District 1 Candidates Respond

The Collier County District 1 Commissioner seat will be on the November General Elections ballot, offering voters a choice between incumbent Commissioner Rick LoCastro and write-in candidate Michaela Kendall. 

Coastal Breeze News provided LoCastro and Kendall with an identical list of six questions on issues impacting Collier County. Each candidate was asked to submit responses in approximately 150-200 words per question. Part One provides their opening statements and answers to two of the six questions. Look for Part Two in next week’s edition for the remaining questions and answers.

Introductory Statement Provided by Rick LoCastro: A Veteran Leader for Collier County

I was strongly encouraged by local citizens and organizations to run for reelection. My only opponent is a last-minute write-in candidate who surprisingly entered on the final day and hour of qualification. I have been campaigning for almost a year. Running for office and serving in an elected capacity is not a game—it’s serious, important work and public service; it’s a calling. I am proud that citizens trust my experience, judgment, knowledge, and integrity. Their overwhelming support has been remarkable. People are tired of political games and vindictive individuals manipulating our elections and legal system. Many local citizens know my resume and reputation—most importantly, my integrity. Their desire to have me serve another four years is extremely humbling. I look forward to my second term as a dedicated and full-time public servant. I have the experience and qualifications from a multitude of military and civilian senior leadership positions to continue serving effectively in the District 1 Commissioner seat.

I graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy, served two U.S. Presidents, was a senior NATO commander, and retired as a full colonel. I arrived in Naples years ago when recruited to be the Chief Operating Officer of Physicians Regional Medical Center and was also a senior leader at Avow Hospice. I have managed billions in taxpayer dollars. My entire career has involved decisive, common-sense leadership, decision-making, business, healthcare, community planning, budgeting, and more. We need to continue to grow our economy, especially after COVID-19. As a County Commissioner, it is critical to understand how the economy works, and my proven leadership and deep expertise in the various facets and challenges of this role will be invaluable.

As a former military base commander and local Collier County healthcare leader, I have dealt with housing and commercial development projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars. I have worked closely with the Environmental Protection Agency and addressed issues like Red Tide at my Florida military base, Eglin Air Force Base, with a proactive approach. I understand detailed contracts and how to work with citizens and developers to ensure that proposed plans are in the best interest of our community.

We need prepared, proven, and qualified leaders to guide our county. Overwhelming citizen support indicates that they believe I bring these qualities. Managing our $2 billion budget to protect and improve our community requires depth. I personally answer every email, host more than 300 town halls, and write a newsletter with over 80,000 subscribers. I am easily accessible, listen to all citizens, and use my extensive military and civilian leadership and business expertise to serve effectively. Not everyone will agree with all my decisions or votes, but I am not a politician merely making decisions for votes. I am a proud full-time public servant dedicated to serving our community.

Introductory Statement on Michaela Kendall: A New Voice for Collier County District 1

I bring a unique blend of local roots, hands-on experience, and a passion for community service. As a lifelong resident of Collier County, I attended Immokalee High School and later pursued technical education at iTech in Immokalee, where I studied digital media and multimedia. Instead of attending a traditional four-year college, I chose to gain practical skills that I now use in various capacities, including my current preparation for the contractor's exam.

My commitment to my community is deeply personal. My decision to remain in Collier County stems from my strong family ties and a deep appreciation for the natural environment. My mother, who was my science teacher at Immokalee High School, influenced my environmental consciousness through early exposure to field trips and outdoor activities, reinforcing my connection to local conservation efforts.

My motivation to run for County Commissioner is rooted in my dissatisfaction with current zoning and planning decisions. A pivotal moment for me was a January 10, 2023, County Commissioner meeting where I was disheartened by the approval of a zoning change that I felt was inappropriate for the Isle of Capri area. This experience highlighted for me the need for more responsible and community-focused decision-making in local governance.

Though I am new to formal politics, my background includes significant involvement in community and leadership roles. I have been active in the Rainbow Island Warriors, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans. This role involves managing the organization’s website, handling documents, and working on projects such as improving access to water-based recreational opportunities for disabled veterans. My involvement with this nonprofit has deepened my understanding of community needs and strengthened my commitment to local development.

My approach to leadership is characterized by a commitment to teamwork and leading by example. My experiences in marching band and lacrosse have shaped my belief in the importance of teamwork and uplifting others, qualities I intend to bring to my role as commissioner. I emphasize the importance of community involvement and open communication, encouraging residents to engage with their elected officials and actively participate in local governance.

