When the Fort Myers Beach Town Council meets Monday one of the first agenda items will be to appoint a Mayor and Vice Mayor. Dan Allers has held the position for the last 2 years.Â
On Fort Myers Beach the government is set up as a strong Town Manager, weak Mayor body. When the locals decided to incorporate in the mid 90’s that’s how they decided to set up shop. The goal was to have the Town Manager run the government and have a Town Council appointed Mayor be more of a figurehead. Sanibel is set up the same way as Fort Myers Beach. By comparison, in Fort Myers, the Mayor is elected to that position. In order for the Mayor to become an elected position a charter change would be required.
When Hurricane Ian came through Fort Myers Beach and Allers was appointed, being the Mayor became more of a full-time job (at about $19,000 per year).Â
Every November after the election the 5 sitting Town Council members nominate and vote for a Mayor and Vice Mayor for another year. Allers is the favorite to retain the seat, however, there have been rumblings that there may be a move to nominate another member at the meeting on Monday.
Also on Monday, Allers, Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt and Councilman Scott Safford will be sworn in for their 4-year terms. All 3 were victorious in the November election.
I hope the town council votes to give the mayor position to another member. We have all been patient with the build back and have to admit it has been slower than other “rebuilds” that I have endured. I witnessed first-hand the rebuild after Sandy when my parent’s home was destroyed. At this point the area was completed. I’m not saying it’s Dan Allers fault for the slow pace but it’s time for some fresh ideas. Dan’s had 2 yrs, now it’s time to pass the baton onto another council member and let them take it from here. It’s probably a good idea for mayors to only serve 2 yrs so we get fresh eyes to tackle problems.
I agree with the idea of having Ed interview various town council members each week. Round-robin practice would be great. Mix it up so we know all our town council, not just the mayor. We hear the same answers week after week, month after month. Thanks to Ed for providing a platform but giving all the town council a platform would be so helpful for all of us and keep it fresh.
Allers has been Mayor for 2 years and helped manage the Ian recovery. I do like Allers but I also feel that it’s time for another Mayor to be in place, it’s good to mix it up and allow for new leadership and new ideas. Also, it would be nice if BTR would mix it up on the Sunday’s brunch with mayor to alternate through the council members each week and not just when Allers is on vacation. Most of us don’t know the other council members and where they stand on all the beach issues and what’s important to them and their vision for the island.