Thoughts of a Quiet Man

I’m continually amazed at the arrogance, blatant divisiveness and incompetence displayed by the Marco Island City Council. The topic of the Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance continues to divide the people of Marco and the Council to the point of unprofessional behavior. Last night’s display included an attack by Peter Rigas on Councilor Joe Rola that was abusive and totally unprofessional but, only when he began to attack the Councilor’s wife, was he stopped! The previous City Council meeting saw an equally unprofessional, personal attack on the same Councilor and allowed by the Chairman. It is amazing that the Chairman allows such personal attacks.

This Monday’s meeting included a discussion regarding hiring an attorney, Robert Pritt, to give a second opinion on the course with which the Council should defend itself in the litigation of four suits filed against the City regarding the STR ordinance passed by the voters of Marco. The personal attacks by Councilors sympathetic to STR owners on those Councilors voting in favor of hiring Mr. Pritt were disrespectful. The height of hypocrisy came when two of the Councilors, Becky Irwin and Darrin Palumbo accused Mr. Pritt of being biased. In my humble thought, I am dismayed that either of those Councilors are even allowed to DISCUSS or VOTE on the issue. They're both realtors and their personal finances are affected by decisions regarding the STR Ordinance. Councilors Grifoni, Irwin and Palumbo could also be seen huddling with the STR supporters.