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BILL BARNETT

will start out where I left off in Naples for any length of time. He
politically in the November issue is a true community leader with great
I Life in Naples. For those of you qualifications. So far for the three City
of
who have moved to the City of Naples Council seats we have two candidates
within the last four years I thought I that will announce soon. Neither has
would give you a little political boost political experience, but both have
about our City politics and especially been leaders in our community. Bill
now as we have a City election coming Kramer is a name that is probably one
up on March 19, 2024. The reason of the most respected and well liked
being is that if we had our City individuals in the City of Naples. He
elections in November many of our is a long-time resident of the City and
winter residents wouldn’t be back yet. was the football coach at Naples High
So make sure you register to vote at School for many years. He is known
Colliervotes.com or RegistertovoteFlorida.gov for working with kids of all ages coaching not only football but
There are seven elected officials in the City of Naples. Six of them life lessons as well. The final Council candidate to announce so far
are elected to City Council and one is elected Mayor. The terms is another longtime resident of Naples whose name is Tony Perez-
are four years and they can serve two terms. Although sometimes Benitoa. He is a practicing attorney as well as a mediator and has
forgotten it is a non-partisan election. In our upcoming election also volunteered his time and efforts working with athletes at Naples
there will be four seats open. The Mayor and three Council seats High School for many years.
will be eligible for re-election The last election there were only three As more candidates announce I have no doubt that you will
Council seats eligible. You must be a resident of the City of Naples be bombarded with campaign paraphernalia. I’m saying this now
to run for office and the terms are split 4-3, 3-4. and probably will down the road before the election takes place,
I made it very clear in my last article that I will be extremely vocal read what is written carefully. It is easy for you to fact check what
about my opinions of the qualifications of the candidates running a candidate is claiming, and I promise you that is the absolute best
for this year’s election. As of today, there are two official candidates way to choose the right candidate. Every City election is important,
running for Mayor. Gary Price and Ted Blankenship. The current but this one is especially so and I’ll have more to say in my articles
Mayor Teresa Heitmann is announcing she will run for Mayor that come out at the beginning of every month.
again. Ted Blankenship is a first term City Council member who I realize that this Holiday Season will be a stressful one for many

hasn’t finished his term yet but feels he is qualified to be our mayor. of us and would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you
Gary Price is a name well known to those of us who have lived health, happiness and peace for the coming year.

Go Bills!
Bill Barnett, Former Mayor
I do respond to e-mails at: mayornaples@gmail.com

8 Life in Naples | December 2023