Letter to the Editor: Victor N Rios

To the editor:

It is unfortunate that Councilor Honecker has resorted to a direct personal

attack and create discord amongst City Councilors.

I forgive Mr. Honecker since it is obvious that he has let anger trump

common sense.

When I ran for City Councilor of Marco island, I promised that I would be

“an independent voice on City Council”. I committed to be a good steward for

our citizens’ money and I promised that I would Walk the Walk and Talk the

Talk. In other words I committed to say it like it is, and that is what I

have been doing and will continue to do.

It is the job of City Council to challenge City Staff (including the

Manager) when they present to Council. Contrary to what Mr. Honecker says, I

am fully prepared, not only for all items on the agenda, but also on all

city matters, and do ask probing questions when I see problems. When I see

issues I make sure they are addressed.

Frankly I am miffed by Mr. Honecker’s comments, but it is obvious that he is

on a mission to discredit me. I can only speculate on what motivates him to

take this approach so it is not worth it to respond point by point, which,

by the way I could but I refuse to diminish the office of Councilor and get

into an LTE war.

What our citizens want is a City Council that looks for their best interest

and openly challenge the status quo.

When I ran for City Councilor I was warned by some friends that politics

could be dirty. These friends, who know me well knew that I would be at the

forefront of challenging the status quo. Those dirty politics started soon

after I announced my candidacy and there was a concerted effort to discredit

me. Fortunately many of our citizens saw through that “fog” of politics and

elected me and I believe I have not disappointed them. My energy will

continue to be on openness and deliver what I promised.

I thank all my supporters and the continued flow of phone calls and

encouraging letters sent to me by my fellow Marco island neighbors. To all

of you I humbly say “Thank you” for you unwavering support and faith on my

serving you.

Victor N Rios