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Candidates for Collier commission have their own ideas to balance budget
Collier County Commissioner Jim Coletta
Roberto “Bob” Alonso
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NAPLES — Balancing Collier County’s budget has become a lot more tricky since the area’s roaring real estate market quieted.
Integrating a state amendment, which cut property taxes, into the 2009 budget plans hasn’t made the situation any easier.
But those obstacles haven’t caused either District 5 county commission candidate to suggest a tax increase. Instead, both have their own ideas about how to cut without taking away needed services for residents and business owners.
Roberto “Bob” Alonso and Jim Coletta, both Republicans, face off in the primary election on Tuesday. The winner will take on Democrat Russell Kish in the general election.
Alonso says the county has been almost too dependent on property tax.
“Diversifying our economy will bring in more sales tax revenue” to replace the property tax shortage, Alonso said. In 2002 property, tax collection was more than $150 million, and five years later, it’s $357 million, he said. That’s too much, he said.
Instead, Alonso said he will fight to be more business friendly to “targeted industry” and spend less time dependent on growth.
“I’d bring high wage jobs east of Golden Gate Estates and the Immokalee area so the residents of District 5 have less travel time, and it would lessen the burden on the roads in the coastal area,” Alonso said.
Impact fees are too high, he said, suggesting that Collier County has the highest impact fees in the state.
Coletta said the county has cut its budget to the bone in the past year.
“I don’t think we’re going to be able to do much more without hurting residents,” he said.
Over the past two years, county commissioners cut $60 million from Collier’s budget, Coletta said. This year, county commissioners will look at cutting between $12 million to $14 million, he said.
“That’s a sizeable step,” Coletta said. “I believe the county is taking every measure — doing everything possible — to cut back without cutting back too much on services.”
The county is not cutting back on any service that has to do with health, safety and welfare, he said.
The greatest cutback is likely in the personnel area, Coletta said. Historically, about 80 percent of the county’s budget goes to personnel costs and services, he said.
Between layoffs and attrition, the county cut 24 percent of its workforce, Coletta said.
“We’re still rendering a reasonable amount of service to our constituents,” he said.
Cutting garbage collection from twice a week to once a week might generate some heated debate, Coletta said.
“Some say they can’t live with garbage being picked up only once a week,” Coletta said, adding that the county may put off some capital projects in the future.
Alonso views the county operations differently, starting with more rural parks.
For starters, the county could sell off, and privatize, the North Collier Water Park, which has “been a flop,” he said.
Selling off the park and using that money would enable the county to build more parks with ball fields in areas where families live, Alonso said.
But he also wants more careful audits, and is more than willing to let Clerk of Courts Dwight Brock take on that responsibility.
Collier has a $1 billion budget, including capital projects, he said.
Brock has been trying to audit the county’s books, but the current commission blocked the process, Alsonso said, causing him to wonder what the county is hiding.
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District 5 candidates
Name: Roberto “Bob” Alonso
Age: 46
Occupation: Senior law enforcement officer
Educational degrees: Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy in Tallahassee, 1989; Miami-Dade Community College School of Justice and Administration; Southwest Florida Criminal Justice Academy; Institute of Police Technology and Management
Name: Jim Coletta
Name: 65
Occupation: Have in the past owned a federal inspected meat plant, a newspaper and an equipment rental store
Educational degrees: Two years at Corning Community College (New York)
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Another idea would be to cut the Sheriff's Dept budget. I wonder how Mr Alonso would respond to that idea considering he is an employee of that department.
#1 Posted by mikemorrow2 on August 20, 2008 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He should be running for sheriff since he is better than the ones running.
#2 Posted by USDfender on August 20, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What Candidate will address the most important issue on District 5 property owners minds:
Another tax year, and assessed values in GG Estates hardly went down, two units didn't change at all.
Units 40 and 43 $47,000/acre in 2006, $47,000/acre in 2007 and $47,000/acre in 2008
Taxation without representation!!!!!!
Unit 51 down 3.85%
Unit 42 down 5%
Unit 41 down 5.66%
Unit 52 down 6.25%
Units 27 and 28 down 8.89%
Units 80 and 81 down 3.85%
only 4 units are down over 40% and only one over 50%,otherwise average decrease in Assessed Values in GG Estates is about 17%.
#3 Posted by kira5189 on August 20, 2008 at 10:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This guy Alonso has some good thoughts to consider. Coletta is giving the same duhs that are his hallmark.
#4 Posted by chap914 on August 20, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nicely put PIEFACE:
You actually put Alonso and Great together in one short sentence. Good for you! After the Campaign Violation complaint announced by the State, I rather have the Alonso the Great Law Enforcement as County Commissioner.
