Republican incumbent Rick LoCastro and write-in challenger Michaela Kendall are running for the County Commission District 1 seat. All voters in District 1, regardless of their party affiliation, may vote in this race.
Find your County Commission district here.
For an introduction to the Board of County Commissioners, read my primer, The Collier County Board of County Commissioners.
In this Post
Below, you will find the following information to help you learn more about the candidates:
- Bios and key issues
- Endorsements
- In the news
- Websites and social media
- Responses to Sparker’s Soapbox and Collier County Republican Executive Committee questionnaires
- Campaign finances
More information and analysis may be added in the weeks ahead. Check back before casting your vote for updates.
Rick LoCastro (Republican)
Rick LoCastro, 58, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and has three Master of Science degrees, including one in Public Administration & Policy from Central Michigan University.
After a 24-year career in the Air Force, he retired as a colonel in 2012. Upon retirement, he was recruited to become Chief Operating Officer of Physicians Regional Medical Center – Collier Boulevard (2012 – 2016) and moved to Marco Island. He spent 2017 with Avow Hospice, serving as Senior Director of Development & Senior Military Advisor, and in 2018, was elected to the Board of County Commissioners.
His community activities include membership in the Rotary Club, American Legion, and VFW. He also serves as senior advisor and board chair to Sen. Rick Scott’s U.S. Air Force Academy Florida Selection Panel and volunteers with Warrior Homes of Collier County.
Previously, he served on the board of the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce (2013 – 2017) and is a graduate of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce Leadership Collier program.
Key Issues
According to his responses to a Coastal Breeze News questionnaire, LoCastro’s top three priorities are:
- Fiscal Responsibility: A deep understanding of what is legal and knowing how and where to best invest taxpayer funds is critical.
- Focusing on Priorities, Proper Planning, and Monitoring Performance: We need to utilize the funds we have, ensure they are correctly focused, monitor work properly, and avoid wasting funds.
- Continuing Open Communication with All Citizens: Speaking with citizens in their communities is critical to ensure they are fully informed, know how their taxes may be spent, and to separate rumors from facts. Most importantly, it is vital to listen to and address their valuable feedback and concerns.
But “It’s not enough to just have a laundry list of ‘the issues,'” LoCastro says on his website. “One must have the Proven Experience, Leadership, & Qualifications to understand our County’s challenges & opportunities and have expertise controlling massive budgets, addressing issues, opportunities, & having solved similar problems before.” (sic)
Endorsements
LoCastro is endorsed by the Collier County Republican Executive Committee, SWFL Firefighters & Paramedics (Local 1826), and Naples Area Board of Realtors.
In the News
- Rick LoCastro faces write-in candidate challenger in November, Naples Daily News, 10/16/24
- Charges dropped against Collier commissioner accused of domestic violence, WINK News, 9/25/24
- LoCastro addresses nuisance home in Goodland, Marco Eagle, 9/16/24
- Collier County considers land swap, sale to Barron Collier Cos., Gulfshore Business, 8/28/24
- What do Naples and Collier officials say about moving the Naples Airport?, Naples Daily News, 8/14/24
- District 1 Candidates Respond — Q&A with Candidates Part 1 (8/1/24), Part 2 (8/7/24), Coastal Breeze News
- Rick LoCastro faces write-in candidate in November for county seat, Naples Daily News, 6/27/24
- Judge sides with Collier commissioner on release of statements linked to accused assault, Naples Daily News, 4/24/24
- Case against Collier County Commissioner Rick LoCastro ‘exceptionally cleared’, Naples Daily News, 3/7/24
- Naples police say October incident at Naples restaurant led to Rick LoCastro arrest warrant, Naples Daily News, 2/8/24
- LoCastro votes to adopt rolled-back rate, “borrow” from Conservation Collier Trust Fund to offset budget shortfall, Sparker’s Soapbox, 9/29/23
- LoCastro votes for Collier County Sanctuary County ordinance, Sparker’s Soapbox, 8/23/23
Websites, Social Media, Other Resources
Michaela Kendall (Write-In)
Michaela Kendall, 23, is a lifelong Collier County resident. She attended Immokalee High School, where she took early admissions courses at Florida Southwestern State College (FSW) during her senior year, graduating in 2019. After graduation, she studied digital media and multimedia at Immokalee Technical College (iTECH).
