Election 2024: Tony Perez-Benitoa would defend property rights, roll back taxes

This is part of a series in which Naples candidates speak about key issues.

Tony Perez-Benitoa is one of six running for three open seats on Naples City Council.

A marital and family law attorney, he said he's running for a few reasons.

"I was unhappy with the council’s attempt to negatively impact property rights post-Ian, I found the length of council meetings and exchanges with staff and petitioners unacceptable," he said.

These are his views on some of the hottest topics in the city:

Growth and development

While some growth and development within the city is inevitable and must be managed in accordance with codes and ordinances, the bigger and more impactful issue is growth and development in the county. I would like to see if we can establish a dedicated liaison position to communicate with the county so as to voice our concerns regarding county projects that impact the city. I'm open to examining development of the Four Corners with special attention to impacts, specific uses, traffic and subsurface parking.

Parking and traffic

Parking and traffic will continue to be a problem as more people visit our beautiful city. I am in favor of exploring a bypass to move traffic away from the Four Corners area. I would also like to examine the designation of preferential parking for city residents and pay-to-park for nonresidents. Lastly, we should consider a joint project with the county wherein people visiting the downtown area would use remote parking in the county and be transported downtown via a trolley or another transportation service.

Taxes and spending

I was not in favor of the recent tax increase and believe it should be rolled back. We need to spend more on compensation packages for city employees and first responders, along with creating a more worker-friendly culture in the hopes of reversing the high turnover rate and increasing efficiency.

Affordable housing

Affordable housing within the 16 square miles that is the city is a myth; everybody talks about it, but nobody wants it in their neighborhood. Additionally, there is virtually no available lands within the city for development of meaningful affordable housing. Again, this an issue that requires a joint effort with the county, and the school board, as they have lands available.

Public Safety

We need to provide our first responders with the staff, hardware and technologies they need to allow them to do their best job for us. A potential source of funds is the renegotiation of the Naples Airport Authority (NAA) lease, which is currently $1 per year.

Other thoughts

Asked if he had anything to add, Perez-Benitoa said: "I am constantly approached by citizens complaining about the council’s inefficiency and the difficulties and delays when dealing with council and staff. We need to reverse this by creating staff loyalty and a culture of cooperation and appreciation."

He is part of "Team Naples," running alongside mayoral candidate Gary Price, who encouraged him to enter the race.

Through his own campaign, he's raised more than $62,500.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples council race: Perez-Benitoa promises culture of cooperation