Letters to the editor for Saturday, August 17, 2024

On June 11, 2024, the Collier County Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution opposing the Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion (Amendment Four). Now some Lee County citizens are pushing our commissioners to enact a similar resolution.
Voters should make the final decision on Amendment Four.
The thrust of Amendment Four is to limit governmental interference in one of the most personal decisions that a woman, her family, and her health care provider may need to make in her lifetime.
Unfortunately the discussion surrounding this amendment, which is a nonpartisan issue, is now politicized in the public square.
It is disturbing that commissioners, by issuing such a resolution, would veer from their lane of prescribed duties such as managing the county budget, properties and appropriations.
This would resemble a political stunt. Amendment Four addresses a nonpartisan, personal issue, not a political one.
Ironically, the Collier County resolution states that Amendment Four would be “detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare” of the citizens of Collier County and Florida. Statements about abortions being allowed until the time of birth and abortions causing breast cancer, for example, are patently false.
In fact, the current near total abortion ban is detrimental, placing women’s lives at risk, not only banning abortion but also resulting in fewer cancer screenings and critical health care. Physicians may avoid setting up practices here.
We hope that Lee commissioners will show respect for women and their families by refraining from injecting their personal beliefs and political agenda into a resolution opposing Amendment Four.
Jeanne Goldberg, M.D., Bonita Springs, League of Women Voters of Lee County
As a parent and a taxpayer for over 30 years in Lee County, I personally feel compelled to voice my support for School Board member Melisa Giovannelli. She has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advocating for our students and teachers, and their families. I want to emphasize that she is not, nor has she ever been, part of the bureaucratic establishment that often gets lost in the complexities of district policies. She is a mother, a grandmother, a businesswoman, a community member and most importantly an advocate for education in Lee County.
In today’s educational bureaucratic establishment and climate, it is vital that our representatives prioritize the family, student and staff needs. Many members seem disconnected from the needs of our children and concerns of parents. They are so far removed from the classroom setting that they cannot comprehend the needs at hand. As a matter of fact, I have personally spoken at numerous board meetings when I believed that the future needs of the students were at risk. Melisa Giovannelli listens and advocates for transparency and accountability for all.
In today’s educational landscape, it is too easy for individuals to get caught up in district politics and lose sight of the true purpose of why they were elected, that our voices are heard, actively engaging with us to understand our perspectives and to serve and uplift our students and their challenges. Unlike many, Melisa Giovannelli stands apart from this trend. She continues to work for the best interests of our students and staff. She listens to parents. Education is not just up to the teachers. It is up to the parents, the school district’s leadership and our community.
Our community needs representation on the school board that is not afraid to react to the needs of the students, teachers and families. Melisa Giovannelli has my support and my vote!
Thank you for considering my perspective as a parent of two high school graduates, a past School Advisory Committee chair, a previous volunteer leader to produce memorable teacher and staff appreciation events, a past board member and committee member of school related nonprofits.
Tuesday Shannon, Fort Myers
You may have heard that Florida is a closed primary state, meaning you need to be registered with a party to vote in the primary. While this is true for partisan races, nonpartisan races, like school board, are open to everyone.
My name is Kaitlyn Schoeffel and I’m asking for your vote in the upcoming election for the Lee County School Board District 3. This election is about more than just choosing a representative — it’s about choosing the future of our children and our community.
As a mother and community member, I’m not running to push a political agenda. I’m running because, like you, I want the best for our children. My child is a student in this district, so what happens in our schools is of upmost concern to me. Sadly, many of our school board members and candidates only see it as a place to consolidate power for their next political step. We need more board members connected to our community and our kids.
I’m committed to making our schools a place where every student can thrive. I will listen to parents and put kids first. I will prioritize safety and mental health. I will do all I can to make sure our teachers and staff feel supported by our school district. Our kids deserve it.
