The Naples Daily News has sent questions to the eight candidates running for the Naples City Council in the Feb. 3 elections. The questions and answers will run individually for each of the candidates in the coming days. Check back to naplesnews.com for more.
Here are candidate Scott Schultz’s responses:
Candidate biography
Scott Schultz is a 21-year Naples resident, husband, father, and grandfather. He currently serves on the City of Naples Planning Advisory Board and is the former Chair of the Collier County Coastal Storm Risk Management Ad Hoc Advisory Committee. Scott has extensive private-sector leadership experience and has worked on issues involving responsible growth, flooding, resiliency, and infrastructure. He is running for Naples City Council to put residents first and protect Naples’ quality of life. Age: 68, a graduate of Michigan State University.
Why are you running?
I’m running because Naples is at a turning point. Growth pressures, flooding, and state overreach threaten the character and livability of our city. As a Planning Advisory Board member, I’ve seen how decisions are made and how often resident voices are overlooked. I’m stepping forward to bring experience, independence, and common sense to City Council, and to ensure that residents, not special interests, guide Naples’ future.
What are the top three issues facing the city?
The top three issues are responsible growth, flooding and storm resiliency, and protecting local control. Naples is nearly built out, yet development pressures continue. Flooding and aging infrastructure demand long-term planning. And state interference threatens the city’s ability to make local decisions that reflect residents’ priorities.
How do you propose to address each of your top issues?
Responsible growth requires enforcing the Comprehensive Plan and limiting zoning variances that increase density and traffic. Resiliency demands prioritizing stormwater improvements, modern infrastructure, and nature-based solutions. Protecting local control means building constructive relationships with county and state leaders while firmly defending Home Rule so Naples residents, not Tallahassee, shape our city.
Does the council need to change its regulatory process for how it operates?
Yes. The process must be more transparent, predictable, and resident-focused. Too often, residents feel decisions are rushed or predetermined. Advisory boards should be respected, public input meaningfully considered, and major planning efforts conducted when residents are in town. Clear standards and accountability build trust and better outcomes.
What is your position about a proposal to change how the Naples Airport Authority board members are selected?
I believe Naples should retain strong local control over airport governance. Residents who live with the impacts of airport operations deserve a direct voice. Any changes should prioritize safety, noise reduction, and quality of life, not expand airport use or dilute local oversight.
Anything else you would like to add?
Naples deserves leadership with experience, independence, and the courage to say no when necessary. I have a record of showing up, doing the work, and standing up for residents. I’m running to protect the Naples we love and to ensure it remains a livable, resilient city for generations to come.
Liz Freeman is a health care reporter. Reach her by emailing lfreeman@naplesnews.com
Please support local community journalism and stay informed about Southwest Florida news by subscribing to The News-Press and Naples Daily News; download the free News-Press or Naples Daily News app, and sign up for daily briefing email newsletter, food & dining and growth & development newsletters here and here.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples council candidate Scott Schultz says city livability at stake
Reporting by Liz Freeman, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