After graduating from iTECH, Kendall explored creative business ventures but, recognizing that many businesses take several years to become profitable, began working temporary jobs. In 2021, she joined Carter Fence, a local fence subcontractor, as an office administrator. In 2023, she left Carter Fence to pursue a position with Rainbow Island Warriors, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving veterans and that which they fought to protect.
Kendall was motivated to run for this office because she was dissatisfied with zoning and planning decisions, in particular, approval of a zoning change that she says was inappropriate for the Isles of Capri area. (See Naples Daily News)
In her campaign, she advocates for transparency and active community engagement. Her proposed initiatives include open data access, regular public forums, clear communication from county departments, and support for community-driven ideas.
Key Issues
According to her responses to a Coastal Breeze News questionnaire, Kendall’s top three priorities are:
- Infrastructure Care: Ensuring that our roads, bridges, and public facilities are well-maintained and upgraded to meet the growing needs of our community.
- Environmental Preservation: Protecting Collier County’s natural resources through sustainable practices and robust conservation programs.
- Community Development: Promoting balanced economic growth that includes affordable housing and supporting local businesses while preserving the unique character of our neighborhoods.
Endorsements
None found.
In the News
- Write-in candidate challenges Rick LoCastro to Collier board, Naples Daily News, 10/16/24
- Rick LoCastro faces write-in candidate in November for county seat, Naples Daily News, 6/27/24
- District 1 Candidates Respond — Q&A with Candidates Part 1 (8/1/24), Part 2 (8/7/24), Coastal Breeze News
Websites, Social Media, Other Resources
Soapbox Questionnaires
Both candidates completed my Sparker’s Soapbox candidate questionnaire:
I encourage you to read their complete, verbatim questionnaires. Below are several of the questions and their responses, edited for brevity.
Q: What is THE most important issue facing the Board of County Commissioners today, and how will you address it?
LoCastro
Fiscal responsibility — a vision and focus on priorities, proper planning and monitoring performance.
My major focus is to do a deep dive into all departments to see how we are spending taxpayer dollars and where we might be wasting them – and we are now doing just that.
Also, ensuring we communicate with our constituents.
Kendall
The infrastructure burden resulting from inadequate development planning and approvals.
Conduct a detailed assessment of our existing infrastructure to evaluate its capacity and its environmental impact. Then, prioritize improvements that address both.
Also, stricter standards should be implemented for future development projects.
Q: Name one past policy decision of the Board of County Commissioners that you disagree with that you would like to change if elected. Why?
LoCastro
The decision to give Great Wolf Lodge $15 million to incentivize them to come here. Great Wolf Lodge knew it was already a fantastic opportunity for them to settle here on an incredibly strategically located piece of land in Collier County. They were coming here with or without the incentive.
Kendall
The 2023 approval to rezone the existing C-3 zoning to a mixed-use planned development. The height of the proposed development is incompatible with the character of the surrounding community. There are also concerns about the potential strain on local infrastructure, particularly the sewage system.
Further, the majority of Capri residents were vocal in their opposition to this development, and their concerns should have been more carefully considered.
Q: What actions, if any, should the County take to address the need for affordable housing? What actions should the County not take with respect to providing housing?
LoCastro
The county should not offer government-subsidized housing.
The successful projects we have already approved, built, and populated have been partnerships with developers to build rental units in which a percentage of units are priced at or well below the average rental price in the county.
Kendall
Prioritize creative and sustainable approaches to development that reduce costs and environmental impact.
Encourage partnerships between public and private sectors to incentivize affordable housing projects.
Do not place the financial burden of affordable housing solely on taxpayers. Developers should bear the cost of necessary upgrades to existing infrastructure.
