Page 72 - LIN JAN 1-51.indd

Engaged residents

are the key to a bright future

by Jim Melican, president of the Gulf Shore Association of Condominiums

he third decade of the 21st There are a number of key matters which the City must
century has begun, and 2020 continue to address. How to strike the right balance between
T will be a very important year desirable redevelopment while not sacrificing Naples' small town
in the City of Naples. Much has been character? Fixing the stormwater infrastructure, which affects water
accomplished by our current City quality in the City's lakes, bays and just off the beaches. As well as
Council, notably the completion of the issue of traffic flow and congestion, including whether additional
the beautiful new Baker Park and the parking garages would be the best and most cost-efficient use of
construction of the new Category 5 redevelopment opportunities, to mention only a few. It is vital that
resistant fire station. Our leaders have the City's residents educate themselves about these important issues,
also been working to update the vision and, before casting their votes in March, that they understand how
for the future of our City, last revised in the candidates would respond to them.
2007. And, early this year, the Council will be establishing objectives
and setting a budget for a 2030 Vision Plan. In the special Council election last year, only 30% of the City's
registered voters actually voted (4,411 of 14,551). One of GSAC 's
By all accounts, the future looks bright that Naples will continue initiatives early this year will be to increase the percentage of
to be on the top of nearly everyone's list as a wonderful place to live. participating voters by providing an opportunity for citizens to learn
But we all realize that an engaged citizenry is one of the more about what the key issues are, and to hear the candidates for
prerequisites for that to continue. elected office discuss specifically how they would address them.

This year, on March 17, we will have a very important election, For that purpose, we will be hosting a Candidates Forum on
which will largely set our course for the next four years and beyond. January 23 at 8:30 a.m. in Sugden Hall at St. John's Episcopal
Naples residents will be selecting a Mayor, as well as three City Church, 500 Park Shore Drive. Naples residents are cordially
Council members, together four of the seven members of the invited to attend. We would request that those intending to do
City's governing body. With more than double the candidates for so please submit a complimentary registration online at
these positions, residents will have to engage with the issues and the GSACNaples.org, but advance registration is not essential to
candidates to ensure their vision aligns with our hopes for the future. attendance.

72 Life in Naples | January 2020