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| Luncheon and General Meeting
April 8, 2024, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Tiburon Golf Club
| Civic Engagement + Well-Sourced Quality Reporting =
a Robust Democratic Society
Presented by
Barbara Petersen
Executive Director
FLCGA
Barbara Petersen will present the work of the Florida Center for Government Accountability,
a non-partisan, not-for-profit investigative news organization.
Registration and Payment Must Be Made Online
by April 2, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
More information and registration
Walk-ins will be seated in order of arrival on a space available basis
Late registration/walk in price will be strictly enforced.
| Message from the President
|
LWVCC President
Diane Preston Moore
It may be April Fool’s Day, but the news I am sharing with you is no joke!
As of this writing, we still are anxiously waiting to hear the Florida Supreme Court’s ruling on whether the Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion can appear on the November ballot. You can learn more by visiting the Florida Supreme Court's website..
In terms of the League’s activity, March also was not a joke! From Hot Topic presentations on Gun Safety to the National Popular Vote to a robust New Member Coffee, there was a program for everyone. The month of March also kicked off the 2024 election year with the Presidential Preference Primary, several local races in the City of Naples, and several ballot issues on Marco Island. Once again, the LWVCC staffed 2 voting sites — on in the Moorings and one in Immokalee. If you are following us on social media, you may have recognized some of the poll workers interviewed in our video clip! Speaking of social media, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@lwvcolliercounty) to join our social media campaign aimed at engaging young (ages 21-40) voters. “Like” and “Share” our posts with friends to broaden our reach!
We hope to see you at our Annual Meeting on April 8th at 10 AM. Scroll down for more details in the article, below. In addition to conducting LWVCC business, we will honor our Outstanding Community Partner, Sandy Parker, whose “Sparker’s Soapbox” blog keeps so many in Collier County up-to-date on what is happening in our local government, and we will honor our LWVCC “Unsung Hero.” We also will hear a brief update on the Endowment Fund and the national LWVUS Transformation Plan, which is expected to be implemented in January 2025, as these two projects necessitate the amendments to our bylaws that we will vote on this year.
Immediately following the Annual Meeting, at 11:30 AM, we host our April General Meeting. Our speaker, Barbara Peterson, is the Executive Director of the new Florida Center for Government Accountability. FLCGA serves as a nonpartisan, fact-based source of state information. The organization focuses its journalistic efforts on government accountability, especially local governments. FLGA also supports citizens and investigative journalists working to hold governments accountable. We hope to see you at both the Annual and General Meetings on April 8th!
In League,
Diane
| Please join us for the LWVCC's Annual Meeting on April 8th at 10:00 AM at Tiburon Golf Club. During the Annual Meeting, we will elect a new Board of Directors and Officers, vote on program plans, and conduct other important League business. We also will recognize our Outstanding Community Partner and the LWVCC's "Unsung Hero."
There is no cost to attend the Annual Meeting. The General Meeting & Luncheon will follow at 11:30 AM. We hope to see you there. Click to view the Annual Meeting Packet.
Register for Annual Meeting
| 
Choosing Civility For A Better Community, by Andy Solis
Former Collier County Commissioner
Member of Greater Naples Leadership’s Planning Committee for "Reduce The Rancor"
The 900 people who attended the “Reduce the Rancor” forum in February confirmed that the loss of civility is an issue most of us, regardless of political party, agree is a problem. We see a lack of civility in all levels of politics and around our dining room tables. The uncertainty of the pandemic made incivility on both sides of the political spectrum worse. Fear was rampant, whether of serious illness or death from COVID-19, or of government overreach and loss of personal liberty. Opposing views became seen as existential threats.
