When I returned home I contacted the Marco Island Police Department. Police officer Bobby Sims arrived within 10 minutes and took photos of those injuries which were visible at that time. Then I went to Urgent Care because of the loss of consciousness; the doctor there insisted I go to the hospital in an ambulance. An ambulance from the Isles of Capri Fire Rescue arrived soon thereafter, as did a fire truck and three members of Marco’s Fire Rescue Department. I thank these five individuals for their compassion and professionalism.
The doctor at Physician’s Regional ordered CT Scans of my brain and neck, as well as x-rays of my right hand, my right elbow, and my right shoulder. Nothing was broken and there was no evidence of a brain bleed. I was discharged at which time the doctor suggested I carry mace and never ride alone.

I am completely baffled by the reason for this attack. Who does stuff like this? Just as troubling, however, is the fact that the wife never stopped; she just kept walking. Since they were on foot they probably live somewhere in the vicinity of the YMCA.

I am hoping a reader may have witnessed the attack since it was right across the street from the Y’s main entrance. I am also hoping that he has shared his actions with one or two members of Marco’s community. If any reader knows who did this, please report this guy to the Marco Island Police Department.

Sincere yours, Karina Paape
295 Shadow Ridge Ct.
239-389-1827/239-272-1659
email: chestergun@comcast.net

The 14^th Southwest Florida Soapfest has come and gone, and each year we thank over 100 individuals and organizations who donate to this wonderful cause – whether it be their talent, time, money, food, gift certificates, housing, vehicles, etc. This event really could not happen without the generosity we receive over the months leading up to the event and during the event. All of us at Soapfest feel very, very privileged to be a part of a community that pulls together, as the Soapfest cogs move to make this wheel turn.

Thanks to the following for their contribution and continued support.

Bistro Soleil, Centennial Bank, Clausen Properties, Marco Eagle, Marco Island Princess, Anne Henegan, Zinful Martini and Wine Lounge, CJ’s On The Bay, Coastal Breeze, Condee Cooling and Electric, Marco Island Sun Times, Marco Movies, Nacho Mama’s, NeNe’s Kitchen, Rookies Bar & Grill, ABC and CBS Soaps In Depth, Coiffures Intl., Crazy Flamingo, Davide Italian Café, Empire Bagel, Gino’s Olde Trattoria, Gorman’s Auto Service, Hoot’s, House of Mozart, Joey’s Pizza, Key West Express, Little Bar Restaurant, Mango’s Bistro, Marco Office Supply, McDonald’s, Marco Island Yacht Club, Marco Island Historical Society, Marco Veterinary Hospital, Paradise Seafood, Philly Grille, Publix, Red Rooster, Sand Bar, Soap Opera Digest, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Stonewall’s, The AV Guy, Vandy’s 5 Brothers, Verdi’s Bistro, and Winn-Dixie.

A special thanks to the 50+ enthusiastic volunteers, who came from as far as England, Illinois, and Idaho, to join with Islanders to perform tasks ranging from selling tickets to driving back and forth to the Fort Lauderdale airport. Lastly, we are forever grateful for the generosity of the celebrities, who lend their time and talent year after year.

Thank you all for caring, sharing, and giving.

Pat Berry and all of us at Soapfest

Thank you, The Kiwanis Club of Marco Island

As the facts and documentation will establish, on October 8, late at night (11:27 pm), I wrote a very positive letter about our City in the form of an OP/ED piece and emailed it (using my private email account) to the local papers. And as a courtesy to various City department heads, about whose departments I was commenting in the article, I simultaneously sent them a copy. As I later learned, my opinion piece was placed on the City website, without my prior knowledge or consent, about 9:47 am the following morning, October 9.

Anyone who read my article could see that my comments were very positive and supportive of our City employees and departments. I was compelled to write the letter only because I felt that some candidates for City Council were denigrating the achievements and accomplishments of our City employees, and even questioning their worth. Since our City staff couldn’t speak for themselves, I took the liberty of revealing some of my first hand observations about their service and accomplishments on behalf of our City.

