Responsible Government Naples endorses Ray Christman, Dan Barone, John Langley for City Council

A group representing Naples business and civic leaders is backing three candidates in the upcoming Naples City Council election, offering a different slate of endorsements than another prominent civic organization that weighed in earlier this month.

Responsible Government Naples is supporting incumbent Ray Christman, Dan Barone and John Langley. In a letter sent to voters ahead of the Feb. 3 municipal election, the group said the candidates prioritize transparency, fairness and responsible leadership. The group cited issues such as growth and development, traffic and congestion, property taxes, city finances, infrastructure and quality of life.

The letter from Responsible Government Naples said Christman, Barone and Langley possess the business and civic leadership experience necessary to effectively represent residents and businesses. They said the trio would prioritize accountability to the broader community rather than “a small minority of outspoken, well-connected, single-minded individuals.” 

The group urged voters to elect the three candidates to help foster a business-friendly and family-oriented environment across the city. 

“Together, they will work to create a hospitable environment for all families and businesses across the city,” the group wrote.

The endorsements contrast with recommendations from the Naples Better Government Committee, which released its own recommendations about two weeks ago.

While both groups endorsed Christman, their other recommendations diverge. The Naples Better Government Committee endorsed four candidates — Christman, Ted Blankenship, John Krol and Scott Schultz — opting to recommend more candidates than available seats, three, due to the overall strength of the field.

The Responsible Government Naples endorsement letter, sent this week, was signed by Casey Askar, Bruce Byerly, Joseph Fogg, Paul Hills, Matt Kragh, Gary Price, Francis Rooney and Michael Wynn. 

The seven-member Naples City Council consists of a Mayor and six Council members elected at large on a nonpartisan basis, with members serving four-year terms.

“We strongly urge you to vote for Ray, Dan, and John,” the group said. “We are confident in their ability to lead by positively impacting and bettering our beloved community. Please join us in electing them to the Naples City Council.”