Bill McDaniel, the two-term incumbent, and Ralph Rodriguez, a local businessman, answered questions at a forum on May 8 for candidates running to represent Collier County District 5.
The forum was cohosted by Greater Naples Leadership (GNL) and Collier Citizens Council (CCC) on behalf of a coalition of local community organizations which also includes the League of Women Voters, the Naples Area Board of Realtors (NABOR), the Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA), Naples Better Government, and the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce.
Currently, all District 5 residents who are registered voters on July 22 will choose among the candidates in a universal primary election on August 20 because all candidates running are of the same political party. However, candidates have until June 14 to qualify to run. So, whether the primary will remain open to all residents or if only those who are registered Republicans by July 22 may participate may change. (See my Soapbox Primer on Florida’s Primary Election Process.)
In this post, I summarized what I learned about the candidates from their responses. My intent was to share the substance of the responses and “flavor” of the candidates’ speaking style as succinctly as possible. I did not attempt to verify the veracity of statements made by the candidates or clarify or elaborate on what was said.
Watch the forum recording on the Collier County government website.
Bill McDaniel
Incumbent Commissioner Bill McDaniel seeks a third term on the Board of County Commissioners.
Since moving to Collier County 43 years ago, he has run several businesses and served on the boards of several philanthropic organizations.
McDaniel said serving as an elected official is an opportunity to give back to his community. After trying for seven years as commissioner to lower taxes, he was “finally successful” last year, and he wants to continue those efforts. He looks forward to participating in the “huge structural adjustments” in how Collier County conducts its business and reprioritizes how taxpayer money is spent.
Ralph Rodriguez
Ralph Rodriguez moved to Naples in 1989 at the age of 15. He has been a contractor for 30 years and owns an alarm system business. He has served the community “in every way I can think of,” including as a referee, a coach, and in his church.
He decided to run for county commissioner because Commissioner McDaniel was running unopposed. He said, “We need a new voice. We need a change.”
During the 45-minute forum, each candidate responded to the following questions:
Form of Government
Q: Would you support a referendum to let voters choose an alternative form of county government where the Board of County Commissioners are voted at large, rather than now where commissioners are elected in separate districts?
Rodriguez: No. We should have representation from the district we live in, and the people should vote for that person.
McDaniel: No. A commissioner has the priorities of the district that elects them first and foremost. However, there is still an obligation to serve the 400,000 residents of the entire county. Look at Lee County, which elects its commissioners at large. All the money is on the coast. Ask the folks who live in Lehigh Acres who their county commissioner is. It’s that simple.
Permitting
Q: How do you suggest improving the county’s permit system?
McDaniel: We have instituted many changes, although it’s still not perfect. We now have ombudsmen who help owners/builders move through the permitting process. We now prioritize housing affordability and higher-density residential projects. And we help people applying for permits make sure their information is correct.
Rodriguez: As a contractor, I’ve had to pull permits for 30 years, and I’ve seen it improve. I think we’re on the right track. I think we’re good.
Affordable Housing
Q: Do you feel we’re doing a good job on affordable housing in Collier County?
Rodriguez: We’re doing a better job, but we can always use more affordable housing.
McDaniel said he made two changes while in office to improve the availability of affordable housing: changing the hold period from 15 to 30 years and placing a perpetual hold at certain income levels on rental and owned properties while taxpayer money is invested in them.
Infrastructure Needs
Q: What are the most pressing infrastructure needs in the county?
McDaniel: Roads, roads, roads. Changing the system to prioritize the needs of residents is “the important process for this, my board.”
Rodriguez: Everybody knows its roads. We also need cell towers in our district. We need both.
Use of Conservation Collier Funds
Q: $53 million was taken out of the Conservation Collier fund in 2023 for non-conservation use. The current commission chair said it was a one-time thing, but now a majority of the commission members voted for an ordinance change that allows the removal of funds for any undefined emergency. Do you support this?
Rodriguez: I don’t think it should have been taken in the first place without “some referendum as far as why it was taken out. The people needed to make that decision.” But if the money is returned, “Yes, I’m okay with that.”
McDaniel: Absolutely. I’m the one that made the motion to do it. It was a way to get $62 million in tax savings for the residents of Collier County by adopting the roll-back tax rate. A month later, we engaged a consulting firm to work with us on a zero-based budget process, which is how we will eventually be able to put that money back.
