I am happy that Commissioner Coletta will move forward. Tookie the office has many demands and takes lots of effort.
It isn't "volunteer" work by a long shot.

This race is over now, move on.

I disagree BTV, it's time for someone new.
Coletta faces another opponent in Novemeber.
And judging by Coletta's response he was shocked he actually won.

Jadip811, I am sure you would be "shocked" to know that being a Collier County Commissioner these days is in fact a full time job if you take it as seriously as Jim Coletta does. Perhaps you should scrutenize the other four Commissioners more closely, particularly the one who should be occupying the frequently empty chair. I will just say that his last name also begins with C.

P.S. Congragulations to all the winners, particularly Sheriff Rambosk. When Kevin won, the whole County won. Now, Kevin, it's time to take over the City PD!

LOL, as I said a week ago naples deserves rambosk, colleta and all the other incumbants. glad bush isn't running again naples voters would be wetting there pants in joy.

Coletta has worked harder for Golden Gate Estates and Immokalee than any other commissioner we have ever had. You have not been involved in your community to vote for someone else at this time because you don't see how much he's done. No one is perfect and will please everyone, but Coletta will continue to have my vote and that of all of my neighbors.

Commissioner Coletta might not be perfect, but he's a hard working, honest individual. I don't always agree with him, but i respect him.

Watch the Dem opponent drop out now. He was only there to stop registered Dem's and Independents from voting in the Alonso/Coletta race. Can't believe nobody else saw through this. The Dem that's running won't even accept the position if he wins. Well, the people of District 5 will get what they deserve based upon their own stupidity, and failing to vote. I'll still support the Dem, even though he's not a real candidate - I suggest you all vote for him too, if the Dem wins, Coletta will still be the one sitting in that seat on behalf of Kraft.

CONGRATULATIONS JIM COLETTA!

Unfairly portrayed in these blogs and, what do you know, a normal everyday hard working "one of us". One of 3 on this Commission that actually cares and listens to the voters....

I predicted this outcome by the actual evidence available to everyone. Coletta is the best candidate, and has earned our trust for the next 4 years. Alonso would not even answer questions about his experience, and there were many questions about his past in Miami that went unanswered. I did pretty good as a first time voter. The people I chose to represent my family were all victorious. Thank you to all of the candidates, it is a great sacrifice to run for public office. The job can be thankless. Ciao.

I hope Robert Alonso takes Mr Colleta up on his offer to become more involved and joining some committees.

Since Mr Alonso is an investigator I am sure he will naturally dig into finding better ways for the commissioners to do business.

For being a first time canidate his turn out and support was impressive. I hope he does not give up in his desire to make District 5 a better place to live and work.

Great job to COLETTA and RAMBOSK. You should have seen how many people showed up to the little after parties that never lifted a finger during the race. Not only the Rambosk party but I heard they were at the the Coletta party too.

It's always funny how people like to take credit and fame for what someone else worked so hard for. Oh well thats how the wood grinds....

It's almost depressing when you're a true independent and you see the sheeple out in droves deciding the outcome. Now it's THREE terms for Colletta- and we don't need term limit laws? Bring in that pork Jim it pays big. Here in this county when you look to the other side there's nothing. Republicans win again in a landslide. Yep, I agree George W Bush would get re-elected here and Connie Mack the XXX will be back, too.

I'm not quite sure what the /SMOKINHOT part means but as far as you. Last I heard you can't even get into a civic meeting in your own community. Let alone a party. Rumor has it you got tossed out on your butt with that little troll. And a few others. Is this true?

ps: How's that new org "hoagge" going? lol.

What many people don't realize is how much effort it takes to hold the office of County Commissioner. I mentioned on another blog that I had met all but one. None of them are perfect, but I honestly believe that they all are sincere in representing their constituents. It is a full time job. Deputy Alonso seems to be a fine individual. I don't know how he could have worked and been a Commissioner too. The monthly Commission meetings are not the only obligation Commissioners have. They are obliged to go to many more public meetings and hearings. They have a very full agenda and also maintain office hours for appointments and preparation for all the meetings. Most research the extensive agendas on which they will vote in depth.

I also hope Deputy Alonso will get more involved. Perhaps when Commissioner Coletta is ready to retire, he (Alonso) will be ready to retire from CCSO and take on another full time job.