Civility is not about changing what we believe in. Nor is it about changing another person’s mind and “winning” an argument. For a healthy community and political process to exist, we must be able to listen to, respect, and understand opposing views. Listening to an opposing view doesn’t mean that I lose conviction in my own position. Like good manners, being civil takes personal commitment, practice, and constant refinement. A lack of civility comes in different forms. Labeling someone a communist, fascist, crazy, or stupid, is just one form of incivility. Refusing to speak to someone because they see things differently is also a form of incivility. It discounts them as a person and as an active member of our democracy. A lack of civility immediately causes barriers to go up and people to stop listening. It even prevents people from agreeing on things that they agree on. We see this happening every day in Congress, state legislatures, and local governments across the country. How much more so around the dining room table?
Civility is having respect for another person as a human being, regardless of their views. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that “[w]e are civil to each other because we respect one another’s aspirations and equal standing in a democratic society.” In his 2001 inaugural address, President George W. Bush explained that “[c]ivility is not a tactic or a sentiment. It is the determined choice of trust over cynicism, of community over chaos.” If we want civility to be the norm, each of us has to make the “determined choice.” Each of us has to set the intention of making civility our guideposts for interacting with others. It makes for a better community and a better democracy. |
Environmental Affairs Committee
Lynn Martin, Patti Forkan, Co-Chairs
At the Environmental Affairs Committee meeting on March 14, 2024, we heard an update on the State 404 Permit Challenge from Amber Crooks, Environmental Policy Manager, Conservancy of SW Florida.
On Feb. 15, a DC Federal Court ruled that the federal government failed to comply with the Endangered Species Act when it approved Florida’s Clean Water Act (CWA) 404 permitting program and the Florida Dept. of Environmental Programs (FDEP) could no longer issue 404 permits for land that “may affect” listed species. The developers will have to go back to the Corps of Engineers where projects will be reviewed for their impacts to imperiled species. However, the Court allows the Defendants to seek a limited stay of its decision for pending 404 permits that do not affect listed species.
This decision came just in time as two major projects in our area—Bellmar and Kingston—were close to receiving State 404 permits for their large developments that would impact thousands of acres of critical panther habitat. EPA granted Florida the authority to issue 404 permits in 2020 during ex-president Trump’s last year. Only three states have taken on this permitting responsibility from the federal government. Once the State had the authority, the permit was no longer a federal decision, and important federal laws, like NEPA and the ESA, didn’t apply. There will be a conference with the Judge on April 4 because the State wants to retain some semblance of the program and issue permits that do not affect listed species.
Next, we discussed the March 12th Board of County Commissioners hearing on proposed changes to the Conservation Collier Ordinance. The County proposed adding language to Section 6 that said Conservation Collier funds may be “used for any other County purpose if found to be in the best interest of the public by majority vote of the Board of County Commissioners.” The County was establishing clear authority for the Commissioners to take funds from Conservation Collier for whatever they wanted. In addition to many emails from concerned supporters of Conservation Collier, about 55 people showed up to comment on this egregious language and ask Commissioners to restore the $53 million they took from Conservation Collier in the fall. Brad Cornell (AWE) was the first commenter. He and Commissioner Saunders quickly worked out alternative language for Section 6: "In case of emergency, Conservation Collier funds may be used for any other County purpose if found to be in the best interest of the public by a majority of the Board, provided that the diverted funds shall be paid back as soon as practicable." The LWVCC was prepared to speak about the proposed language but it was adopted before all the public comments, including the LWVCC, had been heard.
Since the alternative language doesn't define an emergency, it probably won't make a significant difference but the intention to pay back the diverted funds shows some commitment to the Conservation Collier program.
Judy Hushon reported on good and bad environmental bills that passed the legislature this session. Good bills that passed: H321 that prohibits the intentional release of balloons, S7040 Ratification of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Rules Relating to Stormwater, my safe condo pilot program (S1066), and the Florida Red tide technical panel. Bad bills that passed: H87 “self-defense act” that authorizes the taking of bears without a permit or authorization to prevent imminent threat of death, serious injury to persons or pets, or substantial damage to dwellings. S1646 allows mitigation credits to be used in adjacent watersheds, S1532 concerning enhancement and mitigations credits, H665/S812 providing for expedited approval of residential building permits.
