Applications for vacant Estero council seat available until Friday

All applications to fill the open District 3 seat on the Estero Village Council must be submitted by the end of the week.

The village clerk must have required documents by 5 p.m. Friday. 

Interest is low so far. As of Monday morning, Estero had just one application on file.

Serving on the council is a fulfilling part of living in Estero, said Councilor Nick Batos, who recently finished a term as the village's first mayor and helped lead the village through incorporation.

“Anyone who lives in the community and enjoys the quality of life in the community has a responsibility to participate in some level,” Batos said.

Former District 3 Councilor Don Brown submitted his letter of resignation on April 24. His cancer diagnosis and treatment caused him to miss several meetings, which became a flashpoint for the council in recent months.

In his resignation letter, Brown, who was elected in the inaugural Village Council election, said it had been an honor to serve. 

“Working with many wonderful Estero residents on the initial incorporation of the Village of Estero and helping the Village through its first two years has given me great satisfaction," Brown's letter states. 

“However, having a major health diagnosis has made it extremely difficult for me to serve,” the letter continues. “It has become increasingly important that I focus my attention and efforts towards managing my health needs.”

Brown served more than two years before stepping down. While no one can replace Brown, another person can fill the seat and serve the city well, Batos said.

“What Don was and had to bring was a big advantage, but I think everyone has something to offer,” Batos said. “They can bring a difference of opinions. As long as there is a desire and willingness, they can do fine.”

The District 3 term is set to end in March 2019.

A special election will not be held because there are fewer than 28 months in the remaining term.

The remaining councilors decided that an application process was the best route to take to select a new peer.

“We’re looking for a completely open process,” Councilor Howard Levitan said. “It’s a very important decision for the village.”

The application delves deep into important topics and issues Estero faces, such as Estero River access, development and Edison Farms.

It also asks how an applicant would communicate with constituents, commit to Estero’s "government lite" ideals and the importance of the village charter.

The first round of public interviews is scheduled for the regular council meeting June 7.

One-on-one interviews would follow through next week, followed by the second round of interviews and final decision scheduled for June 21.

The village charter requires that the council select Brown's replacement by July 2.

District 3 sits in the northern part of the village, encompassing the Vines, Osprey Cove, Belle Lago, the Reserve of Estero, Coastal Village, Cascades and Rookery Point. Residents need to have lived in the village for one year.

Residents living in any of these communities can go to estero-fl.gov/village-council-district-3-vacancy to apply.

ESTERO VILLAGE COUNCIL DISTRICT MAP