Morris, Schindler gain fire board seats
Incumbent Carol Morris and Ted Schindler took early leads in the unofficial general election race for two available seats on the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Board of Fire Commissioners and held on record impressive victories.
The certified results will not be available until Friday, Nov. 12, to allow federal personnel and overseas servicemen and servicewomen a mandated 10-day grace period to vote.
Morris, the current chairperson of the FMB Fire Board who was looking to be re-elected, regained Seat #3 after collecting 1,608 votes or 63.41 percent of the tallies to defeat challenger Al Agathen, who received 928 votes (36.59 percent) for Seat #3 after all four precincts were counted.
Schindler, a retired lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Air Force who admits to having no political experience, amassed 1,162 votes or 47.64 percent to outdistance Gordon “Flip” Harby, who received 929 votes or 38.09 percent for Seat #5.
The two candidates jumped out to leads after the one of four precincts (25 percent) were tabulated shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2.
The newly elected officials will be sworn in for their four-year terms at the next regular monthly FMB Fire Board meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. The officers of the board -chair, vice chair, secretary and treasurer- will be nominated and voted in as well.
“What really feels good to me is that Ted Schindler is in with me, which means we will now have a 3-2 majority,” said Morris. “Let me tell you that it feels wonderful that we can start making changes. The old regime is out, and the new regime is in. We are going to do a lot of budget work and work with the fire fighters. We think we can make an improvement between the fire fighters and management.”
Before the election results, FMB Fire Chief Mike Becker said he was ready to work under his new fire commissioners.
“I look forward to working with the new commission. One of the greatest strengths that our fire district has is the ability to adapt. I’m sure we will continue to accomplish our mission,” said Becker.