REG BUXTON
Age: 71
Family: Married to Sandra; 2 children, 4 grandchildren
Hometown: Flint, Michigan
Came to Naples: 1990
Business background: Media/Publishing
Naples public service: Planning Advisory Board (2014-present)
Top 3 issues:
1. Growth, redevelopment. I support growth and redevelopment but only in compliance with the city charter and the land development code. If the code doesn't adequately protect us from development that threatens to change the city's character, I'll work with city residents to change the code using a careful, inclusive process.
2. Commercial flights. Elite provides a test case on commercial airport service. I'm open to evaluating the service and listening to the community response. If noise and pollution continue to be concerns, then we'll need to address these issues.
3. Baker Park. I'm in favor of moving forward with Baker Park in a cost-effective manner and am committed to fundraising to develop this park for the people, a place that is inclusive, open and available to everyone. I support the preliminary design for the park and the bridge connecting the Collier Greenway to Baker Park.
TERRY HUTCHISON
Age: 54
Family: Married to Sherri; 2 children, 2 grandchildren
Hometown: Seminole, Oklahoma
Came to Naples: 2012
Business background: Oil field engineer, QuikTrip Corp. and local 7-Eleven franchisee
Naples public service: None
Top 3 issues:
1. Managing Growth. I am in favor of ensuring the city has an effective, updated and comprehensive plan to address the city's growth and redevelopment. This includes alleviating traffic congestion, establishing density targets that bevolve with the city, adhering to current codes and not spending any taxpayer money on connectivity projects without a budgeted master plan in place.
2. Naples Beach, Bay Pollution. I am in favor of immediately addressing the ongoing man-made emergency we have created by annually dumping hundreds of millions of gallons of toxic water into our surrounding marine environment. This includes a review of the Aquifer Storage and Recovery system. If we can't protect our environment, how can our citizens trust us to protect them as well? Think Flint!
3. Financial Viability. We are spending when we should be increasing our cash reserves! I am in favor of reducing spending immediately on nonessential projects, holding fast or even lowering fees on our residents and increasing our cash reserves to where we can cover a minimum of three years of essential government services.
MICHELLE MCLEOD
Age: 52
Family: Married to Mike
Hometown: Fort Myers, Florida
Came to Naples: 1993
Business background: 25 years in the hotel industry; over 5 years in banking
Naples public service: Community Services Advisory Board Chairwoman (2010-present); Executive Director of Park Shore Association (2005-10)
Top 3 issues:
1. Comprehensive Plan. I favor re-evaluating the city's redevelopment plans to consider the city's carrying capacity, traffic, development density and intensity, the impacts of county growth, and more green space in the community.
2. Interlocal Agreements. I favor re-examining them to better recognize the county's use of the beach, the city pier and parks, to increase the share of tourist development tax funds devoted to beach renourishment and, if determined to be of benefit to the city, to provide improved fire and emergency services within the city.
3. Transparency. I favor the practice of civility and professionalism among council members and greater efforts by staff and council to build consensus with city residents and stakeholders before decisions are made.
JAMES MOON
Age: 46
Family: Married to Doris, 1 child
Hometown: Saginaw, Michigan
Came to Naples: 1997, became city resident in 2001
Business background: Attorney
Naples public service: Code Enforcement Board (2008-present); Code Board Chairman (2014-present)
Top 3 issues:
1. Updating Charter, zoning and land use code. The plan is nearing 25 years old and the city has changed significantly since its inception. The current controversial developments downtown fall under current code but are not necessarily what the public wants as we are losing the fresco feeling and open spaces to the satisfaction of developers.
2. Airport. The City Council needs to insist on a renegotiated lease at fair market value, greater noise reduction and safer flight patterns away from residential/school areas along with greater oversight of the Naples Airport Authority and airport manager.
3. Traffic/pedestrian improvements. A turn lane from 41 onto Golden Gate, changes to the turn lane from East Trail onto Goodlette, and additional east/west street improvements to reduce downtown traffic congestion are needed. Roads must be safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.
WYNN PHILLIPS
Family: 2 children
Age: 67
Hometown: Richfield, Ohio
Came to Naples: 2005
Business background: Psychology, Law, Peace Corps
Naples public service: Code Enforcement Board (2012-14); Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board (2008-10)
Top 3 issues:
1. Baker Park. The plans are in place for this project. The remaining funds will be raised through a nonprofit organization once construction has started. Donors need to see progress before being asked to donate as they have in the past.
2. Refurbish dock, expansion. Broken and rotten boards are dangerous. The dock is a Naples icon so some public money could be used. An improved dock could raise revenues as required by a designated enterprise.
3. Central Avenue. A roundabout may block cars entering from Eighth Street South, especially during "season." Access should be provided to existing businesses. Synchronize lights. Provide for connectivity including walks and bike lanes from Gordon River to the Gulf.
ELLEN SEIGEL
Age: 67
Family: Married to Art; 2 children
Hometown: Elmont, New York
Came to Naples: Became city resident in 2004
Business background: Health Care Administration
Naples public service: Park Shore Association, Membership Chairwoman (2009-2011); Park Shore Association, President (2012-14); The Park Shore Fund, Founder (2014-present); City Planning Advisory Board (2014-present)
Top 3 issues:
1. Growth, Development, Traffic. We need to find the right balance of development to allow our community to continue welcoming tourists and new residents while maintaining the high quality of life for current residents. I believe that with vision, respect for property rights, and adherence to city plans and codes, continuing redevelopment will greatly enhance our city.
2. Safety. I believe that one of the most important challenges for the city of Naples will be how to provide emergency services in the most efficient and effective way. I support continuing efforts of the city of Naples to work with other Collier County Fire Districts on Mutual Aid and Automatic Aid Agreements.
3. Natural beauty of Naples. I support increased funding for city beaches, parks, trees and landscaping. During the economic recession, it was necessary to reduce the maintenance schedule for city-owned trees, and I believe it is now time to restore that funding to ensure Naples remains "the green jewel of Southwest Florida."