Election Spotlight | Mosquito Control Board Seat Five

The Collier Mosquito Control District is an independent special taxing district that focuses on managing mosquito populations. Founded in 1950, it has grown from six square miles to 401 square miles. 

With more than 50 mosquito species in southwest Florida, the CMCD keeps a close eye on those that can transmit diseases to humans and pets. They monitor mosquito populations daily, using traps and data collection to inform their control strategies, all while aiming to maintain a healthy and comfortable community.

There is a five-member Board of Commissioners, elected for four-year terms, which oversees the CMCD’s operations and budget. As the General Election takes place on Tuesday, November 5, incumbent Russell Burland and candidate Lou Tinel are running for the Seat Five position. 

The Coastal Breeze News reached out to both candidates and asked them to submit short introductory statements and to answer a list of five identical questions. Their responses are below.

The General Election takes place on November 5, and early in-person voting begins on Monday, October 21. Please visit Colliervotes.com for more information.

Introduction From Incumbent Russell Burland (Obtained via Burland’s candidacy site www.burlandknowscollier.com)

Russell is a dedicated local business professional committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community. With a deep-rooted appreciation for his hometown of Naples of 52 years, he strikes the correct balance of the current residents’ needs while planning for future population growth. Russell’s recent business interests span from launching new ventures to holding leadership positions such as Senior Vice President of The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and Sales Manager of Hilton Naples. His diverse experiences reflect his ongoing efforts to contribute to the betterment of Collier County. He is a proven marine habitat advocate through large-scale water-related initiatives and completed projects.

Russell is also endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2396, Collier Professional Firefighters and Paramedics, and the Collier County Citizens Value Political Action Committee.

Introduction from Lou Tinel

My name is Lou Tinel. I have been a Collier County resident for 11 years. I am running for the position of Commissioner for Collier Mosquito Control District. My sole purpose for seeking this position is to make people aware of the toxins used in aerial and ground spraying and try to switch to safer alternatives and solutions.

 I have already signed a pledge not to seek any compensation for the work I will be doing if elected. 

My past experiences are as follows. From 1974 to 1979, I worked at the United Nations. Later I started a construction company in New Jersey specializing in residential buildings. After working 35 years as a builder, I retired and moved to Collier County. 

Question One - What specific strategies would you propose for addressing mosquito control in our area, and how would you evaluate their effectiveness? 

Burland: I will be working on enhancing the already proven successful and financially sound integrated mosquito management (IMM) approach to mosquito control. IMM uses a combination of methods to prevent and control both nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes that spread viruses like dengue, West Nile, Zika, and others. These methods control mosquitoes based on an understanding of mosquito biology, the mosquito life cycle, and the way mosquitoes spread viruses. Success of the program is measured daily by staff scientists and results are reflected by an arbovirus report. 

Question Two - How would you balance the need for public health protection with environmental considerations in your mosquito control approach? 

Burland: The mission of the District is to provide valuable service to the community through suppression of both disease carrying and nuisance mosquito populations by and through the safest and most economical means available. The District utilizes a variety of methods (Integrated Mosquito Management) in a manner consistent with the highest level of safety and minimal adverse impact on humans, wildlife, the environment, and non-target organisms. The continued health, economic growth, prosperity, and comfort in our area is dependent on mosquito control that observes an IMM program founded in sound science and technology. 

Question Three - Could you share some examples of how you have engaged with the community in previous roles? How would you ensure effective communication regarding mosquito control initiatives?

Burland: My diverse experiences reflect my ongoing efforts to contribute to the betterment of Collier County. I am a proven marine habitat advocate through large-scale water-related initiatives and completed projects. 

Florida Gulf Coast University, Community Advisory Board of Directors, Water School, Vester Marine Field Station

Economic Recovery Task Force – “Reef Team” Artificial Reef Project

Marine Industries Association of Collier County – Vice President, Board of Directors, 1 billion yearly economic impact

Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce – Public Policy Committee

Emergency Services Task Force – Greater Naples Fire Rescue

East Naples Civic Association – Board of Trustees

Hurricane Irma emergency relief effort – FEMA Team Leader in Everglades City, Chokoloskee and Plantation Island

I communicate almost daily with the communications director of CMCD. I have op-ed articles published in Naples Daily News and have a commissioner Facebook page. 

Question Four - What is your approach to budget management, and how would you prioritize funding for various mosquito control programs? 

Burland: The CMCD is a special taxing district. The entity is funded entirely by revenue obtained via ad valorem taxes paid by property owners within District boundaries. Simply put, I support the District’s efforts to meet its mission and vision by allocating funds in such a way as to meet current operational needs and careful investment to ensure future success as our community grows. The CMCD is operating revenue neutral (no millage increases) for the past four years.

Question Five - How would you collaborate with other local and state agencies to enhance our mosquito control efforts and public health initiatives? 

Burland: The District has an excellent working relationship with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), Collier County government, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The District is also participating in a Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement with other agencies in times of crisis or need.

The public health benefits resulting from the collaborative efforts of CMCD with these other agencies are substantial. CMCD both relies on and provides timely, actionable information to maintain the highest standards of public health in our community.

We also work closely with other local elected officials to provide accurate mosquito control related information when their constituents voice questions or concerns.

Tinel’s Direct Response to The Submitted Questions

My specific strategy that I will propose will be to stop using the harmful toxins for mosquito control. Main chemical used for aerial spraying in Collier County is Dibrom, an organophosphate which was developed as a chemical warfare agent before and during World War II. I am quoting from manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet for Dibrom. 

‘Hazardous to humans and animals. Causes irreversible eye and skin damage. May be fatal if swallowed, harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Do not breathe vapor or spray mist. This pesticide is toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates and wildlife.’

There are various studies linking Dibrom and its breakdown product Dichlorvos to birth defects, stomach tumors, leukemia and pancreatic cancer. I understand the concern about one or two mosquito borne diseases, but my concern is 610,000 deaths from cancer and 120,000 babies born with birth defects every year in U.S. due to chemical and industrial pollution. 

Constant aerial spraying is wiping out the bees and beneficial bugs like dragonflies, and bats that are the natural enemies of mosquitoes. What I am proposing is re-establishing the ecological balance so that natural predators of mosquitoes can do their jobs. If you have any doubts that it can work, I will give you a proof. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, which is in Collier County, covers 13,000 acres that houses endangered species of birds, aquatic and land animals. There is a raised boardwalk going through part of the swamp. When you walk on that boardwalk you will encounter hardly any mosquitoes. Corkscrew Swamp, all 13,000 acres of it, is exempt from aerial and ground spraying because of its sensitive nature. 

We cannot continue this terrible assault on the environment and human health. This constant release of toxins while giving temporary relief from mosquitoes, causes irreparable damage to the environment and our health. 

Another result of this aggressive and unnecessary chemical dependency on mosquito control is the tax burden on the citizens. CMCD has the budget of more than 50 million dollars a year. If elected, I will do my best to cut waste and eliminate the toxins that is causing harm to the environment and our health.