Regarding My Vote on the Constitutionally Protected Freedom Zone Bill

I respect Greg Folley as a patriot and fellow City Councilor. I could not however vote yes on the CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED FREEDOM ZONE Bill and I wanted to share a statement I read at the 2/20/24 Marco Island City Council Meeting regarding this:   

“I understand the intent of this document. It is designed to be a strong political statement against the tyranny of the federal government and its agencies and against foreign interference in our government’s policies. I get that, and if I had my way I’d have the United States leave the World Health Organization and the United Nations and throw the UN out of New York City. 

If it was just a statement supported by the City Council, I’d sign it in a minute. 

However, this document goes way beyond that. 

is also an Ordinance, and once it becomes codified it is the law and must be enforced. Supporters of this Ordinance laud it because it will make it easier for residents to sue the City and the City Council. 

Is that what we really want? 

Didn’t we all just go through that exercise and experience what being sued by ourselves feels like? 

Was it a good feeling to see our city torn in half? Did it help unite us or divide us? 

I promised a friend recently that I would try to learn from my mistakes on the dais and I do not want to make one now by supporting this Ordinance. 

If this Ordinance does not pass it will have no effect on your ability to sue the City if it robs you of your Constitutional Rights. In fact, if there is merit, you can take your case all the way to the Supreme Court, the body that is entrusted with protecting your constitutional rights. You do not need this Ordinance to do that. 

This Ordinance does nothing to ensure that your police and fire rescue departments will protect you, that your roads will get paved and that pure, drinkable water will flow when you turn on your tap. It will not fix your sidewalks or put a roof on the Airnasium at Mackle Park. 

These, and other local issues are the things that concern me and are what I was elected to fight for. I’ll leave the Constitutional Decision-making to the Supreme Court.” 

The vote to approve the bill passed 6-1 with me as the lone dissenting vote. That said, my colleagues spoke and I will obey their wishes. I will do my best to uphold this law and make the best decisions possible if the City Council is called upon to decide on the constitutionality of any actions taken against our freedoms as enumerated under this new Ordinance.