The following morning, Oct 9, an email was sent to me from the City IT department (email sent at 9:23 am) about my letter being posted, although I did not read it until later that morning. About 11 am, I received a call from our City Attorney, advising me of the ‘posting’ of my letter on the City website and the emails he had received from Bill McMullan and Bob Brown, understandably objecting to same. I indicated to him that I had no knowledge of any posting of my Op/Ed letter, but would advise the IT Department of the inappropriate nature of doing so. Immediately after my conversation with the City Attorney, at 11:02 am, I sent an email to the IT Dept advising them that posting my letter was inappropriate and that it should be removed.

At 11:22 am I received an email from Bill McMullan, critical of the posting and containing the implication that I must have been complicit in its placement on the City website. At 11:23 am, I responded to Bill, stating that I ‘didn’t approve, condone, or authorize’ the posting, and that I had already notified the IT Dept that it did not belong there. (All of the above can, and will, be readily verified by a careful review of the emails)

Suffice it to say that elections on Marco Island need not be so antagonistic or negative. But as long as they are, many potentially great candidates will not attempt to run for office. They simply do not want to expose themselves to such reckless, derogatory attacks emanating from political candidates or their supporters.

Frank Recker
City Councilman
Candidate for City Council

 Brown Ethics Complaints

Frank R. Recker, DDS
Attorney at Law
Frank R. Recker & Associates, Co, LPA

Florida Office:
291 S. Collier Blvd, Suite 105
Marco Island, Florida 34145

Ohio Office:
85 E. Gay Street
Suite 910
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Tel: 800-224-3529
Fax: 888-469-0151
Email: recker@ddslaw.com

My campaign is based on maintaining that critical balance as we continue to grow, with almost 2,500 buildable lots, and now a complete on-Island K through 12 education system. We will become increasingly attractive to young families, and we must remain the peaceful community that attracted so many of us. We have to tighten our fiscal focus, because with growing challenges come growing budgets unless we’re careful and deeply analytical. And we have to engender respect and inclusion, not only among all citizens, but also among City Council members. Again, I thank you for your support, and I’d like to have your vote.

Larry Honig

• one third of America’s children live in poverty?

• our educational system ranks 31st in math & 23rd in science in the world of industrial and developing nations?

• our present medical delivery system is the costliest in world?

• our best scientific brains inform us of ecological facts that are denied by many as evil distortions?

• our foreign relations policies are frequently portrayed by some as the “shootout at the OK Corral”?

• almost half our population (47%) is portrayed as weak and lazy? Yet many work hard, pay taxes, and serve in all our armed forces.

• embarrassingly, many state governments are gimmicking in contorted ways to prevent and discourage other fellow citizens from voting?

• our social programs to the needy, elderly, and young have been described as charity which implies no moral obligation?

• programs we have worked for and paid into are called “entitlements,” carrying the connotation that we are selfishly asking for something for nothing?

Where has the American attitude of “roll up your sleeves and get the job done” gone? The two ingredients of getting any job done are a “willingness” and the “means.” We have the means but have been lacking the will. We can get this back if the argument “it is too costly” is placed in its proper perspective. We are better than this. Perhaps we could improve the presidential dialogue to the point where it will not play upon our prejudices and our darker sides.

Bob McNally

Don’t let scare tactics divert your attention from the important issues;

Do we want a convention center that will bring a multitude of tractor trailers up and down Collier Boulevard disrupting our quality of life and disrupt traffic?

Do we want a shuttle service from Veterans Park and Mackle Park which will bring thousands of day trippers to our beaches?

Do we want a 40,000 square foot Mackle Park which will add to our Debt?

Do we want CRA Midtown density which we thought was cancelled and is now back?

 THE WATER ISSUE IS DONE!

Please consider ALL the issues and MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT.

Herbert Jermanok

I am writing this letter in response to several recent letters regarding the upcoming City Council elections.

Several letter writers have indicated that no one can predict what the slate of Ken Honecker, Amadeo Petricca & Larry Sacher will do if elected to the city council but if past behavior is any indication of future behavior than the facts, the very scary facts speak for themselves, on who will fairly represent ALL of the property and business owners of Marco Island.

The facts are that Ken Honecker and Amadeo Petricca both served on the Utility Advisory Board that was established by the City Council with the intent to study and recommend water and sewer rate structures for council consideration.

They were charged as committee members to develop a rate structure that would be FAIR to all property owners; this would be their first test as public servants to demonstrate their ability to be fair and equitable in their dealings and unfortunately they failed miserably.

