LTE: Jim Richards for City Council

I am excited and proud to officially announce my candidacy for Marco Island City Council. I look forward to representing all residents of Marco Island. I will run a positive campaign, one in which I will display integrity and honesty in all my interactions and treat all that I encounter with the utmost dignity. It is time for a fresh look and a fresh approach to current and future issues!

My wife, Allyson and I have 6 children (19 to 45) and 3 live here on Marco Island.  Our daughter attended the Marco Island Charter Middle School. Additionally, we have brought 10 other family members on the island!  Together, our family has served and continues to serve on numerous boards and volunteers with many organizations in an effort to continue to make Marco Island a paradise for all.

I am a successful businessman with over 30 years in the Healthcare financial sector as a senior executive. I plan to use this business acumen to address and resolve major concerns brought forward by the citizens. Some concerns:

• The need to hire a qualified and thoroughly vetted City Manager.
• We need to ensure our number one resource, the environment (waterways, beach, and our wildlife) is protected because after all, this is what makes Marco paradise.
• Growth management in form of parking, planning and zoning are a priority as more and more people choose to live and visit here.
• Residents’ vision for Veterans Community Park to be completed.

It will be a great privilege to serve my community on City Council. I will do so by listening openly to the concerns of all our community members with the goal of building a better Marco Island, one that thrives economically and maintains that “small town” feel.

Marco Island is a great city both for the young and for the retirees! I know we can work together to make it an even better place to live, work and play!

Jim Richards

Marco Island