ENCA Newsletter

      First I would like to encourage our members to apply for some of the volunteer committees the county sponsors. They have been sending out press releases seeking persons to fill positions on the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Environmental Advisory Board, Habitat Conservation Plan Ad Hoc Advisory Committee, Health Facilities Authority, Collier County Utility Authority, and the Affordable Housing Commission. The County doesn't seem to get many applicants from the East Naples area, and some of these committees directly affect our way of life. The County Commissioners weigh heavily on the advice of these committees, so I'd like to ask anyone who might be interested to please call Sue Filson at 774-8895 to apply. They don't take a lot of time, but are extremely important to the decision making process, and we want our voice to be heard.

       Another new restaurant for us! Pelican Larry's has opened on Davis Blvd. across from the old drive-in theater which is now a Toll Bros. development named Firano. The restaurant looks like a lot of fun and has a great menu.        As most of you know, I have great respect for all our commissioners, and think the world of each and every one of them, but sometimes I don't agree with their point of view. Last month Commissioner Coletta expressed his views on tolling the two free lanes the FDOT is about to build on I-75, to pay to build an additional four lanes, which will total 10 lanes on I-75 - 4 free lanes that exist now, and 6 toll lanes. I have a different point of view. You will have to decide for yourself which viewpoint you think is best.

       I believe we should build the next two lanes, which are already funded by State and Federal dollars; and use the dollars the State now receives from the Alligator Alley tolls, which they now use for roads in other parts of the state. We could bond out that revenue to begin building the additional four lanes, which can then be tolled to finish paying for the project. As you know, tolls never go away. Why should all the tolls collected here be sent to other parts of Florida when the funds are needed for our own section of I-75? We are a donor county as it is, so when our roads are over capacity, we should be able to use the toll dollars generated to fulfill our own needs. Yes, the State would love for us to toll ourselves and make it easy for them, but we give plenty as it is. It's time we received a little in return.        The commission is split on this subject presently. How do you feel?

        The picture you see is that of Minority Leader John Boehner while visiting Stan's in Goodland. Congressman Boehner and Stan are great friends, and the Congressman wanted to honor that friendship by presenting Stan with a flag. Stan never opens a show in Goodland without first playing the National Anthem. He's a very patriotic man............and don't EVER leave your hat on while the Stars Bangled Banner is being played cause he'll tell you about it! I just love that man!

Donna Fiala