In fact they presented ten different rate structures for the City Council’s consideration and ten times they failed to present a plan that demonstrated any sense of fairness.

The only condominium representative on their committee the late Dick Bergman would present several alternative options for the committee’s consideration and each and every time he would be voted down.

Due to Amadeo Petricca and Ken Honecker’s failure to present a single rate plan that was considered fair the City Council was forced to hire a consultant that ultimately cost the city more than a $100,000.00.

Thanks to three incumbent councilmen who are running for reelection, Gerry Gibson, Frank Recker and Wayne Waldack, along with Larry Magel who all voted to hire the consultant the City of Marco Island now has a Water and Sewer Rate Structure that is fair and equitable to all the property & business owners of Marco Island.

Another scary fact is that in response to the City hiring a consultant and adopting a Fair rate structure, the third member of the Petricca and Honecker slate, Larry Sacher moved to create the M.I. Homeowners Association now known as the M.I. Property Association. As the founding Chairman of this organization he helped create their founding documents that indicated that the goal of their organization is to elect Councilman who would protect the interest of homeowner over condominiums. This is not conjecture but a scary fact.

I ask you does this sound like someone who is eager to represent all of the property & business owners fairly?

All of the above are the Scary facts and the reason why we need to elect people who will be fair and equitable in all their dealings. People who have a proven track record of listening to both sides of an issue and making impartial and fair decisions, regardless if you live in a home or condominium or own a business. All we can ask of our elected officials is fair and honest treatment.

That is why I am recommending that we reelect, Gerry Gibson, Frank Recker, Wayne Waldack and newcomer Larry Honig to the City Council.

I was disappointed, but not surprised, that City Council candidate Sacher filed an ethics complaint against Council Chairman Larry Magel. On the other hand, I was shocked when Mr. Sacher used the last City Council meeting as a political forum to trumpet his complaint. That was neither the time nor the place for a political attack. Mr. Sacher is wrong as a matter of law and as a matter of personal conduct, in my opinion.

The nature of the complaint itself is a matter even beyond the way this attack is being conducted. As a lawyer I carefully analyzed the Florida Constitution, particularly sections 112.313 (6) relating to standards of conduct for public officials and 104.31 (c) (4) relating to interfering with or coercing the political process and use of official authority or position. Neither of these sections would support an ethics violation by Mr. Magel in my judgment. To view it otherwise would distort the meaning of free speech.

The facts are not disputed: Mr. Magel wrote a letter to condominium owners expressing his views on campaign issues, and stating which candidates supported the positions he had taken on those issues. At no time did Mr. Magel use city property; city supplies or the work of city employees to produced or transmit his letter. He made his views known as a private citizen, and there is nothing wrong about a reference to his elected position.

I have also verified that Mr. Magel consulted with City Attorney Burt Saunders before he wrote his letters, and was advised by Mr. Saunders that his proposed actions were not improper or illegal. Independently I asked Mr. Saunders about the matter, and received the same answer: there is no improper conduct.

Politics is a messy business. It simply should not result in unjustified attacks and accusations predicated on personal prejudice. Most important, let us be civil enough to follow the principles of the United States Constitution on our fundamental right of free speech. Whether or not you agree with Mr. Magel, it is not right to impinge on his right of free expression.

Sincerely,

Monte Lazarus

Having read it, I am appalled by the letter to Condo Owners from Councilman Magel. Once again, he is pitting Condo Owners against single-family Homeowners and dividing our citizens, with a letter of untruths and inaccurate assumptions. Mr. Magel, we do not need your underhanded tactics splitting our community, nor does anyone need your advice on who to vote for. This is a community of intelligent, well-educated people who are quite capable of researching facts and making voting decisions without your, or Mr. Arceri’s, advice.

To those of you who have been out-of-state and may not have kept up with Marco news, I urge you to ignore these baseless accusations, go to Candidate Forums, meet Messrs. Sacher, Honecker, and Petricca, and discuss their views directly with them.

Having known the Sacher’s for many years, I assure you Larry is a decent, honorable man with an outstanding financial background whose only interest is what’s best for ALL Marco citizens, no matter where you reside. He will listen to every citizen’s concerns, and NEVER dismiss, or denigrate you as I’ve witnessed too many times, if you speak at Council Meetings.