#5 Posted by d5stealth on August 21, 2008 at 12:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone, and I mean anyone is better than lets toll that road and tax our residents some more Coletta.
I will be voting against all encumbents this election year myself.
#6 Posted by RainMan on August 21, 2008 at 2:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"High wage jobs"? What about us people who don't have a degree to qualify for a high wage job?
What are we supposed to do? Even if you were elected and even if you wanted to do this "high wage job thing" How will you do it?
I thought you were going to represent everybody.
#7 Posted by BIGMAC on August 21, 2008 at 5:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Better read between the lines folks.............this "high wage job thing" smells like commercial establishments on every corner to me. Personally I think most of us in the "East of 951" areas moved out here to be away from a commercial environment. Smells like another Concrete Jungle Hialeah scenerio in stead of a solution.
#8 Posted by Donkey on August 21, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, well, now here's Jimmy BIGMACK, and he's got himself a DONKEY?
You have already tried to pull the whool over our eyes with this "Commercial in Every Corner" blaa, blaa, blaa which was explained at length in two out of the three public forums between Alonso and Coletta, including past NDN stories on the two. We also heard about the employment opportunity and that too Coletta balked-on. You mention the city "Hialeah" simply because the person whom you have taken a stance against on behalf of Coletta is a Hispanic. That same Hispanic which I got to meet in person this past weekend has been sworn under the Oath of Office to defend and uphols the Constitution of the United States, and the Laws in the State of Florida, to protect and serve every citizen and property in the State and the County, and has done so for almost 20 years now HONESTLY. He wares a badge that displays the State of Florida seal on it and has stood behind that seal his entire career. I'm sure that his personel records have been searched with the most powerfull microscope as they have tried to dig-up anything bad but his professionalism and honest service to us has outshined the expectations of the opponent and his followers. Donkey you need to look beyond what your nose smells. There is a big picture that is clowded by a BIGMACK of shame and lack in performance in "Serving the People". We've seen it already and have moved-on way beyond these issues, get up to speed. You will discover what we already have...if he were as good as he says then why is he in this situation? Why is he the only Commissioner facing a race? Why is there so much support for the Candidate? Yeah, even Eee-or could have figured it out.
#9 Posted by d5stealth on August 21, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Calling everybody with a badge. You are qualified to be a commissioner for district 5.
#10 Posted by BIGMAC on August 21, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
d5stealth.. Couldn't have said that better myself... BIGMAC.. Is that all you could come back with wow Finally someone has shut you up...
#11 Posted by orele on August 21, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
D5, I will tell you again I am not coletta and I can prove it.
I did not make it to the East Naples Community Center Forum between Commissioner Coletta, Mr.Kish and Mr. Alonso.
The forum started at 5:00 on Aug 5th. I know for a fact commissioner Coletta was present.
So now all you have to do is go find a post by me on that date and that time.
Have a nice day!
#12 Posted by BIGMAC on August 21, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
BIGMAC.. Let me ask you do you know what Coletta did before he was a Commissioner? Coletta owned a federal inspected meat plant, a newspaper and an equipment rental store and YOU think he has qualifications... So whats is wrong with Bob being a law enforcement officer?
#13 Posted by orele on August 21, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Nothing at all. But that does not qualify him to be a commissioner as D5 stated.
Commissioner Coletta donated 1000's of hours of his time to the community before even becoming a commissioner. "And did not get paid to do it"
That is what I believe a candidate should do before even thinking of running.
Mr. Alonso does not even belong to his own Homeoners or Civic Association.
#14 Posted by BIGMAC on August 21, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Nobody is born with the knowledge the knowledge is acquired with the experience. Coletta has had 8 years of this and still I don't see what he has done. I'm giving my vote to Alonso, I belive he can acquire the knowledge and do some good for us folk out here in GGE. Oh by the way the Associations.... LOL
#15 Posted by orele on August 21, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I understand that you want to vote for Mr.Alonso.
But I can not take a chance on a newbie in these hard times.
Best of luck with your choice. Talk to ya later.
BIG
#16 Posted by BIGMAC on August 21, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good morning all,
I have asked Mr. Alonso for information about his business experience several times. He has chosen not to respond to this request. I am a first time voter, and I think he could be just not sharing things about his past. He has no details on any of his claims, or how he would accomplish them. He has no prior business experience, and is not involved in the neighborhood or community associations. He wants to turn Golden Gates Estates into a commercial jungle. My uncle said he wants to put a churro stand on every corner like they have in Miami. Our decision has been made. I will also be putting all of the details of my information search into my thesis. I will copy the Naples Daily News.