The LWVCC will have a table on Earth Day, April 20 at The Conservancy. Please contact the committee if you can volunteer to help in 1- or 2-hour increments.
| Plastics Task Force
Loralee LeBouef, Charlotte Nycklemoe, Leads
plastics@lwvcolliercounty.org
The Legislative session is over and now we can breathe a sigh of relief as we survey the good and the bad results.
- The good: Release of balloons at celebratory events are prohibited. The pre-emption of auxiliary containers died before reaching the floor.
- The bad: Very little interest in prohibiting single use plastics. Our work is cut out for us!
As we draw near the end of the 2023-24 season, we celebrate our recent successful presentation to The Pelican Bay Women’s League and look forward to our last one on April 18th at The Naples Park Association membership meeting.
Earth Day on April 20th will find our members manning a plastics informational table.
At the end of each day, I try to remember to ask myself “How have I personally reduced my use of plastics today?” Have I been able to be an influencer on the harmful effect of plastics? Our members are beginning to earn the dubious distinction of being labeled the “Plastics Policewomen.” We’re proud of it and shall wear the label as a badge of honor! Won’t you join the Plastics Police Force?
|
Education Committee
Nancy Chism, Pat Plummer, Co-Chairs
The Education Committee was thrilled to learn that, in an exceptional award to Collier County Public Schools, the legislature supported the proposal of Superintendent Leslie Ricciardelli to greatly expand the availability of the system’s kindergarten readiness programs, called Voluntary PreK or VPK, in Florida.
The Education Committee supported Dr. Ricciardelli’s priority through studying PreK options during regular meetings. Following study, the Committee generated a guest column, Kindergarten: Ready or Not?, printed in the Naples Daily News and the Ft. Myers News Press, and sent letters supporting PreK to Senator Passidomo, and Representatives Melo, Donalds, and Botana. Committee members also met with Representative Melo’s office in Naples and, during Lobby Days, with Senator Passidomo and our representatives in Tallahassee, with support for Pre-K as an important topic in their discussions.
The Committee views the partnership with Dr. Ricchiardelli as a contributing ingredient to the success of the funding. As Dr. Ricciardelli pointed out, the increased options for early education will not only lead to better preparation of incoming kindergarten students, but will also help working parents to remain in Collier County. The development not only helps low-income parents with childcare, various companies, such as Arthrex, have found that lack of local early education programs hampers their ability to recruit professional staff.
Monitoring Florida’s Higher Education Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs
The Higher Education Subcommittee of our Education Committee has been monitoring the implementation of SB266, which restricts funding for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion activities in Florida’s higher education institutions. This has involved tracking the regulations issued by the two governing boards for higher education: the Board of Governors, which oversees the 14 public universities, such as the University of Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University; and the Florida State Board of Education, whose Division of Florida Colleges oversees the 28 state colleges and community colleges, such as Daytona State College and Florida SouthWestern State College. Of particular concern is the dismantling of programs to support underrepresented students: examples include Haitian Student Centers, GLBQ+ offices, and special scholarships for women in sciences and students with disabilities. Also affected are curriculum programs such as Gender Studies Programs and African American History Programs. Florida higher education institutions have already begun to implement the regulations: the University of Florida recently eliminated 13 staff positions and 15 academic appointments.
These and other issues in Florida’s higher education system will be explored in a statewide Community Conversation coordinated by the LWVFL Education Action Team at 6 PM on April 17 in Tampa at the Portico, 1001 North Florida Avenue. The event will be live-streamed. Further details are to come. |
Juvenile Justice Committee
Libbie Bramson, Chair
March was a very good month ……..
On March 11, the JJC hosted our LWVCC General Luncheon where we learned about the Guardian Ad Litem Office of Judicial Circuit 20 (includes Collier, Lee, Glades, Hendry, and Charlotte Counties). The District Director and Managing Attorney discussed the role of GALO which is to protect and represent the rights of children who are wards of the dependency court, as well as their physical and mental safety and best interests.