Certainly, I will be interested in seeing what Mr. Kish has to say. However, I honesty feel Commissioner Coletta is good for our district and will continue to serve us well. He cannot MAKE the rest of the commission support all the initiatives which best benefit our area. Case in point, he was able to get funding for paving the shell roads, however...when the budget shrunk, the rest of the commission pulled this funding.

I urge you to watch the Commission in action. Take some of your time to go to a meeting. Watch the meetings live on CCTV or watch them via the internet link to video on demand on the CC Government website.

Fearisfailure: I agree that too few voted. But don't call those of us who did vote for a candidate you didn't support stupid. Nope, not stupid not at all. Voting is an expression of our confidence in this candidate. If Alonso is serious, he can try again in the future when he is ready to work in the FULL time job of County Commissioner.

To those who want to polarize the GGE community:
(you know who you are), PLEASE knock it off. We have bigger issues to deal with than petty name calling and rumormongering.
Please be civil to one another at the very least. Hopefully, your social interactions in real life provide good examples for your children on which to model.

We can agree to disagree. We can have different organizations. It is OK. But there is common ground which needs to be explored. We need to be magnanimous enough to see this and put aside the other issues which have divided us. Respect each other and earn the respect. It really works and your kids will benefit from the experience and example.

Well said BTV. And to those who don't like Coletta go do something about getting Kish elected instead of complaining how others voted.

Talk about calling the kettle.....

Dear floorscrubfixer,
Care to elaborate? Just curious about your comment.

I thought you were above all this? Refer to post #18 HAVE A NICE DAY!

So how am I a divisive influence? By calling for people to be civil to one another?

My day has been wonderful so far. Hope you have a similar experience. Kindness and tolerance for our differences makes us stronger. I am fortunate in that even though my wife and I don't always see eye to eye, that we both understand compromise and can sometimes agree to disagree without name calling or worse.

We both have found our ability to compromise and work together has great rewards both personally and professionally because we applied this approach in our work environments as well.

Calling for this kind of approach in GGE is hardly inappropriate or divisive.

BTV.. You seem to be very intelligent and knowledgeable, however who told you Alonso was going to work as a deputy too? Just FYI if he won, he could not be an Invetsigator and a Commissioner, he would have had to resign. But since he didn't win., he will continue to keep the Estates a safe place for all of us...

orele: None of his limited literature indicated that he would resign from CCSO if elected. But I did not chose to vote for him for that reason alone. I do hope he becomes more involved as Commissioner Coletta suggested.
Is he assigned to the Estates District? I thought he had another role in the SO.

BTV, In 2006, he was assigned to the Collier County Sheriffs' Office Criminal Intelligence Bureau where he presently serves as an Intelligence Investigator.. He actually works all of Collier County.

Folks I tell you this...something is going-on around the offices on the 3rd floor today. Seems like there may be some issues forthcoming. We also heard a Commissioner's Secretary vent some long standing frustrations outside while on break that if the media gets wind of it it they will have a field day.

The sad thing about this election is that just nearly 3,000 people went out to vote. That is very sad considering the thousands of people that are registered Republicans living in the district. The percentage was even below the estimated numbers given by the Election's Office, at leat that is what the radio said this morning. This is sad, so many people complaint of so many bad things yet on the day that they have the chance to do something positive, they opted to stay home. We'll they made a bed that we will just have to sleep in the next 4 years. I hope that Mr. Alonso keeps his strong desires to help and serve the people in the district and run again the next time. He will contunie to have our support. You have to give credit where credit is due, Mr. Alonso gained alot of votes and support in such little time. Some of you have made the comment today that he should become more involved and you are right. I think that in the next period of time between now and the next available elections for a Commissioner out here he can build on that which will make his campign not only easier but significantly stronger then. If he has 1,000 plus out of 3,000 today on his side, they will be there again the next time and that is a whole lot more that what he had when he started this one which was a little late in the race.
Bob if you read this....I'll keep your yard sign in my home and our family will start the countdown as of today for your new campaign, please don't give up on us, we won't give up on you.

Huh? PIEFACE;

On your posting #27 you wrote "I dont live in Golden Gates Estates.....bla, bla, bla".

