Adam Botana’s Naples Airport Authority election bill clears second House committee

A proposal to turn the Naples Airport Authority into a board elected by voters, rather than appointed by the City Council, has advanced through its second House committee stop.

HB 4005, sponsored by Naples Republican Rep. Adam Botana, would transition the Airport Authority board away from appointments made by the Naples City Council to elections by Collier County voters beginning in the November election. If approved, the bill would cut short the terms of current board members unless they are elected.

The House Government Operations Subcommittee reported HB 4005 favorably after adopting an amendment that broadens eligibility requirements for Airport Authority board candidates.

The bill’s advance comes amid a clash between Naples city officials and members of the Collier County legislative delegation over the Naples Airport. Disagreements over board appointments, oversight authority and the airport’s future have strained relations between City Hall and the delegation — even leading into a heated email exchange between Naples Vice Mayor Terry Hutchison and Rep. Yvette Benarroch.

Botana told committee members Wednesday that the measure shifts decision-making power away from the City Council toward voters countywide, arguing the airport serves a regional function beyond city limits.

“We were having some discomfort with the City Council trying to move the airport,” Botana said. “This has been a fight a long time in the city of Naples. So we’re saying OK, instead of just having it appointed by the City Council we’re going to make these folks elected and give the power back to the people.”

The committee also adopted an amendment that revises candidate qualification requirements. The bill originally required candidates to have at least five years of experience in the aerospace industry, but the amendment expands that standard to allow candidates with backgrounds in financial management or small-business operations to qualify.

Opponents warned the revised bill still raises concerns. Jason Unger, speaking in opposition, said countywide elections could dilute the influence of Naples residents despite the airport being located within city boundaries. 

“All of the seats will be controlled by votes coming from outside of the city of Naples,” Unger said.

The measure advanced without debate and cleared the subcommittee on a unanimous vote. HB 4005 now heads to its final of three House committee stops with the State Affairs Committee.