Debbie Szekely has applied for the open seat on the Local Planning Agency. Szekely lives on Hibiscus and has been on the island since 2020. She becomes the third resident hoping to fill Scott Safford’s seat. Safford was recently appointed to the Town Council.
Szekely says as a full-time resident, she feels the need to give back to the community that has given her so much. “Even with the destructive storm, losing my home, and the daily struggles of living in an RV, I’m inspired by the people, the resilience, the spirit. I truly believe this town will overcome and soar. I would like to contribute to the fight.”
Szekely will be on Beach Talk Radio, Sunday, March 3rd following Mayor Dan Allers at Wahoo Willie’s. She joins Ed Schoonover and John McLean hoping to fill the open position on the LPA.
McLean will be on our special Happy Hour show tonight at 5PM.
We interviewed Schoonover on a previous show when he was interested in being appointed to the Town Council.
I hope that whoever fills the vacant spot on the LPA prioritizes the concerns of Island residents vs. the commercial/pro-growth/tourist lobby.
Members of the LPA should take into account that Estero Island was overdeveloped before hurricane Ian. Pre-Ian densities should not be the benchmark from which we should plan future development. Post-Ian we have a chance to bring the Island closer to what was envisioned when it was incorporated in the 1990s.
Bottom line…less of everything. We should never be excited about any proposal that will add more, of anything, to the limited space that some of us call home.
I don’t know who else has an application in, but I do know that Deb would be amazing on the LPA. I was on the LPA long ago, and there is so much work and reading needed. Debbie is one of those people who are just “on it”… all of it…. all the time. She hasn’t been here a long, long time, but she has been more involved in everything than most people I know who have been here for eons.
What is up with Hibiscus St? A lot of political figures for this island concentrated in one place. Thank you for your service but let’s spread out the wealth to other areas of the island. Less chance of talking amongst yourselves. My opinion only.
No one else on the town council lives on Hibiscus.
As a home owner and business owner Debi understands the issues, concerns and interests of Island residents and would a provide valuable perspective as an LPA member. The committee needs members that can speak for the general public, long time Islanders and common folk.
She would be an awesome addition to the LPA!