Naples - A Cringe-Worthy Moment

At their March 18^th meeting, City Council discussed the status of HB 4005, which has passed the House and the Senate and has been sent to the Governor for his signature.

In a letter to the Governor requesting the Bill be vetoed, the City remarked that “HB 4005 would remove the Naples City Council’s governance and oversight of the Naples Municipal Airport and the land on which it sits, transferring authority to a governing body elected by all Collier County residents. . . The legislation introduces significant risk by opening the door to external influence over one of the City’s most critical assets. The loss of local control could lead to incompatible land use decisions, intensification of airport operations, and policy direction that may not reflect the values or best interests of the Naples community.”

Council requested a meeting between the Governor’s office and a City delegation, and sent a strong signal from the dais that they will consider legal options to defend their governance over City land.

Members of the community spoke at the March 18^th meeting, concerned about what could happen should this State over-reach become law:

• Commissioners with no agency in our community or connection with our City documents that call for the Naples Municipal Airport to co-exist positively with our City residents will manage 8% of our land.

• The cross runway could be lengthened to allow for increased jet traffic – particularly over our northern neighborhoods – posing real safety concerns

• Removal of the weight restriction would allow bigger jets and commercial engagement

• Consolidation of 3 local municipal airports could occur – moving mosquito control and flight schools away from the City to Marco to make way for more jet operations here in the City . . . where the money is

• An outside commission could challenge the lease and City land codes, making claims of local over-reach when they don’t like something, supported by a State that will have demonstrated political will to circumvent democracy.

Does an emboldened State and County stop here, or flex control over our interlocal agreements, control of our beaches, or even move to annex the City because they want political influence?

The Bill, written by Representative Adam Botana and advanced by Senator Kathleen Passidomo, raises serious questions about whether a small group of local interests is driving policy to gain greater control over the City’s airport.

In a cringeworthy appearance, former Councilman Gary Price, who serves on the Board of The Friends of the Airport, took the podium to admonish City Council for appointing two NAA Commissioners that he said had no business on the Board. “They shouldn’t be on there,” he said, warning Council that Home Rule “is not unconditional.”

The two candidates are fully qualified, a pilot and a business executive, stand-up City residents who came forward to serve the community.

Apparently, Home Rule really does have conditions . . . political.

Price has appeared at public comment several times since leaving office, admonishing Council for one decision or another. The criticisms have generally signaled support for development interests, saying . . . “Don’t make us stop you.”

The question is, should special interests be allowed to use their influence and power—locally and at the state level—to get their way, while the rest of us rely on democracy?

Home Rule ensures that our elected officials can govern without undue interference by the State, protecting the voice of the electorate.

When that principle is undermined, it is a serious concern and raises the question:

When you want your interests advanced, do you weaponize Home Rule because you can?

• Council, adds, deletes, updates, and re-orders their priorities

• Council considers more transparency on administrative approvals of development projects

• Council reviews and accepts a Level of Service, the minimum standards for our infrastructure and services. Why is it an important Flashpoint?

Residents are encouraged to stay informed, stay engaged, and stay Naples.

Read the previous Volumes of Naples Watch by clicking here.

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Naples Watch is an independent resident opinion platform and is not a political committee. It does not endorse candidates or coordinate with any campaign.