Experience counts in Naples Better Government endorsements
All registered voters are strongly encouraged to vote in the Primary Election on Tuesday, August 20, since some races will be decided at the Primary level. Naples Better Government (NBG), Collier County’s only nonpartisan political committee, met recently with School Board and Constitutional Officer candidates whose names will appear on the Primary Election ballot. Candidates were asked questions relevant to their previously submitted platform statements and positions on key issues discussed in recent forums. An endorsement requires 60 percent approval by a quorum of the NBG Board of Directors.
Board of County Commissioner (BCC) Candidates running for seats in Districts 3 and 5 were interviewed in May with the results withheld until after the close of filing. District 3 Commissioner Burt Saunders earned our endorsement because of his vast experience in county government and his commitment to serving the public. In District 5 Commissioner Bill McDaniels earned our endorsement, also based on his experience. Both candidates have been responsible for a number of improvements within their own districts, have proven records of service to the electorate and are independent thinkers who put service to their constituents before ego or self-interest.
The Naples Better Government Board did not endorse in the District 1 County Commission race. Board policy is "no endorsements without interviewing the candidates." In District 1, Commissioner Rick LoCastro was not opposed by a credible candidate, thus no interviews were held. Board policy prohibits NBG from endorsing without interviews; however, this does and should not reflect on Commissioner LoCastro's ability or character as a County Commission candidate.
June was the month for interviewing School Board candidates and elected Constitutional Officers — Property Appraiser and Supervisor of Elections. Given that just two years ago three brand new School Board members were seated, NBG feels it is more important than ever that we have School Board members with a firm grasp of how the Florida school finance program works and the ability to carry out the board priorities laid out at that time, including implementation of a new phonics program and other imperative academic initiatives with the goal of increasing student performance. School Board members Stephanie Lucarelli and Erick Carter were both deemed worthy of endorsement based upon their performance serving on the Board for the past 8 years.
The two elected county officer races drew what might be a record number of candidates — three filed and one write-in for Supervisor of Elections and four filed and one write-in for Property Appraiser. The final decision in both races was based upon experience and lack of need for on-the-job training. Current Supervisor of Elections Melissa Blazier and current Chief Deputy Vickie Downs in the Property Appraiser’s office both received the endorsement from Naples Better Government.
NBG has been interviewing and endorsing candidates since 1991 and is a nonpartisan political committee registered with the State of Florida. For information on joining, call Mary Waller at 239-269-1365.
Sally Tiffany is president of Naples Better Government.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Experience counts in Naples Better Government endorsements
