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Jim Atterholt is well-qualified to serve

2 min read

To the editor:

I love Fort Myers Beach and try to spend as much time as I can here at my condo at Sandarac. As a small business owner who runs insurance agencies in Indiana, I think I may be able to provide a unique insight into Jim Atterholt who is running for Fort Myers Beach Town Council.

I served with Jim when he was a member of the Indiana General Assembly from 1998-2002. In the legislature, Jim was the type of leader who listened, brought people together and solved problems. There was a serious chemical spill in 1999 that caused a massive fish kill in the White River. Jim helped to lead the fight to clean up the river and go after those responsible. As a result of Jim’s efforts, he earned the position of Ranking Member of the House Environmental Affairs Committee.

After Jim served in the legislature, I continued to work with him when he was appointed to be the State Insurance Commissioner. Jim totally transformed the department from a source of criticism to a nationally recognized source of pride. In both the core mission of consumer protection and the improvement of Indiana as a good source of insurance jobs, Jim’s tenure was a spectacular success. On both the environment and in public service over all, Jim Atterholt can hit the ground running in helping to provide common sense leadership to Fort Myers Beach.

He truly has the heart of a public servant.

Mike Smith

Rensselaer, Ind. &

Fort Myers Beach