For more information about Guardian ad Litem, there are two upcoming zoom opportunities:
On March 22, the JJC met with three representatives from the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida, a non-profit agency contracted with the Florida Department of Children and Family Services to coordinate the activities of approximately 100 other agencies to support our vulnerable children. They reviewed what is involved in fostering a child and the shortage of qualified foster families in Judicial Circuit 20. In addition, we learned about TOP, Teen Outreach Program, designed to build teen’s educational success, life and leadership skills, and healthy behaviors and relationships. There is a module for middle school kids, and one for high school teens. The TOP program is being used in schools, community organizations, institutional settings, teen centers, and group homes.
We are looking ahead to our April 26 JJC meeting, where we will consider tactics to implement our 2024-2025 Plan.
|
Membership Committee
Beth VanDamme, Chair
Please welcome the following new members:
| Phyllis Andrews |
|
Kathy Sheran |
Kathy Brandt
|
|
Carol Siwinski |
| Cynthia Carney |
|
Karen Swift |
| Anne Dessert |
|
Daphne Whitman |
| Donna Layton Evans |
|
Gene Wordehoff |
| Jan Huffman |
|
Mary C. Young |
| Lori Raleigh |
|
Lou Zellner |
New Member Coffee
It was a terrific turnout at the new member coffee. A big thank you to Sara Werder for hosting the event at her lovely home. New members mingled with each other along with the committee chairs and board members. It was a pleasure meeting the new members and learning about the journey that brought them to the League of Women Voters of Collier County. Our fabulous President Diane Preston Moore kicked off the event with an overview of LWVCC and its mission, followed by new member introductions and committee /team overviews.
Dues Assistance Policy
The Dues Assistance Policy was approved by the LWVCC board of directors and is accepting applicants. The Dues Assistance Policy was developed to help potential members cover the cost of membership dues. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the league and would like to be an active member, but the dues may be a barrier to joining, please contact membership at membership@lwvcolliercounty.org. The applicant only needs to provide their name and email address and why they are interested in joining the League of Women Voters of Collier County. The only requirement of the recipient is to attend three LWVCC events throughout the year. | What I Learned from Attending Endowment 101
By Cath Maslyn
Did you know our League has recently made a major step in building for our future success by establishing The League of Women Voters of Collier County Endowment Fund?
At the January 16 Wine & Wisdom, a group of LWVCC members gathered at Alta Villa Pizza and Trattoria to hear how one inspiring woman started this economic cornerstone. We had the honor of hearing about Helen E. Franke, president of our very own LWVCC from 1979 through 1981. A gift from Helen‘s estate is the first donation to our LWVCC Endowment Fund. What a treat it was to hear stories of our League so long ago, and to realize that her generosity will serve LWVCC, and our community, for many years to come.
Our finance committee researched and recommended that the endowment be managed by Collier Community Foundation. We then heard from Lindsey Touchette, Vice President of Community Engagement for the CCF. Lindsey explained how the Collier Community Foundation manages and works to maximize endowment monies, educates its donors, professional advisors and nonprofit leadership. They also raise funds for their own grant-making. An important note - anyone contributing any amount to the LWVCC Endowment Fund in 2024 will be recognized as a charter member of the Helen E. Franke Legacy Society. So, get out those checkbooks, discuss with your financial planner, look into your estate planning - and ensure the strong continuation of LWVCC, and its important work in educating and advocating for Democracy in our communities!
A very special thank you to Tina Palmese for hosting this, and for providing the always delicious Alta Villa food. | League News From Across the Country
| National League News
For more information, visit LWV.org.
State League News
For more information, visit LWVFL.org.
| Please refer to the LWVCC Weekly Update for a complete list of upcoming events or visit the LWVCC website: lwvcolliercounty.org.
Members should log in to ensure they see members-only events and registration options. | Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in Government. We influence public policy through education and advocacy. Our goal is to empower citizens to take an active role in shaping better communities worldwide. The League of Women Voters of Collier County does not support or endorse any candidate or political party.
League of Women Voters of Collier County
P.O. Box 9883, Naples, FL 34101
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