Brady answers Observer questions of the week for Town of Fort Myers Beach Council candidates

Protect FMB President Tom Brady is seeking a four-year seat on the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council in the Nov. 3 election. Brady answered the following questions from the Fort Myers Beach Observer as the first part of our questions of the week for town council candidates:

Name: Tom Brady

Age: 74

Place of birth: Alexandria, Virginia

Where did you grow up and living before moving to Fort Myers Beach: Grew up in northern Virginia, and Saipan in the Marianas Islands. I’ve lived in New Jersey, North Carolina, Michigan, Tokyo, and Munich, Germany.

Education: AAS Electronic Engineering Technology (candidate did not identify place of learning)

When did you move to Fort Myers Beach? 2018

What is your current job, occupation or business? Retired

Career: I spent my career in executive leadership in information technology, primarily in engineering computer systems, managing large global organizations and operations.

Political experience: None. I have never held political office.

Community involvement: Founder and President of Protect FMB, with membership in the Mound House and Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club.

What attracted you to Fort Myers Beach and what do you want its future to look like?

I was attracted to the character of Fort Myers Beach. “Keep it Funky” captured the spirit of an eclectic community that valued its neighbors, environment, and island lifestyle. Founders recognized that controlling development locally was critical to maintaining the character of the island. I want redevelopment and a prosperous future without losing the character that made this community special.

What are your goals on the Council?

To close the Comprehensive Plan loophole of “public benefit,” as it allowed approval of a 17-story structure. Stronger enforcement of short-term rental and nuisance / unsafe property regulations, and more efficient Town operations. I support a lean, “government-lite” approach focused on service delivery, accountability, and transparency – not headcount. Restoring the island school is paramount to attracting young families and supporting our workforce.

Comment on your opinion regarding the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council’s decision to raise the parking meter rate from $5 an hour to $6 an hour, and what ways you would address the town’s ongoing budget and financial issues.

The decision to raise parking rates was driven by circumstances and made with too little time for proper analysis. Parking fees should be market-based, and I believe more research is needed on both rates and implementation.

Council faced limited options. With no path to a unanimous decision on the ad valorem tax rate and the October 1 budget deadline approaching, parking — the Town’s next-largest revenue source, became the logical alternative to major service cuts. The increases affected not only parking fees, but also fines and passes. While I am concerned about the potential impact on tourism, these changes are reversible and should be closely monitored.

The larger issue is government efficiency. I support returning to the “government lite” philosophy that helped guide the Town at its inception. We must closely examine our largest expenses, establish priorities, and ensure spending reflects the needs and expectations of taxpayers.

Our reserves are also not where they need to be should another hurricane strike. More importantly, significant Hurricane Ian-related debt remains. When repayment comes due, without loan forgiveness, the Town will face an even greater financial challenge.