http://www.bonitanews.com/news/2007/mar ... te/?latest

Affordable housing, illegal immigration part of strategic issues for Collier
By Larry Hannan

Originally published — 1:24 p.m., March 6, 2007
Updated — 2:48 p.m., March 6, 2007

Affordable housing, illegal immigration and the merger of emergency medical services with fire services are not new issues in Collier County.

Today, however, Collier commissioners recognized the importance of all three by adding them to their long-range list of strategic issues that the county will have to address over the next 10 years during a strategic planning workshop.

Most of the discussion today focused on affordable housing.

Commissioners agreed they needed a breakdown of all affordable housing within Collier County, and told staff to return with the breakdown later in the year when commissioners discuss a linkage fee and inclusionary zoning.

The commissioners also agreed they needed to come out strongly against illegal immigration, and oppose efforts that would allow illegal immigrants to become American citizens.

County government doesn’t really have much say over illegal immigration, but Commissioner Fred Coyle said the commissioners need to speak up on this issue because state and federal leaders weren’t doing enough.