Town Council candidate question of the week
Fort Myers Beach voters will fill three Town Council seats on Tuesday, March 17. Seven candidates are seeking the available seats on the five-member elected board. The top three vote getters will fill seats to be vacated by Mayor Anita Cereceda and Councilmember Joanne Shamp, who are not running, as well as the seat currently held by incumbent Councilmember Bruce Butcher, who is seeking re-election.
Each week The Observer, will provide an issue-related “question of the week” to all candidates to help inform Beach voters.
Q: What is your background and why are you running for Town Council?
Jim Atterholt
I had the privilege to serve the state of Indiana in various roles including congressional aide, state legislator, insurance commissioner, chair of the utility regulatory commission and as chief of staff to the governor. I currently serve as a volunteer for the town as a member of the Local Planning Agency which assists the town council on zoning and planning issues. I also serve on the board of directors for my condominium association and currently work from the condo running my own consulting business.
I am running for Town Council simply because I feel called to use my extensive work experience in order to serve my community through limited government, common sense and civility.
Bruce Butcher – Incumbent
I am campaigning for re-election to Town Council. Previously I indicated that I would not seek re-election. That thought was consistent with my intentions when I was first elected. After much soul searching, I determined I would like to see to completion a number of Council initiatives.
I grew up in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. I attended the University of Cincinnati and graduated with a BBA in Finance.
My wife Diane and I have three boys and they are all married.
They live in California, Ohio and North Carolina. We are blessed with three grandchildren.
My entire career was with Dana Corporation, a global supplier of vehicular components. In my 40 years I held a variety of positions. We relocated 10 times across the United States and also worked 5 years in Venezuela.
David Drumm
I was born and raised in Franklin Lakes, NJ. I married in 1969 at 17 years old and left high school. The next year I received my GED. I attended Fairleigh Dickerson University and Ramapo College.
I have 8 children from 28 to 50 years old.
I have been a school teacher, contractor, sales person, construction supervisor and a plumber.
I received my plumbing contractors license and started a plumbing business here on Fort Myers Beach. We have five trucks dedicated to Beach service.
I decided to seek office here on our beach because of pleasant pressure from neighbors and business associates. I strongly feel that common sense and decisiveness is needed now to help us navigate the fast-paced changes to our beach home and environment.
Dan Allers
Growing up in Minnesota, community is considered as family: supportive and accepting. Through community participation, I’ve coached Little League, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers, became a Chamber Ambassador and was appointed to the town’s BORCAB and LPA committees. Professionally I’m a builder, owning a construction company in Minnesota and currently a project manager for a local lighting design firm.
I am running for Town Council because I provide fresh perspective. I know the value community brings to an individual, I understand no individual is greater than the whole. My wife and I met here and have made FMB our home. We realize the commitment it will take to represent the voice of the island and we also know that I can make a difference.
Robert “Bob” Burandt
Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1952.
Education: Graduated from Gross Point North High School in 1970; Graduated from Detroit Police Academy in 1974; Graduated from Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University 1984.
Employment: Worked at St. John’s Hospital in Detroit (1968-1972); Chrysler (1972); Detroit News Press (1973); Police officer in the City of Harper Woods from October 1974 to May 1985; Obtained license to practice law in Florida November, 1984; Senior Partner -Burandt, Adamski, Feichthaler & Sanchez, LLP (1985-Present).
Objectives if Elected: 1. Better Traffic Flow; 2. Improve Water Quality; 3. Beach Erosion; 4. Taxes; 5. Beach Amenities; 6. Improve Parking.
Forrest Critser
I am Forrest Critser. Most people call me “Butch.” I was born and raised in Kentucky where I met my wife of 52 years: Pam. I was ordained a Baptist minister and also worked many years at our local Sears store. After the store closed, I started a cleaning service which I operated for 30 years. We followed our son, the current pastor of Beach Baptist Church, and grandchildren to this beautiful island. I am currently the supervisor of maintenance at Beach Baptist Church. My wife and I have two sons, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.
I have grown to love this island and want to see it grow in harmony and see the people just enjoy our water and beaches while protecting our valuable assets.
Billy Veach
I grew up in Colorado, lived in New Zealand, Utah and Wyoming before coming to Fort Myers Beach in 2010. My wife and I fell in love with this town and the island life. This love grew into study and volunteering, including chairing advisory committees, helping with Mound House kayak tours, rescuing and re-nesting birds for CROW, predawn turtle walks, and writing for this paper. It is this love that brings me to run for the Town Council, and it was not an easy choice. I am a retired guy who is not looking for a job. Our island will be going through many changes over the next few years. Let’s work together to preserve what we love while moving forward.