a message from your publisher … Reg Buxton

Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.
— Abraham Lincoln

Here we are coming off an election following a recent primary where less than 30% of the eligible voters in Collier County voted. This mid-term election drew more voter interest than the primary with a 62% voter turnout. Higher voter involvement is outstanding to see.

This election determined the direction of the Collier County School Board. Top on the agenda for the new board is the responsibility of hiring the new school Superintendent. Given the seriousness of the education of our children, higher voter participation was expected.

The same can be said for the Collier Commission races, where two long time Commissioners and residents of the county were replaced by two political newcomers. It will be interesting to watch the dynamics of both. Collier voters were strongly behind our state and federal representatives. All of the candidates earned large majorities in their races.

Now that we know who will represent us, what do we expect them to do? First is their ability to stay on top of the carnage left by Hurricane Ian. They need to use their positions to be sure all available state and federal aid is delivered to our county in a timely manner.

There is still so much pain and hurt among out citizens, and they need to know their elected officials are there for them. Their respective local offices need to listen well when called on for answers or help and be excellent communicators to those who call and to their respective elected officials.

We made great strides in this election with voter turnout, but we still need more eligible voters to get involved. The smart elected politician will view this as a time to listen, solve problems, be the people’s representative, and remember the next election is not that far away.