By Carol Glassman
Tuesday, March 4 was a busy political day across the United States. While some in Florida were occupied with the results from the Democratic and Republican primaries in Texas, Rhode Island, and Ohio, Here in Southwest Florida, Collier County’s District 1 to be exact, voters gathered to meet, greet, and hear their Commissioner Donna Fiala enthusiastically begin her campaign for re-election. Although there is no challenger to date to the position she has held since 2000, Fiala stated that she did not want to receive any “last minute surprises" and that no one should ever be overly confident enough NOT to campaign.
Addressing almost everyone in the crowd by name, Fiala assured them she had not completed some tasks she had begun since she first took office, and that she was not ready to quit until she had.
Among these she listed further upgrading improvements for East Naples, guiding the appearance and development of the 951 corridor north of US 41, and maintaining customary services on a restricted budget. Fiala’s website, www.fiala.2008.com is a complete directory to everything the voter needs to know, from one politician who has successfully made herself available to her constituents, becoming acquainted with them and their concerns on a personal basis while going to work on their behalf. Whether in her main office in the government buildings in Naples or in her satellite office in Marco Island, Fiala treats anyone who calls with an issue with dignity and respect: many in attendance testified to this as they signed on as volunteers for her campaign.
Fiala instructed everyone to be sure to have a current signature on file with the elections office, in case of absentee voting as the election will occur on August 26, when residents may not be present in Collier County. If her position is unchallenged, she could be elected on that date. Fiala will also hold a very informative District 1 Town Hall Meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 6 in the auditorium at Edison College - 7007 Lely Cultural Parkway, Pales. (West of 951, north of US 41). Historically, these
events are always very well attended as Fiala keeps her constituents up-todate
on current happenings and issues in her district. On March 6, she said, the agenda includes, but is not limited to, discussions concerning Phase III water restrictions; the South Regional Library; the Emergency Services Center; District 1 transportation projects, a report from the county manager on budget issues, and a presentation from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. “There are so many new and exciting things happening in East Naples that I look forward to sharing with the residents at my annual Town Hall Meeting," said Commissioner Fiala.
All members of the public are invited to attend as division administrators,
department heads, and county staff will be on hand to field inquiries from
the audience.
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