Council hopefuls square off at FMB Chamber forum
The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Committee held a well-informed “Commotion by the Ocean” council candidate forum on Thursday, Feb. 18, at Fort Myers Beach Town Hall.
After one-minute introductions, candidates Alan Mandel, Joe Kosinski and Larry Kiker were asked questions from a distinguished panel of mostly Chamber committee members and two Beach Elementary youth council members before being allowed to offer short rebuttals and closing statements.
During introductions, Mandel stated he had an executive management background as well as five years of town government work; Kosinski enounced he has been a structural engineer for 30 years, a veteran and would make a great asset to the council; and Kiker said he has been in government for five years (currently the mayor of the council) and he hopes to be re-elected.
The panelist, comprised of Chamber Board Chairman Andrew Cochrane, Marguerite Burns, Keri Hendry, Jennifer Seaborn, Fran Myers, Marilyn Stout, Roxie Smith, Ann Alsop, and timekeeper D.J. (Petro) Petruccelli, posed inquisitive questions ranging from beach re-nourishment, the town budget, county relations, community involvement, Seafarer’s Mall foreclosed property, tourism, Estero Boulevard, trolley services, historic preservation and the economy.
On one question -What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town in the next two years?- two of the candidates (Kosinski and Mandel) said the budget, while Kiker said the water utility system.
“That was an eye opener,” said Kiker about last year’s main water break. “We had to totally shut the Beach down.”
During another question -What would you do to improve the quality of life on Fort Myers Beach?- all three candidates had differing answers. Kiker stated that “we have to take care of each other first” and mentioned a diminished positive aura on the island “needs to get back on track.” Mandel said “the quality of life needs to be addressed” and that there is a “need to bring different views together.” Kosinski remarked that we “need to keep the small island feel” and there is a “need to clean up transportation” to get “people on and off the island efficiently.”
Youth Council Mayor Matt Weber and Councilperson Dana Miller also asked two questions apiece. One question -How will you make FMB more family friendly?- was asked by the young mayor and answered three ways. Kosinski said it has to start with the traffic issue, while Kiker commented on parking being important and that a clean, healthy beach is needed for everyone to enjoy. Mandel replied that stewardship of the beach is critical and a pedestrian safety bicycle path is needed.
The three candidates also answered some “funny” questions from Chamber Chairman Andrew Cochrane. One question asked: “What part of a shrimp boat would you be?”
Kosinski said he’d be the anchor, while Kiker stated the navigational system; and Mandel replied the wheel.
During their closing statements, Kiker stressed that a personal and professional, financial committment is need for council duties.
The chamber forum will be re-broadcasted on Government channel #98 at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 26.
Council hopefuls square off at FMB Chamber forum
The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Committee held a well-informed “Commotion by the Ocean” council candidate forum on Thursday, Feb. 18, at Fort Myers Beach Town Hall.
After one-minute introductions, candidates Alan Mandel, Joe Kosinski and Larry Kiker were asked questions from a distinguished panel of Chamber committee members and two Beach Elementary youth council members before being allowed to offer short rebuttals and closing statements.
During introductions, Mandel stated he had an executive management background as well as five years of town government work; Kosinski enounced he has been a structural engineer for 30 years, a veteran and would make a great asset to the council; and Kiker said he has been in government for five years (currently the mayor of the council) and he hopes to be re-elected.
The panelist posed inquisitive questions ranging from beach re-nourishment, the town budget, county relations, community involvement, Seafarer’s Mall foreclosed property, tourism, Estero Boulevard, trolley services, historic preservation and the economy.
On one question -What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town in the next two years?- two of the candidates (Kosinski and Mandel) said the budget, while Kiker said the water utility system.
“That was an eye opener,” said Kiker about last year’s main water break. “We had to totally shut the Beach down.”
During another question -What would you do to improve the quality of life on Fort Myers Beach?- all three candidates had differing answers. Kiker stated that “we have to take care of each other first” and mentioned a diminished positive aura on the island “needs to get back on track.” Mandel said “the quality of life needs to be addressed” and that there is a “need to bring different views together.” Kosinski remarked that we “need to keep the small island feel” and there is a “need to clean up transportation” to get “people on and off the island efficiently.”
Youth Council Mayor Matt Weber and Councilperson Dana Miller also asked two questions apiece. One question -How will you make FMB more family friendly?- was asked by the young mayor and answered three ways. Kosinski said it has to start with the traffic issue, while Kiker commented on parking being important and that a clean, healthy beach is needed for everyone to enjoy. Mandel replied that stewardship of the beach is critical and a pedestrian safety bicycle path is needed.
The three candidates also answered some “funny” questions from Chamber Chairman Andrew Cochrane. One question asked “What part of a shrimp boat would you be?”
Kosinski said he’d be the anchor, while Kiker stated the navigational system; and Mandel replied the wheel.
During their closing statements, Kiker stressed that a personal and professional, financial committment is need for council duties.
The chamber forum will be re-broadcasted on Government channel #98 at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26.