Yet on this one you wrote "The rest of us that live in the area rote.....bla, bla, bla".

Well, which one is it? Geez, less that 24 hours after the elcetion and you still lie. Do ya think most of are mongloids?

Sorry PIEFACE, but I am originally Ft. Leonardwood, MO. Moved to Palmetto, FL. in 1969, then to Corkscrew in 1980. I can;t see myself going back to a place I haven't lived, and I have only been there three times in my liftime, the longest was 3 hours assisting The Red Cross.

#30 Nice job on the bust. We all know his name and you will too. It would not surprise me if he uses another id to throw you off.

EX: ww2vet or estatesdude and maybe even ALVAREZ.
we are still awaiting confirmation on the later.

Hint: pony tail

This kind of back and forth bickering accomplishes nothing. Can you try being positive instead of lobbing tomes of venom? Seriously, why so bitter?

You are right BTV I am going to try and clean up my act.

right after I fix a floor scrubber to do it with

PIEFACE, PIEFACE,

You are deffenitely not the sharpest tool in the shed. You remind me so much of BIGMAC who is also as slow. Must be the new laptop.

Speaking of Straws....hmm....yeah, sure hurts to have those memories taunting.

BTW, have you decided on when you'll answer all the call from residents in the Estates wanting something done about the flooded areas? Your Sec. is talking....and the rest of us are listening.

Just a thought
Jeff Lytle says that the public turnout for voting this time was "miserable, a civic embarrassment"
mmmm..
Do you think maybe it could be because of the overwhelming bias that NDN casts over Collier County has anything to do with it? (yes many of us do)
Maybe by letting the public know that there are more candidates out there to vote for, they wouldn't have such a dismal outlook in voting.
Just a thought Mr. Lytle

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

OH JUST QUIT YOU LOST.

NOW GET OFF YOUR RUMP AND GO HELP YOUR COMMUNITY.

PIEFACE: you wrote "The rest of us that live in the area want things to stay just like they are. We enjoy the peace and quiet in our special area"

Yes I love the way it is now let me see... I have about 7 houses on my street abandoned and in foreclosure, the grass is almost covering them now, the yards are flooded, the mosquitos are eating my horses alive, BUT OH YES I WANT IT TO STAY JUST LIKE IT IS NOW ESPECIALLY THE PEACE AND QUIET!!! It's obvious you don't live in the Estates, so why don't you drive in on a weekend and take a look around before you post such blogs referring to what people in the Estates want..

Alonso hang in there. I can't wait for next time..

Why don't you take the horses down the street and let them eat the grass?

That would be a 3fer. The horse gets free food the mosquitos go away and you clean up your neighborhood.

Heck if you leave them there long enough they may drink the water till its all gone.

That would make it a 4fer.

If anyone is going to take any horses anywhere it should be to the font lawn of that new house you built in in Hendry County that you paid-off in full as you enjoyed the No New Construction Impact Fee you crook.

I guess the next will be the one to be built at Arrowhead in Immokalee where you part took on the PUD vote while you had mutual interest in it.

We've got you all figured out hugeorgan, you are like a BIGMACK alright, 2 pieces of dead meat seperated by a flat bun in the shaep of a PIEFACE that only a GEEK would eat at afre being served by a delapitated ww2vet.

Calm down you spell like crap when you are all wound up.
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ps:wrong guy

PIEFACE.... Again where do you get your information????????????? Where do I say anywhere I want to bulldoze peoples homes? Where do I talk or even mention anything about less fortunate people? You don't know me, you don't know if am one of the fortunate ones or not. Please if your going to direct anything about me or to me make sure you know your facts...

BIGMAC... Your an idiot

QtrPndr... Thanks,

PIEFACE... I don't think there is a magic solution and I don't think it will happen overnight, but someone has to work on a solution. I moved here from the East coast 9 years ago and I love living here in the peace and quiet, but I do believe we could have some commercial (not on every corner). Out by Desoto and 858 something could be built, there are no houses and it wouldn't bother anyone Im sure. I don't blame the County for what is going on Sh-- happens and thats just what is happening here. The County is at fault for many other things...

orele...so now that commercial is over built everywhere and stores are not making it even closer in or in town, you want commercial zoning further out? What kind of businesses? Do you understand there are limitations as to what can be built without utilities? The costs of bringing utilities into the Estates is something that very few could afford and would take years. It also would pretty much destroy the semi rural setting.