Since Messrs. Sacher, Honecker, and Petricca all have wonderful financial backgrounds and knowledge, I find myself constantly wondering why Messrs. Magel and Arceri are so afraid of these candidates that they find it necessary to conduct a smear campaign against them. Are they afraid some financial shenanigans, or “back door deals” will be uncovered? What’s their reason for these vicious, untrue attacks on these three men?

I personally “smell a rat” and I don’t think this type of “dirty politics” has any place on Marco. This is Kindergarten Behavior that I find disgusting, especially when it comes from a sitting City Council Chairman who’s not even running in this election!

Anne Gardner

Marco Island

OP/ED Piece Frank R. Recker City Councilman

Candidate for Re­election October 9, 2012

Smoke and Mirrors

If cities were compared to theaters, Marco Island would likely be one of the smaller, one-­screen versions. While that is certainly a quaint scenario, in fact the smaller the theater, the more reaction someone seeking attention can achieve by recklessly shouting ‘fire.’ So if you hear that our local government is ablaze, don’t run for the bridge, at least not yet.

Since Election Day quickly approaches, we have recently heard several cries of civic distress from certain candidates for City Council. I would suggest that before we ask our voters to respond to this purported emergency, we look for any sign of the fire, which they claim exists.

Indeed, instead of flames, I think what you’ll find is that Marco Island is simply one of the most beautiful, safe, peaceful and efficiently operated municipalities in the State of Florida. We have excellent City services, multiple parks, good roads, esthetically pleasing lighting, bike paths, and unexcelled Fire/Rescue and Police Departments under the leadership of Chiefs Mike Murphy and Don Hunter, respectively.

And in spite of the voices shouting ‘hidden’ government, Marco Island is a model of transparency. Everything is either accessible online, or by actually viewing every current or past meeting of the City Council, Code Board, and Planning Board. The only things lacking transparency on Marco are the agendas of those doing the shouting.

In City Hall, due to the remodeling achieved by Dr. Riviere, our City Manager, access to our friendly and hardworking city staff, and multiple departments, is easier and more open than it has been since cityhood in 1997. Just watching citizens and contractors flow in and out of city hall tells us much. Our business is being conducted in a professional, efficient and effective manner.

Our taxpayer cost for what we enjoy is approximately 17% of the total we see on our property tax bills. When you consider that we have attained budget surpluses for the past several years, and our millage rate for city operations is 1.96 (2012 and 2013) despite the decrease in property values, it is hardly a portrait of ‘fiscal irresponsibility.’ In fact, we are currently over 2 million dollars under the spending cap. The utility system is costly and we carry a debt burden, but we control our own utility destiny, and significant debt reduction options are being explored. Nonetheless, our utility bond ratings were recently upgraded to AAA-­, verifying the stability of our operations.

Of course, everything in life can be improved, and our City is no exception. But the improvement will take us from excellent to ‘more excellent,’ and in a fiscally prudent manner.

We can all be proud of what we have accomplished in a relatively short 15 years as a City. No matter where my travels as an attorney take me, the conversation eventually gets to Marco Island, what a paradise we have, and how much others would love to live here.

So when the aspiring politicos shout ‘fire’ in our local government, no need to dial 911.

Our Current Prioritized List of Issues

May 2012

* Our Vision for Marco Island

* Right Of Way Ordinance Status

* Proposed Mackle Park Enhancements

* Public – Private Partnerships (P3)

* Budget 2012 – 2013

* City Debt

* Resurrection of the CRA

* Referendums for Significant Financial Expenditures

* Density Credits and Density Transfers

Our Current Prioritized List of Issues

10/6/2012 

* Seawall ordinance sunsets in 6 months – Big cost increases for Condo & SFH Canal from property owners (NEW ISSUE)

* Our Vision for Marco Island – This has NOT been brought to closure with our membership. Small town retirement community or resort destination?
* Right Of Way Ordinance Status – “Back Burner” for the time being

* Proposed Mackle Park Enhancements – Not in the 2012 Budget but still moving forward without a referendum.

* Public – Private Partnerships (P3) – “Back Burner” for the time being, but the fire rescue boat looks an awful lot like a “P3”.

* Budget 2012 – 2013 – Council claims they held the line. Taxes are the same but Property values are still dropping

* City Debt - Still there and growing ! ($450,000 for the lease purchase of a 30 foot fire rescue boat!)

