“Wherever a man turns he can find someone who needs him” *

In the spring of 2016 I was elected to City Council and continued my service to Collier and the City of Naples but now in an official capacity. Service is a privilege and it was an honor to be elected and have a direct opportunity to join others in governing the City of Naples.

Prior to my election I stated the following; “I need to listen to the citizens of Naples and hear their vision of what their City should look and feel like. I need to do my part to ensure that our families are protected and feel safe. I need to be certain that when my first
term is over that the City of Naples was in a better place than when I began.“

I served on the Baker Park Foundation Board when elected but stepped off the Board when I was sworn into office to make certain that there was no perceived conflict. My enthusiasm however to see the park completed was maintained and I worked in collaboration with others to assure that the Baker Park was another gem in Naples for our citizens, families and visitors to enjoy.

As a Councilman it is gratifying to see that with the first phase open, that this has already happened. I along with you look forward to its completion so we can take full advantage of the outdoor space. This park will continue to be a gathering place for generations to come.

When I discovered that our Naples Police Department, who are entrusted with community safety, didn’t own a “hardened“ vehicle for our SWAT team’s usage I led the charge to change that. In order to protect the Officers as well as our citizens in a hostage or recovery situation this vehicle was imperative for community safety. I am proud to say that this mission was accomplished and is now available.

When the new Naples Fire Station was under consideration and opinions varied on size and configuration, I did my own research to determine what was needed. I fought long and hard to  make sure that the structure had adequate space for command staff
and an Emergency Operation team. The two story building has the capability to withstand Category 5 winds and is equipped with a state-of-the-art communication system along with a dedicated Emergency Operation Area.

I have spent years working out of the Emergency Ops Center in Collier County during every severe storm and hurricane and have firsthand knowledge of what is required for our City. After spending the initial time in our old makeshift EOC during the immediate clean up following Irma I emphasized and petitioned for what was needed and necessary for today and in preparation for the future.

I have listened to our citizens, who are also my neighbors, when they called or requested to meet with me, we have the same concerns. I respect the recommendations sent to City Council from our valuable Advisory Boards. These boards are community members which represent a cross section of Naples and express varying viewpoints, all with the same goal however of being good stewards of Naples.

When the community rejected a parking garage my vote reflected that. I listened when you came forward in support of the hotel on Broad and voted Yes! I led the fight when you said
protect our Historic District. I am fighting a long hard battle not yet won to clean up all our lakes in the City.

I have met with The Conservancy, the Everglades Foundation, U.S. Sugar, FGCU and
our Congressman on red tide, blue-green algae and the pollution of Lake O. Work like this never ends but together we can make progress. Action committees and focus groups will continue with all of the aforementioned parties and new ones on the horizon as we push forward to make that difference, not for just ourselves but for generations to come.

I will be seeking another term of office in the March City Council election of 2020, I ask for your continued support so that together we’ll take our progress to the next level.
email: reg@regbuxton.com or phone: 239.572.0051

• – * Albert Schweitzer quote