Estero 2021 Candidate Questionnaire Calusa Waterkeeper (CWK) acknowledges Estero's unique relationship with water, adjacent to multiple Outstanding Florida Waters (OFW) and tributaries which are also verified impaired by the state of Florida. In order to reverse these impairments, the town should focus on stemming any pollution originating within its own jurisdiction. As a candidate for Town of Estero Council, we would like to hear your views on these issues and any comments and proposals that you may have. Because CWK is a 501(c)(3) organization, we do not make candidate endorsements, but we intend to share your position with our members and supporters throughout Lee County, and publish them publicly. We would be most appreciative if you would please respond by March 5, 2021 in order for us to let people know your position. Name* First Last Email* 1. Is the proportion of the budget for water quality restoration adequate, considering that water quality impairment is widespread and increasing in the Estero Bay watershed?*Needs more balanceHas provided the right balanceNot an issueAdditional Comments2. Would it be a priority for you to reexamine the Estero comprehensive plan and land use codes to concentrate future land development in the urban core area?*YesNoAdditional Comments3. How important is land acquisition for conserving natural resources and associated ecosystem services?*Very importantModerately importantNot a priorityAdditional Comments4. Do you support incentives for increasing native landscaping in order to reduce fertilizer and irrigation runoff that contribute to the impairment of our waterways?*YesNoAdditional Comments5. Would you favor changing land development codes to discourage sprawl and further development in the Density Reduction Groundwater Resource area?*YesNoAdditional Comments6. Would you support a requirement to retrofit certain developed areas to reduce pollution and restore receiving waters in compliance with state standards?*YesNoMaybeAdditional Comments7. Do you consider public waters determined impaired by FDEP for fecal bacteria to be a public health problem?*YesNoAdditional CommentsThis completes our questionnaire. Calusa Waterkeeper thanks you for your response as well as your commitment to serving the citizens of Estero.
