Mr. Swift's recent letter to the editor concerning the "no net loss" and "just compensation" issues is devoid of credibility. Can it be doubted that Mr. Swift's family, and quite possibly himself, will personally profit from this, yet another decision in the Swift favor by the County Commission's "Gang of Three." The Swift brand has profited handsomely from dealings with governmental entities over the years. It is impossible to try and drive or move about Key West without being impacted by profitable Swift ventures that could not be profitable had the Swift presence not been able to "influence" public policy-makers.

Mr. Swift waves the Constitution and speaks to individual property owner rights. Does Mr. Swift suggest that zoning laws are an infringement? What of the property rights of his next-door neighbor who might wish to build a hotel next to the Swift casa? Or perhaps the property rights of persons who might want to film a TV show next-door?

The Mr. Swifts among us seek to develop every inch of our Keys; it is their goal to ring our waterfronts with multistory condos, hotels, and resorts. When the Mr. Swifts among us see Stock Island, a vision of South Beach, or Fort Lauderdale beach glimmers in their eyes, and the sound of cash registers whispers in their ears.

The issue is not property owners' constitutional rights. The issue is not assuaging any blame the government might have for the decline in the fishing industry.

Mr. Swift simply endeavors to ensure more profit for the Swift family. Do you have any doubt that the three commissioners who appear to be in the Swift thrall are anxious to oblige him?

Ms. Popham's principled course of action was courageous and correct. Mr. Swift seems to suggest that individual property owners have an absolute right to a profit on their property.

He chooses to ignore the rights and welfare of the general public. Mr. Swift would have you and I purchase, fund, build, and operate a public "fishing facility" with tax dollars so that the Swift family can develop yet another waterfront property.

C'mon, Mr. Swift, enough is enough.

*Walter LaGraves, *Big Pine Key