it’s funded by Airbnb and local realtors. Their argument is not to imitate Fort Lauderdale.
Did anyone think these ordinances were put in place to address disruptive spring break issues with rioting, drunken behavior and shootings? Wait until people realize that they can book accommodation in Marco over the internet, with impunity, and house 10-20 party-loving young adults.
Some people obviously think they can buy a house here, spend a few months there, and turn it into a hotel for the rest of the year to pay for all their expenses. I bought here nine years ago because it was not a Sanibel or Clearwater Beach, with myriad hotels, flooded with tourists. I will definitely vote “Yes”.
Anthony Riviezzo, Marco Island
Source of reliable information for voters
As the August 23 primary election approaches, flyers and emails continue to land in my mailbox from candidates, parties and political organizations asking for my vote. This part of the political process, where candidates and parties connect with potential voters and explain their position on issues, is vital to our democracy. But when candidates, parties and organizations misrepresent the facts about the positions of their opponents, such misinformation can do great harm to our democracy. Voters need a reliable source of information about candidates’ positions on issues to make informed decisions.
The League of Women Voters publishes a voter guide, available at Vote411.org, with information provided directly by candidates in local and national races. Candidates’ answers to questions are posted online and the League of Women Voters does not edit those answers. They are published exactly as submitted by applicants. Vote411.org is a “one stop shop” that allows voters to easily access candidate information and create a personalized ballot that will make voting easier. To get your personalized voting guide with links to candidates’ answers in the races you’ll be voting for, go to vote411.org.
Voting is a right and a responsibility. Before undertaking this civic duty, do your research! Protect our democracy by arming yourself with facts about the candidates on Vote411.org.
The Collier County League of Women Voters is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that supports and educates voters. The League does not support or endorse any candidate or political party.
Diane Preston Moore, president of the League of Women Voters of Collier County
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