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BILL BARNETT

have no idea where the time is going, but as I get older it seems to Commission because of a passion for defending constitutional rights
fly by, and here we are about to partake in a busy winter season in and respect for individual sovereignty. Although she didn’t win, the
I The City of Naples and surrounding areas. It has always amazed experience gave her a real view of how the local government operates
me that I can take a summer vacation and head out of our City for and what it looks like when it stops working for the people. She is
a few months and return to find new buildings and restaurants that no stranger to rallying boots on the ground. Daija has worked and
weren’t there when I left. Such has been the story for my almost 53 volunteered on local, state, and federal campaigns. She started out
years of living in the City of Naples. I’m not sure I make the old timer working in retail operations and graduated to working with and is
list yet because I know quite a few people who have been here longer a consultant for executives in many fields. Her platform focuses on
than I have, but I’m getting there! restoring trust in City Government and defending homeowners’
Once again it’s time for a City Council election and at the time rights. She is also in favor of cutting burdensome regulations and
of writing this article there are nine candidates for three available bringing back servant leadership, respect, and a high regard for all of
seats. Nine Candidates? I have never seen anything like it and our neighbors. I will add this about Daija. She is a candidate that you
having served for 12 years as a Council member and sixteen years as must get to know, so reach out to her and ask questions, you, like me,
Mayor this is a new record for applicants. The next question I have will be impressed!
to ask myself is why? Is it because of the growth in Collier County, Dan Barone fits the bill for being elected in February for a City
or dissatisfaction with the way the City has been run since the last Council seat. He is the type of candidate that will add new leadership,
Council election two years ago? Or maybe there are some retired which is needed because it will take someone that can deal with the
folks looking for something to do and this just might be fun, or some rapid pace of change that we are seeing, and, in my opinion, Dan can
young professionals that really want to make a difference in how our do that job. He is the kind of individual who has the foresight to not
City is run and are unhappy with what they have witnessed. I don’t just react to growth but can see what Naples can be without losing
know! the character that made us all move here in the first place. Dan brings
However, with what’s been said in the above paragraph I strongly a unique perspective to this campaign. Being a long time resident he
feel that this is going to be a very interesting election and depending is deeply familiar with Naples. He understands that common-sense
on who we elect it will make a huge difference in the way our City leadership means planning for the long haul. He wants to ensure that
is governed. Therefore at this time I am going to put all my efforts vital projects, such as upgrading our stormwater infrastructure and
in to support three candidates that I think would do an outstanding other resiliency efforts get done now, not put off or delayed by political
job. Anybody that “throws their hat in the ring “ deserves credit for debates. In my opinion he will be the candid common sense Council
doing so, it’s a big commitment so kudos to you. The following are my Member who offers that long term commitment. Dan is married and
selections for our upcoming City Council election, February 3, 2026. has two children that attend Collier County Schools. He has lived in
Ray Christman is a sitting City Council member. He is a rock the City of Naples for twenty years and is a CPA.
solid candidate who fully understands the issues that our City is So, take this article and tape it to your fridge. It might come in
dealing with. He is knowledgeable, and well respected by our City handy! If you get the chance to reach out and meet these candidates,
Citizens. He is approachable and his track record on Council speaks it will be worthwhile.
for itself. I had the great pleasure of serving with Ray when I was the For you returning snowbirds have a great upcoming season!
former Mayor. Enjoy your winter.
Daija Hinojosa (pronounced ee-no-HO-suh) is a Sun Terrace All the Best,
resident where she lives with her husband of 18 years and their Bill Barnett, Former Mayor
dog. I have met her at some political events in the past but she 239-777-7952
really impressed me when in 2022 she ran for a seat on the County I do respond to e-mails at: mayornaples@gmail.com

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