[Joe Sacco]

I was surprised at the Orlando Sentinel reporter’s take on there existing some dark purpose to the developers motives. If you to want publish a newspaper extolling the benefits of your community it is your right; we are not forced to buy. It was also disappointing that they spent five years developing this film and didn’t see fit to note the charitable good The Villages does for surrounding community. I am sympathetic to those folks who feel displaced by the growth of The Villages but this development did not come by razing city blocks and displacing thousands but, more often than not, purchasing large tracts of unused farm land that was not to be purposed in the future. As to the water usage the villages has been recognized for its use of 8.5 million gallons per day of reclaimed water and the use of 5 million gallons per day of storm water, this was never mentioned. On the topic of ageism and the locating of like minded folks in the same community (Bubble) I’m not sure where they want people to live. As a widower with no children my block in a NY suburb had more to offer young and growing families than empty nesters. It also seems a little short sighted to assume that The Villages has some hold on drawing only conservative thinkers to its population. I moved here for affordability, beautiful surroundings, weather, kind people in and outside the community and the healthy lifestyle. I’m not swayed by political bias on either side, I’m more attracted to intelligent thought. In closing I have to say I’m not concerned with the developers success as it pertains to their financial rewards because, for me, they have created a meaningful and joyful life and I wish them only good.