With so many more important issues facing this City, it is unbelievable that the council would waste time and taxpayer money on this issue. There seems to be far more compelling issues facing this council than this anchoring ordinance. This just does not make sense. It sounds more like a vindictive matter than a legal matter. The council of Marco as well as Mr Moss seems that "SAVING FACE" is far more important that saving taxpayers money.

This Council is bound and determined to spend as much money (that doesn't belong to them), as possible before they leave office. They fight for false principals and have so much false pride they hide behind. Aren't those major sins in the Christian faith? Oh well, they have proven over and over again that they lack a moral compass and were never taught to admit mistakes. So be it.

This is outrageous! This city council reeks of self-entitlement, arrogance and irresponsible spending.

The article says: “The city contracted with Weiss Serota after it was discovered in July that the city never signed an interlocal agreement with the local State Attorney’s Office to prosecute its ordinances, as required by state law.”

What?!? The City of Marco Island did not follow state law and so now we have to pay an attorney to prosecute the case?

In my opinion, the council members (and other governmental figures) feel that by incorporating themselves as a city that they have become their own country! NEWSFLASH: Incorporating an Island into “City” status does not allow you to ignore state law and make up which ever irrational and unconstitutional laws you see fit.

These council members need to educate themselves on Florida law – stat.

This council has no conscience when it comes to spending our money to serve their agenda and egos. The replacements they offer, another attorney, a guy that hasn't worked in 12 years, and a bartender turned real estate salesman offer nothing more than four more years of the same. This island cannot survive that!

We need a fresh team in January in order to save the island. Vote for Joe Batte, Roger Hall, Andrew Guidry MD and Butch Neylon in January. All proven leaders with succesful careers behind them.

Back room meetings and secret deals being made. How else can you discuss plans for your city when your subjects are planning a coup just outside? Our leaders have been told that home rule gives them the power and boss Moss doesn't like to loose. These are silly little men living in dangerous times. Secrecy is the only way they can scheme when plotting the fleecing of the public. Don't be so hard on them. They are big thinkers and need to discuss weighty things under the hush-hush because we the public don't know whats good for us. Afterall,we shouldn't complain because it was we who elected them. If you want to continue with this crap then don't vote for Allen, Batte, Guidry, Hall or Neylon.

Well, the council has violated the sunshine law--by excluding the press and refusing to give transcripts.

Lets hope that the attorney general is involved and proper actions are taken!

What a waste of the tax payers money and resources. You all must live in fear!

In general, I think the criticism of the City Council is unwarranted. Not in this case. It truly is a waste of MY money to be appealing this decision. And there is absolutely no reason why this decision had to be made in executive decision. It had nothing to do with the discussion of confidential personnel information. Open the meeting up. And change your vote.

Rachel:

Sorry to say, you're wrong about the city's omnipotent powers under "Home Rule" ... at least in the eyes of Judge Hardt and the supreme courtof the State of Florida. The city completely ignored state regulations when setting the assessments for the first (and every subsequent!) sewer district and sued the State of Florida, the property owners of Marco Island, C.A.R.E.S., Inc. and Douglas and Frances Enman asking the court to bless (validate) their bonds. CARES used member contributions to oppose the city in court and was joined by the State of Florida, represented by the Attorney General's office for Collier County. Judge Hardt ruled for the city on the basis that "home rule" gave the city the right to ignore state regulations in making the assessments. We were so shocked, we appealed to the supreme court ... and lost there too. So, my dear Rachel, it appears that Home Rule gives local governments the power to ignore state rules whenever they wish ... at least in the good-ole-boy State of Florida!

Ed Foster
Former Chairman of CARES, Inc.

By the way, this was the first and only fully adjudicated court battle between CARES and the city and was brought BY THE CITY, not by CARES as those Masters of Misinformation would have you believe.

This seems to be a very expensive waste of money. What are the provisions for a recall election? That would be cheaper.