To Councilors Chuck Kiester and Ted Forcht

I want to publicly thank you so very much for your vote Monday in defense of the citizens' right to petition the government on Marco Island. That defense, of course, was doomed to failure even from the moment the first words of the Pledge of Allegiance were uttered to open that meeting.

The irrational determination of your fellow councilors to block the POP petition from reaching the voters won the day but also won the disdain of over three thousand, (3000), Marco Island petitioners and even of POP opponents as well. Americans instinctively recoil at any dictatorial stench.

Every POP supporter, indeed every Marco Islander, will remember both of you for defending the people's right to petition despite your basic disagreement with the proposed Charter amendment. Hopefully, that sense of fairness and integrity will be found in the next City Council's majority. It will difficult, if not impossible, to erase the disgraceful, tyrannical legacy of the present council.

Again, thank you , Councilors Chuck Kiester and Ted Forcht! Your moral courage suggests political hope for Marco Island might yet be attainable.

Russ Colombo, Chairman
Preserve Our Paradise (POP)