* Resurrection of the CRA - All quiet on this issue (for now).

* Referendums for Significant Financial Expenditures – 5 of the 9 candidates said they would support referendum(s)

* Density Credits and Density Transfers – This ordinance is on the books now. A new council needs to rescind it.

We wish to encourage all residents of this island to join us so your voice is heard; so that Councilors and city management cannot create policies that are not in the interest of ALL citizens. MIPO exists to heighten the bar that must be met to passing ordinances and spending.

Please join with us, you will receive an E mailed newsletter which not only advises you of the issues but also advocates your wishes.

Herb Jermanok
1520 Caxambas Court
Marco Island, FL

They asked that the memo be distributed to all citizens of Marco Island and I indicated I would do so by sending it to the press.

Some history is in order to understand the rationale I used to make my recommendations.

Appended below is the organizing memo of the “Marco Island Homeowners” It clearly states that the purpose of the organization is to represent one group of citizens vs other groups. It’s this “us vs them” attitude that first manifested itself in the STRP (Septic Tank Replacement Program) that continues today. It is extremely divisive to our community, but if one group is going to make this a “us vs. them” issue, I believe the other groups being part of “them” should know of their intent and motivation prior to making their voting decisions.

On the water/sewer issue addressed in the second part of my memo, the City spent over $100,000 to hire an independent consultant to make sure our water/sewer rates were equitable to all classes of users. The report, it’s methodology, and it’s conclusions were attacked immediately when it became apparent that the results would not support the recommendations of the Utility Advisory Board.

We’ve gone through 18 months of additional divisiveness because one group does not want to believe what an unbiased consultant has recommended.

For the good of Marco Island, this “us vs. them” has to stop. I believe it stops when any one group does not make every issue “us vs. them”.

Attached below is the memo I authored for your use.

One last point. Every citizen, even a sitting member of the City Council has the right to express their beliefs. Once the citizens have all the facts, they will make their decision. That’s what America is all about.

If you are going to reproduce my memo, please add the Property Owners memo above so the readers can get the whole picture.

As always, I’m available for comment or clarification. My cell is 239-213-8873.

Larry Magel

Marco Island Homeowners

Background

Marco Island is approaching its 12th Anniversary as a City. During the last 12 years we have witnessed a number of decisions by our City Council that did not seem to be popular with many of the “real” fulltime Citizens of Marco (in contrast to those who claim residency primarily to take advantage of Save Our Homes). Several of the issues became quite contentious, most notably the STRP. Currently, one of the most debated issues involves the utility and water rates which has seemingly become an “us” (i.e. single-family homeowners) vs. “them” (i.e. master metered condos and condo managers) issue. In our most recent City Council election there were a number who objected to a “block vote” strategy that, it was argued, was orchestrated by the condos in order to vote in a Council

Member who would represent the condo owners. Consequently, as Council has ignored its own Consultant and appointed a UAB (Utilities Advisory Board) to address the issue of “fairness” as it pertains to the rates and availability of different types of water and waste water rates that single-family homeowners have versus that which the condos and commercial businesses have. Exacerbating the issue is the fact that we have witnessed over the last 2 years substantial increases in both our water/wastewater, as well as our utility rates with further increases virtually assured.

A number of people have felt that master-metered condo interests are overtaking those of the single-family homeowner on Marco, yet in terms of registered voters, more than 60% of registered voters are single-family homeowners. Federal and State Laws make a Homeowner’s Association, particularly one that would represent an entire community, rather than an enclosed or separate facility, very cumbersome to operate. As a result, a “Non-connected Political Committee” has been proposed to represent the interests of single-family homeowner’s on Marco Island.

Marco Island Homeowner’s Objectives

In developing a Charter for the PC, we have proposed focusing on the following objectives:

• To have a “voice” that represents as many of the single-family homeowner’s on Marco who wish to participate. While individual Citizens are welcome to speak at Council Meetings, it is all too clear that single voices or voices representing small minorities or groups are given the courtesy, but seem to carry no weight when it comes to voting. Existing organizations such as MICA and MITA leave many of us frustrated as they are either too limited a voice or don’t take positions.

• Ensure a “communication network” that can quickly “get the word out” on issues via such media as e-mail, newsletters, etc. While many consider themselves fulltime residents, it is not uncommon that they do leave for extended periods of time and do not stay in touch with local issues.