#17 Posted by ALVAREZ on August 21, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Orele,
This proves that Coletta has business experience. Alonso by his denial to respond has none. How can he be a commissioner when he won't even respond to e-mails? For those of you who are my brothers and sisters, the Hispanic Business Professionals Luncheon has been postponed until September 17, 2008, same place and time. Please be sure you attend so we can ask important questions of the candidates. I will be there, look for me.
#18 Posted by ALVAREZ on August 21, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ALVAREZ,
Alonso has not denied you a reponse, I belive you posted a blog yesterday indicating that you e-mailed him yesterday and received a response indicating he was busy helping people due to the hurricane, oh I am sorry Alvarez your question must need immediate attention... As far as what your uncle said regading the churro stands. I would love to know who told him this or where he get his ideas? By the way didn't you just move to Naples? Where did you move here from? If its from Miami and if you are hispanic you will soon find out that you along with all hispancis are not wanted here. Anyways why would you want to ask canditates questions youv'e already indicated youv'e made up your mind.
#19 Posted by orele on August 21, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Orele,
I actually e-mailed him several days ago the first time. The election is close for people to make up thier minds. Because I have made mine up, that doesn't mean the information should not get out to others who have not. Is he hiding something? A simple answer will be good. It would only take a minute. Maybe you feel you are not wanted here, but the people here have been very welcoming to me.
BTW, the churro stands was a joke. If you know him, get him to respond to the e-mail. If he is too busy to do that, he would be too busy to be our commissioner!
#20 Posted by ALVAREZ on August 21, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Alvarez,
Did you go to the forums? If you wanted to know so much and are so interested did you go to any of the two meet and greets for Alonso this weekend? You could have gone and spoken to him personally. I do not know him personally, so I can't tell him to respond to his emails. I never said I did not feel wanted here I have been here for 9 years. However, I have heard and seen the problems here with hispanics being pushed away. You still didnt answer my questions where did you move from?
#21 Posted by orele on August 21, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Alonso should continue his career in law enforcement or run for sheriff. I know for a fact sitting in BCC meetings that Mr. Colleta is in tune with the citizens of Collier. So what if he is a little slow and lacks education. He has the NY street education of hard knocks. He empathizes with the people time after time. Consider President Lincoln and all that he accomplished.
#22 Posted by badhairday on August 21, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
PIEFACE not only are you starting a rumor-mill but you are also spreading lies twisted sister.
Someone(s) very dear and near to me work for the Fire Dept. out by where Alonso lives. They have known him for years since he moved out there in the mid 90's as he transferred to Collier with the FHP. Where his home is built the lot was cleared from a huge fire that took place out there in the early 90's. Way before he ever came to Collier. Duh....since you don't live near him, and probably not even in the district, you wouldn't know these things. We'll just stand-by for your next misinformation and attempted lies spreading. We can see the PIE in that FACE.
Alvarez? You can't even keep your lies going to save your life. In the blogs about any positive issues with Alonso you want to so badly act as if you are new, yet in other story blogs you chime-in as a person who lives here for quite sometime now. Incnsistencies is what discovers a lier. The truth will always set you free. If I were Alonso, I probably wouldn't aswer any questions for you nor give you the time of day Sport. If you have not made-up your mind yet.....here let me help you V-O-T-E F-O-R COLETTA! Stop your internal pain, its folks like you that have nothing better to do but lie, and lie, and lie. By the way PIEFACE......Alonso's neighbors had his yard signs on their front yards all the way up to the day of the storm. A large group of us went out and picked most of them as requested by the Code Enforcement Office on Sunday. That shows support! On the other hand, there were a few VOTE FOR ROBERTO "BOB" ALONSO yard signs on Coletta's street. Now you tell me what's up with that. Say what all you immature folks want, in this election Honesty and Truth will set us far and appart.
BADHAIRDAY...not only is Coletta from the streets of NY so is his additude and that was evident during his first two public debate forums. Not only is he a little slow, but he also knodded-off to sleep while sitting in among the crowd at the third public debate forum. He lacks more than education. To compare President Lincoln to Coletta is a true insult to a great man, a LEADER.
#23 Posted by d5stealth on August 21, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey d5stealth,
I am only saying that Colletta can do good even with his shortfalls. Out
#24 Posted by badhairday on August 21, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mikemorrow2 nailed it, the Sheriff's Dept. budget is as overstuffed as are the members of it's overkill swat team!
