Councilmember Link answers questions ahead of election

The Fort Myers Beach Observer is asking the candidates for the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council a series of questions ahead of the Nov. 3 election

Town of Fort Myers Beach Councilmember Rebecca Link is one of four candidates seeking one of three open seats on the council. Link won a recall election last year to fill the remainder of the term that belonged to former Town of Fort Myers Beach Councilmember Karen Woodson, who was recalled.

Town of Fort Myers Beach Councilmember Rebecca Link

Age:66

Birthplace/raised: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Education: B.A. in Communications, M.S. in Professional Leadership & Organizational Development from Carlow University.

Professional experience: I began my career at Westinghouse in nuclear power and large power transformers. I later transitioned to high-tech and became a global director, traveling the world helping organizations identify challenges, establish goals and improve productivity and efficiency. For the past 20 years, as co-founder/owner of a consulting firm, I have helped school districts navigate state and federal technology funding programs and compliance requirements.

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

I was introduced to FMB in 2008 and became a full-time resident in 2012. After Hurricane Ian, I volunteered helping residents navigate federal rebuilding assistance programs, which led to service on Lee County’s CDBG-DR Public Facilities and Infrastructure Evaluation Committee. I was elected to Town Council in a 2025 special election following a recall and am now seeking a full four-year term.

What are your goals on the Council and how do you think you can help achieve your goals for the future of Fort Myers Beach on the Council?

My goal is simple: to use my skills and experience to help steward Fort Myers Beach into the future without losing the qualities that brought so many of us here–our small-town character, a welcoming community for people from all walks of life, and a place that values community and environment over exclusivity.

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

I don’t take raising taxes or fees lightly. This was my first Town of Fort Myers Beach budget process, and I learned a great deal listening to staff, residents and businesses. At our first hearing, a parking increase from $5 to $7 was proposed. At the final hearing, we compromised at $6 to balance the budget. I supported that compromise, but I don’t consider the parking discussion finished. Council will discuss our broader parking strategy publicly, and we can make adjustments as we learn more. We can also revisit rates throughout the year if we find our decisions are placing an undue burden on one group at the expense of another.

If I’m fortunate enough to be elected in November, I want the new Council to examine every recurring expense we ask residents to support. Before adding an ongoing cost, we should ask whether there is a more efficient way to provide the same or better service.

Technology is one example. The right technology investment can improve service, give our employees better tools and increase efficiency without necessarily adding recurring personnel costs. Contracting, outsourcing or interlocal agreements may sometimes make sense as well. Other times, adding an employee will absolutely be the best choice.

Our responsibility is to invest wisely while limiting unnecessary recurring costs.