Council candidates answer and eye elections
It is less than three weeks away until Beach residents cast their votes for three seats on the Fort Myers Beach Town Council. They will have four candidates to choose from -two of them serving as elected council officials at this time.
In between now and then, the council hopefuls are campaigning and gearing up for the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Committee’s “Commotion by the Ocean” candidate forum on Feb. 24.
Incumbents Bob Raymond and Jo List are running for re-election, while Local Planning Agency’s Joe Kosinski and Beach businessman Carl Conley are vying for seats themselves. The four will hope to be among the top three vote getters at the plurality election on March 8.
Keep in mind that the final day to request an absentee ballot is Wednesday, March 2, (by 5 p.m.) from the Lee County Supervisor of Elections by calling 533-6919. There are three precincts on the island: St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church; Church of the Ascension; and Chapel by the Sea. On Election Day, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Town Charter requires candidates to be registered voters and to be residents within the Town’s jurisdiction for a minimum of one year prior to qualifying for election.
Raymond, the council’s vice mayor, served a three-year term on the dais after being a member of the LPA for 2 1/2 years. Other positions he currently holds include chairman of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization; member of the Transportation and Growth Committee for the Florida League of Cities (one of only 40 members in the state); member of the LeeTran Oversight Committee, member of the Lee County Human Services Council as well as serving on many other town committees.
While in his native New Hampshire, Raymond was chairman of the Auburn New Hampshire Industrial And Commercial Development Authority and a member of the School Board, Police Commission, Zoning Board and Planning Board.
“I am running because I am part of a team that can move the Town forward,” he said. “I believe that I am now in a great place to help move our needs forward (due to being chair of the county MPO).”
Raymond stated his platform is “to help Fort Myers Beach gain control of its parks” as well as aid in “the rebuilding of Estero Boulevard, portable water and storm water management.”
“It’s about combining business sense with common sense,” he said. Raymond’s campaign slogan is “a proven and dedicated town leader.”
In discussing the most important issues in relation to the Beach, he listed “the water quality of the Gulf, shoreline and the Back Bay” as the most important and would like to “re-energize our Time Square area and get our Beach to all it can be” as well as “control traffic.”
Councilwoman List is also seeking a second term and has been encouraged to do so by many Beach residents. She believes that her prior three years in office gives her the experience that is needed for re-election.
“The voters of Fort Myers Beach have been able to observe me in all council deliberations during this time,” said List. “I find the work we have been doing on Council for the past three years, while at times frustrating or disappointing, overall is very gratifying, especially when I see the town making progress in one area or another as a result of our hard work in tandem with the Town staff and the many volunteers who work tirelessly for the common good.
Her town platforms include seeking “to establish true equity regarding property rights of both residents and business owners; a push for reform of the tax distribution formulas mandated by Tallahassee; remain diligent to keep the cost of doing Town business to a minimum while continuing to provide all the vital services that are key to maintaining or improving our quality of life on the Island; and to step up educational efforts about the effects of poor water quality with regard to the economic impacts and detriments to our quality of life should our Gulf and Back Bay become so polluted that they can no longer attract and sustain our fishing industry and recreational activities.”
List believes the most important issues facing the Beach are the “need to address the complete overhaul of our water distribution system” as well as storm water management; complete renovation of Estero Boulevard; beach maintenance; upgrade of downtown area, canal dredging; and resolutions of library expansion issue and flight path issue.
“The way I work with my fellow councilmen is a matter of public record; Islanders know how I work and which way I have voted on a variety of issues,” she said. “If they like what they have seen these past three years, then they can vote for me with the certainty that I will continue in the same manner.”
This is Kosinski’s second time running for town council. He was defeated last March by then-LPA vice chair Alan Mandel and incumbent Larry Kiker.
Kosiinski quickly joined the LPA to gain town government experience and, as a long-time engineer, believes he has the background needed to help the town in the tough issues such as water utility.
“I am fully supportive of our Island Community and its residents,” he said. “I believe I have the expertise to contribute to this council and the Town.
“With 30 years experience in engineering I have the background to assist this community for the challenges ahead. The completion of North Estero Boulevard opens the door for the remainder of Estero. I would like to bring my expertise to the table and be in the forefront when this comes into planning.”
Kosinski’s most important issues involve “getting things accomplished on this island.”
“Infrastructure, storm water management and utilities would be my main focus when working with the council. I feel the present council is taking the lead in addressing the problems we are faced with. I want to be part of the solution and assist them.”
Kosinski wants to be part of a group which is organized for a particular purpose.
“Along with my engineering background, I am a proven team player,” he said. “I believe I can work with this council, cooperatively, when addressing the needs of the island.”
Conley’s community and professional service include chairman of the board and executive board and director for the FMB Chamber of Commerce; legislative committeeman; Town alliance; Newton Park committee; current board member of the Lee County Alliance for the Arts and Uncommon Friends Foundation Advisory Board. He was just re-appointed as a Board Member of the Friends of Matanzas Pass for environmental preservation.
“I have a good education that enables me to understand complexities of documents that require public scrutiny. My proven track record of community service is well known,” he said.
Conley was publisher/editor for the Island Sand Paper for 10 years.
“I understand the problems and how government works. As editor, I wrote about most of them so residents know I have a fair, unbiased and balanced approach to problem solving. I will say no when necessary.”
Conley wants to help the Town prosper and improve the quality of life.
“Many issues have remained unresolved through many Town Councils,” he said. “A priority for me would be to address drainage and upgrade our water system. There is too much cronyism and special interest politics. Folks here know I am for the individual and will listen to them.”
Conley’s platform includes reducing spending to make it easier for Islanders to do business and live, including he notes, the elimination of burdensome rules and ordinances.
“I would not pass new, unnecessary regulations; instead I would trim those we have for minimal impact on resident’s pocketbooks and time. In this economy we need flexibility not rigidity. People are tired of too much interference in their lives,” he said.
Regarding important issues, Conley stated many of the key issues that impact quality of life – relate to our waters.
“Water surrounds our barrier island. Taking care of our beaches and shores is critical. We must be better stewards,” he said. “Our municipal water system is seriously dilapidated. We need a complete overhaul before we have a shut down or worse. Places on this Island constantly flood, forcing residents to take unsafe actions, like walking in the street to avoid the lakes. Financially, we should be closely examining how/where we spend our money to eliminate unnecessary expenditures.”