Candidates Who Listen to the Citizens
Ralph Rohena
9/23/20261 min read
A critical question impacting the Marco Island City Councilor election is “which candidates will enable voters to have a real voice in their governance and their future.”
We have seen residents expressing concern regarding a trolley proposal dismissed as “anti-intellectuals.” We have seen a group of highly qualified residents bring good science to Council only to have it scoffed at, opining that the findings probably came from “workers urinating off the seawalls.” I personally sent comments in regards to a proposal regarding waterway infrastructure, and a councilor called my opinion "elitist nonsense.” It took a public referendum to pressure Council to take initial steps to address our dying waterways.
Presently, we have two contentious proposals in the Hilton and Rose Marina expansions. Residents have been expressing concerns that these are precedent-setting, skirting proper risk assessments, and changing the character of our paradise, with no benefits. It’s not a fair debate if the residents/voters are not really being heard or their opinions respected.
It would appear that voting for the suite of Bartolucci, Woodworth and Sommerfeld for City Council in November is the only mechanism to ensure that the people are being heard. Their platforms support the people and the best interests of Marco Island, and they have the financial background and overall experience to address our most problematic areas. Most of all, they will listen without self-interests.
Ralph Rohena
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Political advertisement paid for and approved by Rick Woodworth, 2026 candidate for Marco Island City Council