Good luck to Alonso, hopefully he can do as he says and actually get elected and make the changes Collier County needs to finally come into the 21st century.

Good luck Mr Alonso. Change can certainly be a good thing and you seem to be looking in the right direction.

Looking forward to learning a lot more about you!

This guy does not sound like the guy in the clown suit presently representing the Estates. Lets hear more about this candidate and his ideas for both the Estates and the County as a whole.

Coletta is our commissioner out here?

Welcome to the race, Bob. Post #4 (chap914) suggests "Let's hear more about this candidate and his ideas for both the Estates and the County as a whole." What a GR8 idea! The problem is, NDN gives you just one shot, and you've just taken it. This is how they (the power structure, i.e., chamber, builders, developers, election laws, etc.) protects the incumbents. When the party endorses Jim, the sheep will fall in line. Check his campaign donations list, make sure I'm not just blowing smoke. Better idea? DECLARE YOUR INDEPENDENCE @ colliervotes.com. Let's roil the waters and "xeriscape the grass roots."

This guy is kidding, right?

Bob, go back to the traffic unit and do some good. Oh, wait...

Let's see, a choice(?) between Coletta & a Hispanic candidate, most of whom can ONLY vote to the advantage of their heritage on issues!

That's not a choice . . . .

Now the Cubans want part of the decision process, and the sad thing is, he has a chance. Soon there will be no Hispanics south of our borders, they will be here. I'm moving to Canada. Too cold for them there.

Not to be an issue here. Most of the hispanics don't vote. Is he going to single-handedly stop the foreclosures? I can't stand people from Miami who think they have the solution to our problems. They have ruined the east coast, now they will do the same here!

If he is so worried about crime and has a direct hand in preventing it! Why does he want to leave the CCSO??

Well, until you're willing to do something more than hide behind your computers and post your petty little comments, I have far more respect for him than anyone else in these comment forums. It's not like it's a glamour job or anything...why anyone would want this job is beyond me. At least he's out there trying to make a positive difference. Good luck, Mr. Alonso.

We are glad you left too. Isn't it amazing how you can cast stones when you live in a glass house? Aren't you anonymous? Post your name, or you are hiding behind your computer posting petty comments.

Amazes me with the racist comments on this post. I thought that racism did not exist in Collier County but I see different. I wish all visitors could see this post on a daily basis to see how much hate Anglos have for Hispanics, Latins, Cubans, etc... Everytime we see a Hispanic/Latin name, we call it an illegal alien or concede that this person is not good.

Mr. Alonzo has decided to run for office to affect public policy for the good and not for people with Hispanic/Latin names. Given his 20 years in law enforcement, I would think that he has treated everyone equally, regardless of race.

I agree that Collier County has a circle of cronies who are dedicated to selecting and electing their own and go through extreme measures to make it so. I hope Mr. Alonzo does not concede to this group and stands firm on his beliefs. Win or loose, he's already won by exemplifying the American Dream of coming from nothing to now running for public office. We should all be proud of this man for not being part of the welfare system and draining our taxes. Good luck Mr. Alonzo!

I'm ready to give the new guy a try. I will vote for him just because his name isn't Coletta.

Now, if we can get one or more candidates trying to replace Coletta, then I will take the time to learn which of them is the better.

Just so long as we get rid of the encumbents.

USD,
You label white people anglos, and then you castigate them for having hatred for your people? You are prejudiced my friend. People like you will surely make this election about racism and prejudice and not about the real issues. No one is questioning his background or commitment. The man doesn't have any kind of a plan. If he proposed a real plan to get rid of the illegals and empty our jails, emergency rooms, government offices and schools of them, maybe people would listen. You talk about draining our taxes? You know not of what you speak.

I really don't like the idea of a cop being in charge.

NO WAY JOSE!
These people from Miami coming here and taking over. I don't think so. Next thing they will be marching down the street by the thousands. I fought to keep our country free, and won't have my rights as a US Citizen taken away from me by people from Miami. The next thing they will vote to change the road signs to spanish the way they did in Miami. NO WAY JOSE!
Semper Fi!

