Red light cameras needed
I’ve been back in Naples for three weeks and have read the two guest column pieces on red light cameras. The initial opinion said they were hard to enforce. My response to that is, so what, others do it, and Collier County should figure out a way. I agree with this Sunday’s opinion, we need them to protect drivers, even more than pedestrians. I have seen drivers breeze from Vanderbilt Road right on to 41 without even thinking to stop on red. I constantly see drivers run reds on Vanderbilt crossing Livingston, Airport Pulling and Goodlette. How many crashes do we need? No, I don’t like over-regulating, but I do like being alive and seeing my grandchildren.
John Johnson, Naples
Vote no on Amendment 2
Please vote NO on Amendment 2 – Constitutional Right to Fish and Hunt. Special interest groups (i.e., NRA, NSSF, and sportsmen’s organizations) introduced the amendment to the Legislature in 2023 for this year’s ballot. Floridians already have a statutory right to hunt and fish (Florida Statutes 379.104) so why is this amendment necessary? Supporters say it’s designed to protect these rights against attacks by animal rights extremists, yet there have been zero efforts in Florida to overturn them. So, what is the real reason behind the amendment? The amendment seeks to enshrine traditional hunting methods in our Constitution. This could open the door to the baiting of bears, hunting bears with dogs, the use of inhumane trapping devices, etc. The amendment also seeks to make hunting the preferred means of managing wildlife. This could limit the use of non-lethal options designed to protect both people and wildlife. This could also allow for expanded hunting opportunities (for both Floridians and foreigners), extended seasons, and perhaps another bear hunt. Florida’s fish and wildlife already face serious threats to their survival. No special interest group(s) should be given an exclusive constitutional right of access to Florida’s dwindling wildlife resources. The FWC is obligated under the Public Trust Doctrine to carry out its Mission of “Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.” Existing statutory rights and sound management represent the best options for conserving wildlife resources that belong to ALL Floridians.