Water Quality
Q: On the topic of water quality, what do you hope to achieve in the next four years?
Rodriguez: My district is primarily well-based and septic-based. Water conservation and clarity are very important. But given the current budget situation, I don’t have a specific plan for water treatment.
McDaniel: We had wastewater facilities in Collier County that we couldn’t take offline for preventive maintenance for fear of service interruption. As commissioner, I initiated a $200 million northeast regional wastewater and water facility in eastern Collier County to alleviate the problem.
Reintroducing the One-Cent Sales Surtax
Q: The extra penny sales tax expired on January 1, 2024, and raised over $550 million. Proceeds were directed to important, specific projects. What do you think about reintroducing the extra penny sales tax in Collier County?
Rodriguez: I’ve gone back and forth on that. I’m completely against taxes. I’m very conservative. But then, how are we going to pay for roads? It was very beneficial when we did it, and we need the money for roads, but I can’t answer you directly right now because I’ll probably change my mind tomorrow.
McDaniel: No. I didn’t vote for it initially, but when it went into effect, I made sure the funds were spent on our infrastructure needs. And I would not support it now. Instead, we reorganized your government and the priorities it spends your money on.
Use of Tourist Tax Dollars
Q: Do you support using tourist tax dollars to promote Naples’ tourism?
Rodriguez: I don’t think we need to spend any extra money on tourism. People will come here regardless.
McDaniel: We don’t have a choice. The tourist development tax is statutorily regulated. I’m currently working with our legislators to allow for greater flexibility.
Mental Health
Q: What ideas do you have to address mental health issues in the county?
Rodriguez: I don’t have a specific idea, but I have a child with special needs, and it is something dear to my heart. I do want to start a project for that.
McDaniel: It’s already been started. There is a proposal to construct a mental health facility next to the David Lawrence Center. However, one type of programming doesn’t meet everyone’s mental health needs. I want to bring in multiple mental health providers.
Wildlife Corridor
Q: Do you support the consideration of the Florida Wildlife Corridor for the protection and expansion of wildlife populations?
McDaniel: Absolutely. I established a mile-long target protection area north along Everglades Boulevard to prioritize land purchases by Conservation Collier in that area. It may be possible to purchase land on both sides of that road to make an underpass panther crossing possible.
Clean Water Act
Q: Should the Clean Water Act Wetland permitting remain under federal oversight, or should it be brought into the County?
Rodriguez: We should decide what we want to do with our land, but I don’t think we should touch wetlands.
McDaniel: I would love to have more local control, but pulling that way from federal regulation would be a huge lift. One thing that has not been mentioned is the 200,000 acres we have protected in eastern Collier County in the Rural Land Stewardship Area (RLSA). We have incentivized development and growth in less environmentally sensitive areas and protected 150,000 +/- of those 200,000 acres in perpetuity at no cost to the public treasury for acquisition or perpetual maintenance.
Light Rail
Q: What is your position on light rail and public transportation for Collier County?
McDaniel: Collier County does not have the infrastructure to support light rail today. But I’ve ensured that when rights-of-way on old railroad lines are acquired for pedestrian use, we can use them for light rail, should it ever become feasible.
Rodriguez: I don’t see that even remotely close to the future. It’s a great idea, though.
The Money
While it’s still early in the race, it’s interesting to see how much money each candidate has raised and spent to date.
This chart summarizes the total amounts reported through March 31, 2024.
Details are from the candidates’ campaign treasurer’s reports, which can be found on the Supervisor of Elections website by clicking a candidate’s name.
Only one of the two candidates received contributions of the maximum allowable $1,000. Here are details of them:
In Conclusion
While both candidates have similar positions on the most of the issues addressed and both oppose raising taxes, they present District 5 voters with a clear choice: to continue on the current course or to seek a new voice. Voters should seek out additional opportunities to hear the candidates address the issues and learn as much as possible about the skills and values they would bring to the Commission.
For More Information
- www.votebillmcdaniel.com
- www.rodriguezforcollier.com
- Florida’s Primary Election Process: A Soapbox Primer
- The Collier County Board of County Commissioners: a Soapbox Primer
- Collier County Government website
- Collier County Board of County Commissioners webpage