Vet,
Are the road signs over there really in spanish?

I don't understand? If Alonso did such a great job in law enforcement, why isn't he running for sheriff? Doesn't he read the latest reports? The crime rates have been going down in collier county. But, yes, we do have to be wary of the vacant homes, and that's why Commissioner Coletta is working closely with the task force that Kevin Rambosk is heading to focus on that problem.

You gotta be kidding. Cutting taxes means cutting services like sheriff deputies.
If he's worried about the crime rate in the Estates why isn't he running for Sheriff? As a special investigator I'd like to know how much time he's actually spent working in the Estates. He sure don't have a realistic view of how government services are paid for.

After some research, the issue of empty homes, crime and foreclosures is being actively worked on in the estates. The CCSO along with many governmental agencies have expanded the task force concept into the estates. Grow houses, foreclosures, empty homes, crime, are the focus of this group. Jim Coletta is already on this task force. The CCSO has a special meeting planned at the UF Ag Center on Immokalee rd on May 29- 7PM.

I also understand that Coletta is working with mortgage companies that now have special programs to get these empty homes filled with good deserving families.

This isn't going to happen overnight. It is certainly easy to point out the problems we have as a community. Doing something about them is quite another thing.

I am assuming he is a citizen of the U.S.????

I wonder if when him and his parents came to Miami back in 1963 did they speak english??
I Also wonder if his parents are citizens.

Not that it matters....but when you come from Cuba to claim the U.S. as your home....becoming a citizen shows a "commitment" to our country and ways.

As a former LEO brother I'm proud of your new stance, and your willingness to take action to make Collier a better place. However, as you can read by these many, diversive, and some-time antagonistic blogs you're in for a very bumpy, prejudiced campaign. Good luck.

MarcoRobert,
I am a retired LEO myself(after my career with Uncle Sam). I am not prejudiced in the least. Wishing and wanting to make Collier a better place is one thing. As a taxpayer, I need to see action for a prolonged time to see if someone truly cares, and also has what it takes. Work in the community(besides the job) and up front ideas and leadership would make a difference.

Estatesdude:

I can't wait to see a road built on your property so you can move next door to people you hate. Maybe then you will learn to appreciate other races and cultures. Also, I cant't see how you assume that Hispanics are my people but given your name of Estatesdude, I see that you have lived here your entire life and do not know any better. Come out of your 3-5 acre land and see the urban world around you. Won't be long before I see you landscaping affluent Hispanics' properties and repairing their tile roofs. Next time you put down a person with a Hispanic last name, take a ride to Saint Augustine (the oldest city in America) and ask directions as your walk the streets named after Hispanics.

What road are you referring to? FYI, I live on 10 acres. And the Estates are not urban. See what I mean, I did not put down anyone with a hispanic name. I live near and have friends from all races and cultures. Please don't make this election about race & culture. It is about who will do the best job in a difficult time. I don't see a reason to change things unless someone has a better plan. I haven't heard any plan yet either. Anyone can identify the problems.

No cuban vote here, look at our speaker of the house Rubio, he had 9 bills in front of him on immigration reform none were looked at by him, did i mentioned his parents were illegals.
put a latino in office here and you can welcome another ton of illegals.
Alonso will have illegals filling those empty houses

Rubio left the 9 immigration bills on the table. For shame! We have a major problem. The CCSO conservatively estimates 9 million $ a year to keep these criminals in our jail. "President" Carter should be in jail with them. That's right, this is a major issue. Step right up and give us your solution. We don't need another Rubio, he has been a disappointment.

For God's sake give Mr. Alonso a chance. Don't base your opinions strictly on race. Listen to what he has to say, don't Judge or turn this into a racial issue. I personally would love to know what you all think Coletta has done for us? I think it's time for a change. I will vote for him even if his name is Alonso and not Smith. Good Luck Roberto.

