On May 8th, GNL and CCC (Collier Citizens Council) jointly hosted the County Commissioner Forum at the County Commissioner Chambers in Naples. The Forum was one of several sponsored by a local coalition of organizations, the Collier County Forum (CCFC), which includes GNL and CCC, the League of Women Voters, the Office of the Supervisor of Elections, NABOR; CBIA, Naples Better Government and Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce.
Tom Leipzig, President Elect of GNL, opened the proceedings for both sessions by welcoming the candidates and attendees, introduced the candidates and outlined the format. The Forum featured candidates who have filed to stand for election in Districts 3 and 5 and was divided into two sessions.
The five candidates for District 3 were Richard Conover, John C. Johnson, Frank A. Roberts, the incumbent Burt Saunders and Floyd “Tag” Yarnell. Burt Saunders is seeking a 3rd and final term because of term limits. All candidates identified as Republican except for Richard Conover, who did not file as a Republican or a Democrat.
VIEW THE DISTRICT 3 RECORDING
There were two candidates for District 5: the incumbent, William L. McDaniel, Jr and Ralph Rodriguez. This District 5 Forum followed a 15 minute break between sessions.
VIEW THE DISTRICT 5 RECORDING
In both sessions, each candidate was afforded a 2 minute introduction, a 1 minute answer to questions and a 2 minute closing statement. The event was moderated by GNL member, Tom McCann and Bob Raymond (CCC) served as the time keeper.
Areas of discussion were similar for each session and included the following:
- Whether voting for District candidates should change to an “At Large” system to allow all Collier County residents to vote for any candidate;
- Support for reinstituting the 1% sales tax;
- How tourist tax dollars should be used;
- Their views on the money transferred from Conservation Collier to support the budget;
- Water quality and suggested actions to preserve it, specifically, whether the Clean Water Act should remain under Federal oversight;
- Access and funding for mental health
The candidates were asked to identify the most important issues in Collier County from their perspective, with most replying, “Roads, roads, roads”, and traffic.
Ian McKeag, President of Collier Citizens Council, ended the meeting promptly at 7:10. The Primary election is August 20th, and all candidates must file by July 17th. These two sessions are available for steaming at following sites: District 3: District 5:
Thanks to the many Coalition members who volunteered to staff the event; League members were particularly present.