Council hopeful gets another endorsement
To the editor:
I am endorsing Island Sand Paper founder and Island Arts Foundation Executive Director Carl Conley, for Fort Myers Beach Town Council.
I’ve known Carl for 15 years and during my two years as a reporter for The Island Sand Paper, I personally witnessed Mr. Conley’s unparalleled involvement in all aspects of the community and his keen and deeply informed understanding of the unique issues that are important to the Island we love. Mr. Conley served as Chairman of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce and through that position, earned by Board service over seven years, solidified his excellent standing within the local business community. His own residence on the Island and community service has established him as a sympathetic, honest and understanding voice of Islanders.
Having covered The Fort Myers Town Council for nearly two years, I feel that Conley’s background and no-nonsense approach to issues makes him an obvious candidate for Town Council. Further, Conley has developed meaningful relationships with leadership within The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Commissioners, Fort Myers Beach Fire Department and even with Senator Bill Nelson, having welcomed the incumbent Senator and his wife into his home and even worked with him on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C on issues of great importance to the Beach, such as FEMA flood plan mapping and wetlands preservation.
In my ongoing role as artistic director of The Island Arts Foundation, I’ve also witnessed Mr. Conley’s dedication to the cultural preservation and enrichment of Fort Myers Beach, making internationally known stars like Mitch Ryder and Gary Puckett, who usually perform for thousands, accessible to members of our community to enjoy without ever leaving the Island. He’s also furthered recognition and created a showcase for the Island’s very own talent such as Jo List, Michael Baer and the late Winston Walls and provided a forum for Jean Matthews, Fort Myers Beach historian.
Personally, I’ve come to know Mr. Conley as a man who does not exhibit prejudice towards others and I truly believe he would give equal weight to the opinions and concerns of all Islanders regardless of race, creed, gender or financial standing. To trot out an over used but appropriate phrase, Carl Conley is truly a man of the people whom I heartily feel would be an excellent representative on the Fort Myers Beach Town Council.
Sean H. Carney
Columbus, Ohio/Fort Myers Beach