Let’s work together to build a brighter future for our children. Vote at your precinct on Election Day, August 20, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Kaitlyn Schoeffel, Estero
As a veteran of 30 years of service to our country, I read with dismay the letters to the editor claiming that Greg Folley is not a “true” veteran because he was discharged from the U.S. Naval Academy due to a medical condition. In response, I’d like to make a few points. First, the law defines active service as full-time service in the military, which is exactly what attending the Naval Academy entails. It means wearing a military uniform 24/7, mandatory formations and drills, no alcohol or drugs, being subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and being restricted to campus while attending, among other things. Second, as with all active duty military, midshipmen at the Naval Academy can be sent to the front lines at any time, which is what happened when the nation needed them in World War II. Third, Greg did not have a choice whether to continue to attend past the second year – it was the decision of a military medical board that he be discharged based on his medical condition. Fourth, those claiming that people need to be serving in something akin to a war zone to be a true veteran casts aspersion on the large number of U.S veterans who support such operations rather than being stationed in it.
I served in the same company with Greg for the years that he was at the U.S. Naval Academy. He thoroughly embraced the mission of that fine institution, principally the value of service to country above self, including the core values of honor, courage, and commitment. In addition, in response to the rigor and challenges in that military environment, he demonstrated the attributes of initiative, accountability, integrity, and toughness that would have enabled him to serve our country well had he been able to continue in the naval service.
The values and attributes are what has made him so successful in his civilian career. They also are what make him the best choice to serve our region and state in this next stage of his service to our country.
Captain Thomas H. Boyce, USN (Ret.), Marco Island
I am writing to express my commitment to serving the community and to clarify my position: I am not, nor have I ever been, part of the local political establishment.
My journey has always been in advocacy for the students, parents and staff. I listen to their concerns and champion their needs, which is why I ran.
In a time when traditional structures can often overlook the everyday citizens, I pride myself on being a true representative of the community. My dedication lies in engaging with the public, understanding their challenges, and working collaboratively to create solutions that uplift us all.
Another writer mentioned books and it should be noted that only one book was removed from the LCSD. The book was found to not have literary value, and I supported that decision. “The Diary of Anne Frank” has not been removed from district libraries, in fact it is recommended in the BEST standards for 8th grade and above and I value and support all historical literature. History is key to knowledge and preservation so that it does not repeat itself.
Let us continue to foster an environment where every voice is heard and valued. Together, we can build a brighter future based on trust, transparency, and accountability. I humbly ask for your vote on or before August 20.
Melisa W. Giovannelli, Fort Myers
I am a retired RN and definitely favor fluoridation to prevent dental cavities. My mouth is full of fillings and crowns because fluoridation came later in my life. And, neighbors, let’s keep some chlorine in the water as well.
I am disgusted with folks who are against immunization. They are killers! Even our Florida surgeon general “rejects science-based protocols,” WRONG!
Judith Archdale, RN, MHA (ret), Fort Myers
We all know that when applying for a high-level occupation the interviewer needs to know your goals, plans and criteria. There is no bigger business than leading the United States of America. The national debt is over $35 trillion and counting. Kamala Harris will epically add to this debt level due to her and Tim Walz’s socialist agenda. So far she appears to be hiding and refusing to have a press conference or one on one question and answer session. Nancy Pelosi once infamously stated “we have to pass the bill and then read it to see what’s in it.” Does Kamala Harris expect us to elect her and the find out what her agenda is
John McWilliams, Fort Myers
For months he said there would be infrastructure aid passed but it never happened. Under Biden-Harris they passed a big infrastructure bill. Trump passed a tax cut which benefited the rich. Biden-Harris has worked to reduce drug costs for seniors, Trump has worked to reduce environmental protections for land, air and water. When asked a difficult question he usually says I will announce it next week or month but he never does. When asked about Project 2025 he lied and said he knew nothing when there is plenty of evidence he did. The only thing he really did was appoint Supreme Court justices who would outlaw abortion and shield him from prosecution for criminal acts.Vote for Democrats, keep Trump at Mar a Lago.
Benjamin Glick, Naples
Would those of you who are planning to vote for communist leaning Harris and quasi Nazi Walz explain to us why?  Is it that you like high gas prices, open borders, out of sight grocery prices? Pray tell us all.
