Fort Myers, FL
I debated whether or not to put this one out there. After talking it over with one of the Supervisors this morning I figured I wanted to, at least, throw it out to you to get some feedback. I've never done this before but if the majority of people (who sign their names) disagree with me I will not only go with the majority, I will help promote the event.
Some of you received an e-mail yesterday promoting a BBQ being put on by The Gateway Golf & Country Club. The club is clearly gearing up for a membership drive because they are also offering one month free as a way to entice new members. Those are good promotions. I have no issue with that. And, so far, I've been invited twice to the BBQ, although I doubt Tinkle and the new guy know about that. Here's my concern.
When he was elected, one of Supervisor Gary Neubaur's agenda items was to get the word out about the district. Be more open to the public. Do whatever it takes to promote meetings and get resident input. To that end, metal posts were installed at both entrances to Gateway. They were to be used to promote G.S.D. meetings, among other things. So far they've been used to promote the Tree Lighting and the Piper 5K. Hmmmm, where did those ideas come from? The district also stopped producing a written newsletter because they went to an "online" version signing up with Constant Contact so they could e-mail out the news. It's safe to say, that's not really working out either.
Do any of you have any idea that there's a G.S.D. meeting tonight? A meeting that may include a closed-door session to discuss the impending lawsuit to be filed by Charter School USA against you. A meeting that will include an update on how much money we've spent on Wetland 47? And, a meeting that starts at 4:30 not 5:30. Maybe none of you really care.
Let's forget about how much we spent on Wetland 47 for moment and the fact that we are promoting a membership drive for the club as they hold our conservation easement hostage. If they write a $10,000 check to the Susan G. Komen foundation, everything will work out great. If it all about raising money for Susan G. Komen more power to them, where do I sign up and how many times can I promote it? If it's all about a community BBQ, then why are we not having it at the "Soccer" park where 100% of donated concessions can be given to Susan G. Komen. Let's forget about all of that for a moment. And here's where I need your feedback...
If a Gateway resident working out of his home selling vitamins or blenders or mushrooms asks the GSD to send out an e-mail promoting a BBQ at his house with $2.00 from every purchase going to the United Way, should the district send out that e-mail?
If Boulevard Tavern is promoting a UFC fight night where $1.00 from every beer is given to Lee County Violence Against Women, should the district have to send out that e-mail if they request they do so?
If Gateway resident David Lethem, who is running for Bob Nielson's seat on the board, wants to send out an e-mail inviting Gateway residents to a candidate fundraiser where $2.50 from every campaign donation will be given to kids with cancer, what will they say? Well, they would obviously have to say yes. Fair is fair. All of the above are Gateway taxpayers just like the Country Club.
How sacred is that list? And where does it end? Should every Gateway business have access to it? Now some of you may argue that the Country Club is non-profit. Does that mean all the money on BBQ night will be given to charity? In the real world what was sent out yesterday would be considered an advertisement and maybe it was paid for. Hopefully the charge was $100,000, then we'd all be even.
Those points above may actually need an attorney ruling, but they are minor to me. Don't get me wrong. I'm not happy that the residents paid $100,000 for a Wetland the Country Club demolished with a tractor and we're promoting a membership drive for them. And this really isn't about the BBQ. If you want to go, go. Have a good time, enjoy the club, donate to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Buy a golf membership, enjoy your life, play some golf, live it up. My concern has never been about "the club". It's always been about how the residents are getting screwed over Wetland 47.
My big question is if our staff has the time to promote events like this, how is it that they never seem to have the time to promote G.S.D. meetings as Supervisor Neubauer has been requesting for 2 years, complete, with a full agenda and the time the stream begins, etc. What are the priorities Over there?
Even if miraculously an e-mail is sent out today, it will be last minute and probably reactionary.
Please post your thoughts.