I recommend a 50% percent cut in it's bloated budget using attrition and misconduct as the ways to cut staff and an absolute freeze on new equipment as well as a selloff of all of their parking lots and assorted buildings throughout the county. Ditto for the armored vehicles and mini navy and air force.
Or, vote for Rambosk and watch his budget double every 3 years with a break on election years.
#25 Posted by greathornedlizard on August 21, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I for one moved here 5 years ago from Miami(Kendall). I attend Law School at FIU and I am married with 2 small kids, we live off Everglades and Randall blvd. I am very disappointed with the laque of commercial development and job opportunity in our area. There are almost 50 percent of the homes on my street abandoned.Folks just packed up and left.There is literally no work out here with the exception of a couple filling stations,pizza shop and a market.Folks, do not want to commute into town 20 miles or more with 4 dollar gas. Further, there are not enough family parks,NO sidewalks, street imporvements or Street enhancing landscaping,lighting or benches. This place has become the twilight zone and I feel forgotten. I dont know why my property tax dollars go to overpaid County employees and no commercial development or local jobs. We need this area improved, revitalized commercially and fast tracked for responsible but substainable commercial growth or it is DOOMED. Please MR. Commissioner do something for us in this area of UNIT 69 we need HELP!!!Bring the home buyers back and establish some good paying jobs out here, not over on 951 or east of it.The time is well over due and enough is enough.
#26 Posted by naplesguy34120 on August 21, 2008 at 9:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This town operates on the buddy boy system. Know somebody inside and you get hired, forget qualifications or experience.
#27 Posted by naplesguy34120 on August 21, 2008 at 10:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And another thing before I forget. What kind of Chinese math does the Tax Collector use to Apportion our property taxes? I just got my tax proposal and eventhough our home dropped 50k in assessed value and 50k off our save our homes exemption, our taxes,if proposal is passed, dropped only a whopping $90.00, if not it goes up another 200.00. Whats the deal with this? is the millage rate increased again? I figure the rate should have dropped at least a few hundred, this is opportunistic theft and extortion as far as I am concerned. Half the homes on my street cant bring in 100k due to the foreclosure meltdown and they have us at 360k still.What a joke. The poor guy next to me bought 2 years ago and pays 5k per year to Collier County in property tax and 4k in homeowners insurance,However, we all get the same crappy service from WM and the same police and fire services.Why the sliding scale and imbalance in what we pay?It should be the same for everyone or abolished!This isnt democracy or is it Government for the People by the People. I dont even see police cars patrol my street anymore where did they go?. I dont see the grass getting cut in the right or ways often enough or the mosquito squadron as much.County services have been restricted without a doubt. Maybe that Fire Chief shouldnt have bragged 2 years back at our taxpayers expense during, the real estate boom ,he said that it was "like winning the lotto" for his department.Whats a new station cost to build,staff and maintain or a school nowdays? The party is over!
#28 Posted by naplesguy34120 on August 21, 2008 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Once again, who is going to represent our district. Golden Gate Estates is the worst hit in value, the worst hit in foreclosures but taxable value has changed very little. 30 post now, and very few people other than Naplesguy seems to even care about our taxes. You can not excuse the fact that over taxation and crazy insurance increases contributed to our downturn in our real estate market. It is not uncommon for someone to live in a typical home 300 to 400K to pay $800.00 a month between taxes and insurance on top of your mortgage payment regardless of when you bought or what kind of deal you got. Time to lower our taxes, cut the overspending, and help our real estate market rather than driving it further into the hole. Just a thought.
#29 Posted by kira5189 on August 21, 2008 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
******PLEASE HELP SAVE OUR COMMUNITIES******
VOTE FOR HONESTY!
VOTE FOR FAIR REPRESENTATION!
VOTE FOR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY!
VOTE AGAINST OVERSPENDING OF OUR TAX DOLLARS!
VOTE FOR JUSTICE AGAINST CORRUPTION!
VOTE FOR LOWER TAXES & IMPACT FEES!
VOTE FOR BETTER ROADS!
VOTE FOR PARKS!
VOTE FOR BETTER LEADERSHIP FOR THE PEOPLE!
VOTE FOR COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS!
VOTE FOR BETTER SERVICES FOR OUR SENIOR CITIZENS
VOTE FOR ROBERT "BOB" ALONSO AS COLLIER COUNTY COMMISSIONER!!!!!
THE PEOPLE NEED AND DESERVE BETTER LEADERSHIP!
http://www.bobalonso.com
#30 Posted by d5stealth on August 21, 2008 at 11:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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