So that is an intelligent way to pick an elected official? I will withold judgement until he has a plan. Estatesdude has it right, anyone can show the problems. Show us the answers!

ww2vet... Where in Miami have you ever seen road signs in spanish? You'r talking out your a--. Do you believe everything they tell you or everything you hear? Because he is from Miami you think he can't make Collier a better place. He left Miami for a reason, I am sure he wants to make Collier a better place for his daughter, son and grandchildren. I am so glad you are no longer a LEO. You must have been one racist cop. How scary!!!!

Not racist at all. Just a realist. We all want the same thing safety, security, and stability. There is a right way and a wrong way. I do things the American way. Just try to change that!

What exactly IS the American way?

Wow. Either Coletta has some watchdogs or people are just looking for anything on which to base a dismissal of Mr. Alonso. His family has been here since the early 1960's and he has been in a position to see community problems through his LE job for over 19 years. Why bash him for not running for Sheriff? I can't imagine why anyone would want that job.

Instead of blowing Alonso off as some of you seem so eager to do, why not get more info? After hearing so much negative about Coletta, I am willing to.

ThruthHurtz Thank you for giving an honest man a chance even.

ww2vet Racist vs. Realist???? You are judging a man because of where he was born. What makes you think he dosen't want safety, security, and stability for us when he has been a Police Officer for 20 years? Why do you think he can't do things the right way or the American Way? I think by running for Commissioner he already has.. Please go on this website and look him up you'll be amazed at his credentials and Involvement with the community: http://www.colliervotes.com/candidate...

He definitely has my vote.

I have not judged anyone. But you have judged me. I have not said anything derrogatory about this man personally. I have seen his work history, and it is quite impressive. He does have some involvement with sports, but where is the civic involvement? Working on committees that make a difference for the residents. Being a Commissioner is more than kids sports and helping Youth Haven. I'm sure people will need to see much more in the community involvement. Time will tell.

Im sorry I thought that by being a LEO for over 20 years had something to do with some community involvement, I guess it doesent.

ww2vet: Did I read you last comment correctly: "I judged you and you didn't judge this man". I judged you because I think your post said something along the lines of:
"No cuban vote here put a latino in office here and you can welcome another ton of illegals.
Alonso will have illegals filling those empty houses"
I am so sorry I judged you, your right you didnt Judge Alonso at all.

I didn't say anything of the kind. I don't know the man. Just the issues. Stick to the issues.

From reading the posts it looks like the issues here are race, race and more race. They call cops, public servants- imagine that? Maybe that is the insidious plan that he has which led him to this radical move?

Bob is a jam up guy and a good cop. Give him a chance. He can't be worse that what you've got in the estates and you may find out if you would hush and listen that he doesn't have any agenda and has a lot more to say than the current guy and can do better given a chance.

Don't be a hater.

gal,
I have an open mind, and I'm sure many people do. I have heard plenty of talking. Where does the rubber meet the road? Besides his job and the sports, where is the actual investment in our community? I am looking forward to seeing it happen. Remember, district 5 is not just the estates. Include Immokalee, Everglades City, and the rural lands too. It is a very big deal to many people.

Estatesdude. I live in the Estates and have for a long time. I was the 5 house on my street which now has about 40 houses. I want as I am sure we all do what is best for the Estates and for us, especially in this critical time. I don't see where Coletta has really done anything for the Estates or for us who live out there. We are usually forgotten. I will hear what both of these candidates have to offer and will judge them by that, not by race or anything else for that matter. You are right it is a very big deal to many people, including me. May the best man win. I hope that everyone will give them a fair try.

orele,
You surely have to vote your conscience. However, I am not interested in just talk. I think you would be surprised at how much Coletta has actually done for people. I will wait until I hear what all of the candidates say before I make my decision. Again, promises won't make a difference. I won't vote for anyone that doesn't personally invest a significant time in the community.