Michael Adler, Miromar Lakes
This letter is dedicated to readers who fancy themselves Democrats. On election day many people of all parties vote for candidates of their chosen party regardless of the current facts and factors they’re facing. If asked why, many would typically say because that is how I, or my family, have always voted. For most, if not all, the past 248 years the very survival of the republic as conceived in the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and it’s Bill of Rights as we have known (loved?) and understood their content and intent didn’t hinge on the outcome of that election.
Unfortunately, that condition will not govern (pardon the pun) the upcoming presidential election. While you may think “your” candidates are great and represent your family’s values well, as the party always has, now is different. To quote Joe Biden, “this is not hyperbole” when I say, “The candidates flying the Big Blue D Flag in this election are not your daddy’s Democrats!” Why, they’re not Democrats at all!
Based strictly on what they have said and done in their political careers they are at the very least full-throated Socialists. It has been said, “Actions speak louder than words.” Well, do your homework, look at what they have done and the values they so dearly espouse and embrace. Many of their stated values and the acts they have executed in the performance of their elected positions are Marxist/Communist in nature. Like Joe says, “Not a joke!”
 Yes, it may be true that Donald Trump flunked out of charm school, teed-off Dale Carnegie, and the Pope! However, his actual measurable and empirically observable economic and national security performance in his first term is highly admirable. That’s a fact! Look it up.
Tom Perkins, Fort Myers
The more I read about Gov. Walz the more impressed I am. Under his administration last year Minnesota passed a law to provide free lunch and breakfast to all school children. Amazing! 
I am impressed by his work as a public school teacher, as a coach and his 24-year service with the National Guard, but I am most impressed by his ethics. His salary as governor is now $128,000 because he refused to accept an increase to $139,000 in 2023 and to $149,000 in 2024. Why did he refuse $21,000?  Because he had appointed the members of the committee who had recommended the higher salaries for state officials.  Amazing and wonderful.
Marcia Reff, Naples
So, Republican wannabe VP J.D. Vance has some clinical insight into the psyche of childless women with cats as pets.  Apparently, these childless cat ladies (his words) are miserable!  Well, my wife is childless and has two pet cats and she’s not miserable!  Does his insight also apply to men because I’m childless and have two pet cats and I’m also not miserable!  He only mentioned women so a reasonable individual can conclude he has sexist leanings and is in fact a misogynist.
Apparently, Mr. Vance has started a wave of opinions concerning people without children.  The most common opinion is that they are selfish.  Well, let’s see!  Childless people pay to educate the children of others through taxes.  They leave a smaller environmental footprint by taking up less space, using less natural resources, polluting less, sending less rubbish to the landfills, requiring less food, and they have never taken a screaming little poopy-pants on a six hour flight disrupting everyone’s peace and tranquility!   So, who’s being selfish?!  
There are many reasons why people don’t have children.  Some have tried without success.  Some have medical conditions that prevent procreation.  Others just don’t want them for personal reasons that are nobody’s business!  Isn’t there anything anymore that remains personal without elected officials sticking their noses into it?!  
Jay Custa, Estero
The Mouth that Roared had to be disappointed at Biden’s exit from the race. His game plan against a stuttering, stumbling old guy had to be revamped. Despite his many accomplishments, Biden’s debate performance was damning. Now things have changed dramatically. Now it is Trump’s many verbal miscues that get attention. Now he’s the old guy, more than 18 years older than his opponent.As he slips in the polls and feels an uncomfortable vulnerability, Trump will resort to the only tactics he knows — lies, innuendo, name-calling, election denial, and fearmongering. Conspiracy theories will abound. If asked for particulars on policies, he’ll deflect and talk about crowd sizes or what a smart guy he is.Harris and Walz are off to an impressive start. They have a clear path to winning. Stay positive. Keep the momentum. Talk about the issues that trouble America. Be straightforward.When Trump lies, call him on it. He’ll allege that any truth that shows him in a negative light is fake or rigged. He makes things up (Harris AI enhanced crowd sizes), hoping to distract the voters. Some of his more discerning followers are realizing he’s nothing more than a charlatan, an incoherent windbag.Harris provides a reasonable alternative to the snake oil salesman. She could win bigly.
Kevin McNally, Bonita Springs