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 John Krol’s responses:
Candidate biography
John Krol brings a strong record of leadership, financial expertise, and community service to his candidacy for Naples City Council. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA, and spent 16 years as a vice president at Goldman Sachs, followed by five years as a managing director at Schwab Capital Markets. His career later expanded into real estate leadership and development. John has served on numerous educational and civic boards, helped launch Florida Gulf Coast University’s Real Estate major, taught as an adjunct professor, and currently serves as Chair of Naples’ Code Enforcement Board. A 22-year resident of Naples, he is committed to preserving the city responsibly for future generations. He is 64.
Why are you running?
I am not a politician, but a concerned citizen running for public service reasons, and wanting to give residents a stronger voice in decisions that will impact their communities. I want to preserve , protect and improve our quality of life in the City. I believe in fiscal responsibility, transparency, ethical governance, and openness in government. I currently see red flags that can lead the city in the wrong direction, but I am confident we can soar to an even higher standard of living.
What are the top three issues facing the city?
How do you propose to address each of your top issues?
Our storm water infrastructure is old, slogged and ineffective. We need to move water faster to be more resilient. Pumps are needed in low areas, back flow valves need to be installed, and maintenance is needed to keep pipes open. I also believe we can be the #1 storm resilient city in Florida.
Water quality has continued to slip in the 22 years I have lived here. We must find all the sources of pollution and act accordingly. We will need to coordinate with County, State, Federal Government on this issue. I support watershed-based planning rather then city or political boundaries.
Fixing community issues require strategy, using policy, budgeting wisely, empowering residents, holding systems accountable and listening to residents. I will be an advocate for transparency, trust, financial health, progress, reports, ensure laws, policies, codes, zoning are enforced to prevent over development.
Does the council need to change its regulatory process for how it operates?
City Council should consider its regulatory process only if I believe that existing rules limit effectiveness, transparency, or responsiveness. Any procedural bottleneck must be changed.
What is your position about a proposal to change how the Naples Airport Authority board members are selected?
Airport board members should remain and be appointed by City Council. Home rule is paramount. Any change in the board or in how the board is selected is a power grab by outsiders that will not have the best interests of residents and local government.
Anything else you would like to add?
I am running to protect and preserve our great City of Naples. I love the City and will combine my decades of experience and proven track record in public service to deliver results. I will fight for our city’s needs with common sense and strategy. I understand what is at stake, and can fix it. I am an independent thinker who will stand strong for our citizens.
Liz Freeman is a health care reporter. Reach her by emailing lfreeman@naplesnews.com
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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples council candidate John Krol: Give residents a stronger voice
Reporting by Liz Freeman, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
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