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The Cellular Renaissance:

Why Naples is Redefining Detoxification

BILL BARNETT

t’s hard to believe that spring is almost over and another mind off of what I see and read daily. I’ll share a few thoughts with
busy Naples season has ended. I hope that it has been a good you; they are strictly mine and they change daily. It does not matter
Iseason for those of you that spent your time here and I’m sure whether I’m a Republican or Democrat. Although it’s extremely
you have noticed the increased activity in Naples no matter where difficult to single out just one incident with everything going on
you look, I hear about it every day. both nationally and, in the world. If I had to pick one issue that just
I don’t sit and watch every City Council meeting. I will makes me ill it’s the TSA one. Just watching those good people go
occasionally watch one and it seems the mayor has a habit that I without paychecks and not just that but the trickle-down effect it’s
think is as disrespectful as one can have. When you are an elected having on so many more of us is horrific. Just how insensitive can
official in Naples or for that matter any town, city, village or a person be? It seems as if we have totally forgotten who we are
whatever it is that requires an official election there comes with and what we stand for. When I watch on TV a mom crying and
that elected position a word called respect. To make it easy they insisting she doesn’t want to take from her sixteen-year-olds bank
are officially called the Rules of Procedure, and when the elected account so they can get food and supplies for their table because
officials speak or ask to be heard they are to be addressed properly she can’t get her paycheck. It makes me sad. I do know that many
by their title, period. I have been a part of many City Council of you who read Life in Naples share different opinions about the
meetings and served on many other boards but never have I ever above and I’m eternally hopeful that we can resolve this because
been addressed by a board chair by my last name, and never would the damage just seems to continue with a lot of promises, but not
I ever consider doing that during a meeting, but watching the much in results.
mayor of the City of Naples Florida during a Council meeting It’s of course that time of year after Easter and Passover that
address her fellow council members by their last names and not we begin to see the first car carriers in Naples ready to head to
their title during the entire meeting is just plain Disrespectful. different parts of our country and enjoy some of their spring
Some think it’s funny while others will ask me what the matter and summer weather. The traffic will dwindle down so it will be
is with her and why doesn’t one of her elected officials speak up manageable and restaurants that you wouldn’t have dared try to
when being addressed by their last name. This little game of hers get a seat in on short notice are glad to see you now! They might
has been going on for years, and the bottom line is that it’s simply even offer an occasional 2-1 special for a limited time. All in all,
a slap in the face for those called on and the City of Naples. I wish it was a good season and work in the City on many projects will
I had an answer and perhaps someone who reads this article will continue. I used to say when Council took its summer break it was
enlighten me. the happiest time of the year for our city staff. They can finally get
For me this is the. toughest time of the year to write an article, caught up with uninterrupted work!
because normally just about everything in the City of Naples Have a great summer and for some of you Fall, be safe and
and Collier County have been covered one way or the other. stay well.
They are all inclusive of everything from new restaurants to new
developments. However, this year so far has been anything but All the Best,
boring and I wonder what all of you that read Life in Naples are Bill Barnett, Former Mayor
thinking right now about the world outside of your doorstep? I 239-777-7952
have never written about hardcore politics outside of the City of I do respond to e-mails at: mayornaples@gmail.com
Naples and Collier County, I’m not sure I could but I can’t take my

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