I read the exchanges between you, PIEFACE, BIGMAC and QtrPndr in outright amazement. Do any of you belong to either GGEACA or HOAGGE? I am at a loss for words by the comments made. Wow.

PIEFACE: First thank you very much for your reply! It helps a bit, but I am still confused.

No, I don't want a Dollar or any kind of store by my home. I want to be left alone. I am confused because one group states they are against development and the other one is FOR it and the other states THEY are against development and the first group is FOR it.

Then the rather bizarre exchange which denegrated into name calling and worse. Good God, what a image both groups are presenting to residents.

I am totally against development here. We have what we need: no more is needed. We need only to be civil to one another.

It was difficult to find this page again. I got transported to MarcoEagle and was logged in as someone else! I am not happy about the mix up NDN, but I know this kind of stuff has happened before.

So from what you are saying is that GGEACA is not interested in fostering development or changing the character of the Estates.

What about HOAGGE? Does orele, belong to that group? Just trying to sort this all out.

I am very happy Commissioner Coletta won. One of our friends told us she sincerely believes that he would literally give you the shirt off his back if it could help. This is a rather sophisticated and sometimes politically cynical person (I am politically cynical too) whose opinion my wife and I respect.

Pieface.. I love the way you change peoples word around. I say one thing and you change by either over exagerating or just changing it all together. I don't belong to any groups I am just a person who lives in the Estates and would like to be a ble to go grocery shopping in 1 hour instead of 2. Maybe a Walgreens for emergency medications.. Who told you I want to change everything? I wonder if you think your Pyhscic, cause your not... A dollar store, here you go again, judging me why would you ask such a question??? I'm done... Thanks

orele. A ubiquitous Walgreen's is being built across from G's or E's or whatever letter they are using this month. There could be issues with a full sized grocery store. They would likely need permitting from DEP and enough land to support the package plant they will need to function. Now considering how many homes are empty, and the state of the economy, how many companies will be willing to take the gamble to try to get enough land to not only put in a building but gain all the permitting needed AND build a plant onsite? Grocery stores operate on a slim margin of profit. They are not charitable organizations or not for profit groups. I am Just wondering if you understand the Estates is not about convenience. The State DCA has oversight as well and told the County to stop the infill. Town centers are allowed but the economy is a dictator here. When Sembler finally gets their connections to FGUA which needs to build an expansion of its existing plant OR DEP permits them for more connections (they are over capacity now): a Publix will go in at Pine Ridge and 951. Perhaps in the future if DEP allows expansion of Orange Tree utilities, there will be some grocery stores in that vicinity. But it isn't just about changing zoning, there is a lot more to this kind of thing. Once convenience happens, urban infill does too. Believe me, I have been in a community in which this very thing happened. It wasn't supposed to happen, but it did and the results are tremendous displacement of wildlife and loss of tree canopy, over pumping of the well fields and general denigration of the entire area.

I am also not part (anymore) of any group. I am not happy with the battle of these groups one bit. The exchanges I have seen are childish and inappropriate of any organization with Civic in them or as any official group. If the leadership steps up to clean up their images and they find some common ground that would interest me.

BTV.. I agree and yes very well put... You seem to know alot about things normally people wouldn't know unless, you work for the County or you work for an engineering firm.. I know about all the things you are stating, however this County does what it feels like doing and lets people build when it's in the county's best interest, so it dosen't matter what me or you want.

BTV....
You seem to want to continue the misery created by “Golden Gate Estates, the world’s largest subdivision” scam; one of the most outrageous land scams in Florida’s long history of nefarious real estate scams. Golden Gate Estates is the mother of all “antiquated subdivisions,” which was originally platted in the early 1960s by the Gulf America Corporation. Gulf American Corporation’s scam was to only build drainage canals to drain wetlands and road (many unpaved); far below the standards of current development requirements in Florida. Golden Gates Estates was spread out over 114,000 acres of land in southwest Florida in Collier County, encompassing part of what was the Big Cypress Swamp.

Not only did Gulf American Corporation sell swamp land, to maximize its profits it purposely failed to set aside land for churches, civic areas, commercial spaces, fire, police, emergency medical services, hospitals, parks, schools, and utility services.