In my campaign, I advocate for transparency and active community engagement. I propose several initiatives, including open data access, regular public forums, clear communication from county departments, and support for community-driven ideas. My vision includes developing a comprehensive transit plan, investing in smart traffic management systems, expanding biking and walking paths, and promoting innovative public transportation solutions like a sky tram system.

I am driven by a vision of a vibrant, sustainable community where residents feel empowered to make a difference. I am committed to addressing local issues, including infrastructure and environmental concerns, and believe that with dedication and collaborative effort, positive change is achievable. My candidacy reflects my deep-seated belief in the potential for community-driven progress and my determination to contribute to Collier County’s growth and development.

Question One - What are your top three priorities for Collier County if re-elected/elected?

LoCastro Response:

1. Fiscal Responsibility.

2. Focusing on Priorities, Proper Planning, and Monitoring Performance.

3. Continuing Open Communication with All Citizens.

Collier County’s $2+ billion budget—money goes fast when hurricanes hit and when roads, infrastructure, fire stations, parks, beaches, waterways, our animal shelter, etc., all need attention. Commissioners must have the experience to digest a vast amount of information before any vote and be accessible and communicative with all citizens. Fiscal responsibility, a deep understanding of what is legal, and knowing how and where to best invest taxpayer funds is critical.

Focus on Priorities: We must dive deep to see how we are spending taxpayer dollars. Our current aggressive top-down budget review is something our county has never previously done. It is not merely about “collecting taxes” but about knowing we are properly managing and investing those funds to ensure we preserve, protect, and improve every area of our county. We need to utilize the funds we have, ensure they are correctly focused, monitor work properly, and avoid wasting funds.

Communication: I have more than 80,000 subscribers to a newsletter that I personally write on a regular basis and have hosted over 300 town halls across the county. Speaking with citizens in their communities is critical to ensure they are fully informed, know how their taxes may be spent, and to separate rumors from facts. Most importantly, it is vital to listen to and address their valuable feedback and concerns. I pride myself on daily open communication with citizens. Deciding to be a public servant should be a long-term “calling,” not a last-minute decision to manipulate our election process.

Kendall Response:

My top three priorities are:

1. Infrastructure Care: Ensuring that our roads, bridges, and public facilities are well-maintained and upgraded to meet the growing needs of our community.

2. Environmental Preservation: Protecting Collier County’s natural resources through sustainable practices and robust conservation programs.

3. Community Development: Promoting balanced economic growth that includes affordable housing and supports local businesses, while preserving the unique character of our neighborhoods.

Question Two - How will you reduce the budget shortfall in the coming term? For example, it has been brought to readers' attention that there was a $30 million shortfall in which Commissioners allocated funds from projects such as Conservation Collier to fix the gap. How would these funds from Conservation Collier (and any others) be replenished in light of future shortfalls?

LoCastro Response:

There has been quite a bit of misinformation and misunderstanding about our budget—that’s why I work hard full-time to be accessible and communicate with citizens. Conservation Collier amassed over $60 million, but over the last two years, it only brought the county $5 million in projects. Citizens didn’t vote to pay an added tax just to watch it sit dusty in the bank. We addressed emergency county needs while sending a strong message to Conservation Collier leaders, and we also overhauled their team and process. Since then, we have purchased and protected more land (especially in District 1) in the last eight months than has been done in over a decade. That’s what citizens voted for. The program is still being reworked to ensure it is being properly utilized and reimbursed. With the savings we will receive from our current comprehensive review of our entire county budget—projected to be over $100 million—those savings will be used to better fund needed programs and also replenish funds transferred elsewhere during recent emergencies.

Kendall Response

To address the budget shortfall, I would implement a multi-faceted approach:

Efficiency Audits: Conduct thorough audits of county departments to identify and eliminate wasteful spending.

Public-Private Partnerships: Leverage partnerships with private entities to fund essential projects without compromising public resources.

Incremental Replenishment: Gradually replenish funds, such as those for Conservation Collier, through a dedicated percentage of annual budget surpluses and targeted grants.

Look for Part Two of the candidate's responses on affordable housing, preserving the environment and local infrastructure in the August 8, 2024, edition of the Coastal Breeze News.