Letter to the Editor: Small Town Politics

We see what is going on politically in Washington D.C. and Chicago and say how sad that elected or appointed government officials act in a manner that is unacceptable to the will of the citizens. It was said of Chicago, “Big city with small town politics”. Well, we have an example right here in Marco Island of the “Small town politics”.

On January 8th the Marco Island City Council’s newly appointed Interim City Manager, Mr. David Harden, assumed his duties. In a matter of days (Feb) Mr. Harden had requested Marco’s Police Chief Al Schettino to resign. Either Mr. Harden has an amazing ability to evaluate employee performance or he was given a predetermined agenda by some Council Members on the Q T.

The Chief, it is said, has initiated actions to retire given the alternative. Chief Schettino assumed his position with several festering issues that had been lingering over several of his predecessors’ terms in office. Most all of these issues have been cleared up or are in process.

The Chief has support of many in the department as well as members of the Police Foundation. I, along with many other Marco residents want to keep the Chief on the job! Marco needs a continuation of the progress Chief Schettino has brought to our local Police Department.

It is time all Marco residents become informed and evolved with their city’s government and its leadership, i.e. City Council, and stop the “Small town politics” of special interest.

Charles Callahan

Marco Island