• Working with existing community-based organizations such as MICA and MITA, as well as trying to develop a relationship with the Chamber of Commerce and Marco Realtors Association, both of which seem to be “on the other side” as it pertains to issues affecting single-family homeowners.

• Have sub-committees who can research and comment on Homeowners related issues, especially those that affect us from a tax or fee perspective. (as an example someone indicated that instead of the proposed $6 million the City wants to spend on fire hydrants and/or a new pumper and additional firemen that there is a solution he knows of for $10,000!)

An excellent suggestion that came out of today’s meeting was to take advantage of the many talents that our Members have from their business/professional life as we have issues that might require their expertise. In your response, please include, in addition to your name and e-mail, your address, phone #, and professional or business expertise that you can lend.

We cannot solicit contributions, however we can accept contributions. MITA charges an annual fee of $20.00, which is a reasonable amount. Should you choose to make a contribution please make your checks payable to: Marco Island Homeowners and send it to:

Ray Seward, Treasurer

Marco Island Homeowners

P.O. Box 2134

Marco Island, Florida 34145

For additional information or questions please feel free to contact: Ray Seward, Treasurer: #970-0727; rseward@iplassolutions.com Larry Sacher Chairman: #394-6002; sachmo2@comcast.net

Of the nine candidates running for the four open seats, three have openly expressed a bias against the “Condo Owners” of Marco Island.

Larry Sacher was the founding Chairman of the Marco Island Homeowners Association, now called the Marco Island Property Owners Association, which is now trying to appeal to a broader group of citizens beyond the single-family homeowner. In their founding document which describes why they are starting their group, he says “A number of people have felt that the master-metered condo interests are overtaking those of the single-family homeowners”. He then goes on to say “Our Members could individually choose to support candidates who might be more inclined to wish to protect the interests of single-family homeowners rather than some of the existing Council who demonstrate a greater emphasis on behalf of Condos”, etc.

His obvious motivation in starting the group was to set himself up to run for Council and represent the interests of the single-family homeowner vs. what he describes as the “Condos and Business Interests” who he believes have controlled Marco Island. This logic manifested itself in the STRP (Septic Tank Replacement) program and continues today through the latest independent water/sewer study that proposed unbiased cost based rates equitable to all Marco Island users. If elected Mr. Sacher would work to have the condos pay more and the single-family homeowners pay less, which he believes is “fair” even though there is no independent study to justify his claims.

Honecker and Petricca come from the same background. Both were influential members of the City’s Utility Advisory Board with Honecker as Chair and Petricca as Vice-Chair. Their recommendation to Council was for a 20% reduction in single-family water/sewer rates with a 12% increase for Condos. Because their work only included the sewer side of the issue and was so obviously biased, the City Council was forced to spend $100,000 on an independent study of both sewer and water rates.

The independent consultant’s final report adopted by Council called for an approximate 9% increase for single-family homes with much smaller increases for master metered condos and for individually metered condos a decrease. The consultant’s report was complete, unbiased and fair to all classes of users on Marco. If Honecker and Petricca are elected they, with Sacher’s support, will move to rescind the consultant’s report and go back to their original recommendation favoring the single-family homeowner. You should know that a new Council can change the utility rates scheduled to go into effect at the end of the year, and reuse water rates could double for those properties that use it.

One other interesting point relating to Honecker and Petricca. They don’t like the independent consultant’s report because in their words it is biased against the low volume single-family homeowner. They want the rates redistributed so higher volume users pay a higher rate and the low volume users pay less.

Guess What? Both Honecker and Petricca are low volume users of water, 2-3000 gals per month. Do you want people on your City Council who represent their own personal interests above those of all of our citizens?

So who to vote for? Of all the candidates running, Gibson, Honig, Meyer and Recker will represent all of the citizens of Marco Island. No one can promise you they will vote the way you wish. But what can be promised is a group of individuals who will listen, analyze, and vote in the best interests of all the citizens of Marco regardless of where they live.

So it boils down to asking our citizens to be sure to vote and elect those individuals who will be fair, not those who only want to get even.

If you’re not on Marco, Absentee Ballots will start arriving in a few days, vote quickly and mail it back before you forget. To get an absentee ballot, call 239-252-8450. It’s an important election for all of us.

Larry Magel