Q: What are your views about the role of government as they relate to the policies and actions of the Board of County Commissioners? How would these views influence your actions and decisions as a Commissioner?
LoCastro
The basic role of government is to represent the constituents of your designated area.
The role of an elected official is also to be available, reachable, approachable, and to absorb as much as possible from all sides of any issue before you vote on a topic.
Kendall
The role of government, especially at the county level, is to serve the people by ensuring that policies and actions promote the well-being of the community while respecting individual freedoms.
Act as a steward of public resources, balancing the need for growth and development with the preservation of our environment and quality of life.
Ensure that the voices of residents are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
CCREC Questionnaires
Before the primaries, the Collier County Republican Executive Committee asked Republican candidates to respond to a 46-point vetting questionnaire. I gave Kendall the opportunity to respond to it so voters could compare the responses.
I encourage you to read the complete, verbatim questionnaires. Below are several of the questions and their responses, edited for brevity.
Q#6: Do you support moving new Collier County employees to a “Defined Contribution Pension Plan” while keeping the existing employees on a “Defined Benefit Pension Plan”?
LoCastro
No. If possible, employees should have a choice of plans. If not, all should be on the same plan for fairness.
Kendall
Yes, but with more detailed information. A well-informed decision should take into account both the fiscal benefits and the needs of the workforce.
Q#8: Will you champion an ordinance declaring Collier County is a sanctuary county for the unborn?
LoCastro
Yes. As a Commissioner, I have served with pride as the emcee and a guest speaker for Action for Life events over the last 4+ years with Father Orsi, Teddy Collins, and Greg Harper (CEO, Action For Life).
Kendall
Yes. While I believe that individuals should have the right to govern their own health decisions, I recognize the importance of reflecting the community’s values in local legislation.
Q#10: Will you champion a Collier policy of “zero” tax increases to both the Collier Board of County Commission and the School Board over the next three years by holding to the rollback millage current rate?
LoCastro
Yes. I already voted to do just that!
Kendall
Yes. But I’m open to considering adjustments if needed.
Q#12: Do you support the continuation of a .25 mills property tax for the Conservation Collier Program for the remaining eight years?
LoCastro
No. We’ve already seen this program mismanaged to the tune of collecting $60 million from taxpayers over the last two years… and only spending $5 million of it. Before I blanket approve YEARS worth of automatic tax collecting to add to a program already heavily funded… I’d rather see us prove we can MANAGE this program properly… and consider one year at a time “if” the collection of taxes is required.
Kendall
Yes. Although there have been concerns about the management and utilization of funds, maintaining this program is essential for our long-term environmental goals. It’s important, however, to ensure that taxpayer dollars are effectively used to achieve the program’s objectives.
Q#17: Do you support continuing the prayer for BCC meetings and having a Collier County resolution that recognizes our nation was founded under Judeo-Christian values and is One Nation under GOD?
LoCastro
Absolutely. As Chairman of the BCC, I made sure we didn’t even consider having that discussion for our BCC meetings.
Kendall
Yes. Prayer and recognition of foundational values can provide moral guidance and reflect the beliefs of many in the community while also respecting the diversity of beliefs
Campaign Finance
Here is a summary of the candidates’ filings to date:
I reviewed each candidate’s contributions and expenditures. Of note:
- LoCastro received a total of 402 contributions, including a $10,000 loan to his own campaign and 79 contributions of the maximum $1,000 per donor.
- Overall, 358 contributions were from individuals, totaling $81,069, and 40 were from businesses, totaling $34,700.
- He received $1,000 endorsement contributions from SWFL Firefighters & EMS, NABOR Realtors PAC, and the Collier County Republican Executive Committee.
- LoCastro’s largest expenditures were $7,987 for ads in the Marco Island and Naples Gazette, $6,237 to Frontline Strategies, and the $5,829 campaign filing fee.
- $1,000 contributions to LoCastro
Next Steps
If you are a District 1 voter, it’s time to review the available information and make your decision on which candidate to vote for. I hope this research has been helpful. Thanks for wanting to be a more informed voter!