Donna Fiala to run for re-election

Fiala, 65, represents District 1 that encompasses East Naples and Marco Island. She has filed to run again despite having undergone knee replacement surgery over the summer. After several months of rehabilitation, Fiala said she is close to full recovery.

On a recent day, walking outside the county complex, Fiala was visibly disappointed when someone observed that she was walking with a limp.

"I didn't think I was limping anymore," she said.

Fiala, a Republican, said she decided to run for re-election because she wanted to be involved in managing the growth that will be occurring in East Naples. She is the only one to file for the position so far, but anyone who lives in the district has until July 16 to file for the Aug. 31 primary and the Nov. 4 general election in 2004.

"My job must be finished," Fiala said. "There is so much growth taking place in East Naples. I want to be there to guide it."

There are blighted areas in East Naples that need to be redeveloped, and it's important that they be redeveloped correctly, she said.

Fiala said she is proud of her commission record. She was elected to her first term in 2000.

"I would never run if I didn't think I was effective," Fiala said. "But I think I am. No one loves my district like I do."

Fiala said she also is looking out for Marco Island. Many island residents weren't thrilled by her election because she lives in East Naples.

"Marco had always had their own representative, but I fought for them and I think they've accepted me," Fiala said.

She is hoping to help the city solve problems related to beach access and beach renourishment in the next few years, Fiala said.

When asked to list accomplishments of her first term in office, Fiala listed stopping an attempt to extend Livingston Road through East Naples, making improvements to stop the spillage that was occurring at the county's north wastewater treatment plant, approving changes to the land development code to better manage growth, changing the composition of some of the advisory board in the county, improving the smell at the Collier County landfill and continuing to build new roads and widen other roads within the county.

"I think this County Commission has brought some credibility and honesty back to county government," Fiala said, pointing out that while three county commissioners have been arrested in the past five years, none of those now serving have had ethics problems.

Before becoming a commissioner, Fiala was a community activist in the East Naples area. She also worked in community relations for NCH Healthcare System.