The original buyers of Golden Gate Estate may have been “promised nothing” by Gulf American Corporation. But do you really believe that all Golden Gate Estate residents bought to be away from conveniences? If so, then why did the western Units of Golden Gate build up homes first? Conveniences?

Pieface: I am not attacking the County. I know all the things that have to be done to build especially, commercial. I know about the permitting, the road impact fees, the transportation issues, the road issues, the mitigation issues, the wildlife issues, i.e. panthers, red-cockaded woodpeckers, gopher tortoises. etc... I am well informed. Trust me

I understand the history of Golden Gate Estates. I researched this area thoroughly before we decided to buy here. If people don't want to live in this area, there are alternatives, especially now.

The facts are that it exists as a semi-rural area deemed to have low density. The Department of Community Affairs has a lot of oversight over development or changes in the master plan. The non-conforming lots are problematic, but the master plan is to prevail.

I am a retired scientist who worked for a governmental agency. I was fortunate to retire early and I now work for myself. I am quite aware of the regulations which govern zoning, building, infrastructure because I was very involved in another community. Collier County has the same processes in place. I also understand cost analysis which has to be done to effect significant change.

One factor driving commercial/retail zoning is the value change and increase in tax revenue this change can make. Even if the project fails and stands empty, the value increases. Undeveloped land brings in little to the coffers. I am happy that the State via DCA can help assure no radical change is made. So the county can be held in check. However, if residents clamor for more stores, there is pressure on the county to move these kind of projects forward.

I don't find living in GGE "misery" at all. I do think it would have been far better if the Army Corps of Engineers hadn't made the canals which drained the swamp, but we cannot rewind history, can we? If we can, there are a few other key things I would redo! LOL. The Army Corps' actions are not always best for the big picture. They often create more problems than they solve (NOLA is a great example).

One more thing, if someone bought in GGE and signed a contract, they are capable enough of looking around and seeing that on any given street people can have farm animals, keep big trucks and other items related to home based businesses. If they fail to understand what is and isn't "around the corner" it is no one's fault but theirs. It isn't a gated community loaded with expensive amenities and rising costs.
I have neighbors who keep goats, chickens and other critters. They would not be able to do this in the typical suburban setting. I lived in the suburban sprawl. GGE provides relief from this intrusive environment.

Moving to an area and then expecting it to change for convenience is not a feasible plan.

fearisfailure

No Mr. Kish will not back out of the race nor will he back out of the job if he earns the position through the votes. He ran because he was sick and tired of seeing how the money was being spent in his district the last 10 years he has lived here. And instead of complaining about it he figured he would at least try to do something about it. I see alot of people on here complaining but not many people trying to DO anything.
Sure it is easy to sit here and say the same ol "this and that" about someone, or all of the canidates but its much more challanging to actually get up from the computer and decide to actually do something about you feel has been handled poorly.

If he wins he will take office FULL time and Drastically reduce his current full time job to per diem, which is maybe a shift a week. He is fully committed to running for commissioner and doing so without outside fundraisers, which I assume will be a challenge in itself.

I suggest next time, maybe research a little bit before you make some conspiracy theories incircling the race for commissioner of district 5 lol.

KISH FOR COMMISH!!

skipperdz: so what does he do that he can reduce his work to one shift per week? Tell us more. Does he have a website or platform? Does he watch the meetings? Especially the AUIR meetings? More information about him, please.

they all have a personal website at http://www.colliervotes.com/candidate...
it has his abbreviated plans for what he would like to do as commissioner.

he is a pharmacist at nch downtown. He has watched the meetings, there is his email address on the site above as well, if you have any questions he is the man to ask. Im sure he would be more than glad to answer any questions you may have.

If he were to be elected, I would expect him to be full time and not have "one shift" at NCH. The Commissioner's job is 24/7 especially during a crisis. NCH can pull staff during such events as impending storms. I have seen his bio on the Supervisor of Elections site. I was surprised he didn't have a website or at least a blog (free with many services like Google).

Port of the Isles in an interesting place. Wonder how he feels about putting in infrastructure in the Estates? I am strongly against this. Strongly! I may email him to see what he has to say on this subject.