Council Narrows Vacant Seat Finalists to Four

Marco Island City Council selected four finalists to fill a vacant seventh Council seat during a Special Meeting on Monday, December 2. The four candidates are Daniel Bryant, David Leaser, Teri Sommerfield, and Martin Winter.  

Council is to hear from these four finalists, who were uniquely spared the public election process, during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting, beginning 5:30 PM Monday, December 9, where Council is to then make a final selection.  

"It was a very strong group of men and women and we’re fortunate we had the range of experiences to choose from as a council,” said Councilman Erik Brechnitz, who served as chairman of the Special Meeting.  

The four candidates were narrowed down on Monday from an initial 25 candidates who had submitted applications for the seat left vacant by former City Councilman Greg Folley.  

In the meantime, Council is to be conducting private interviews of the four finalists, who will then also be heard publicly on Monday.  

Folley announced his resignation in May when running for the District 81 seat of the Florida House of Representatives. Folley lost the primary in August to Marco Island resident Yvette Benarroch. 

Folley’s council seat became vacant on November 5, and there are two years left to the term.  

According to the City Charter, Council has until January 6, 2025, to fill the vacancy, advised City Clerk Joan Taylor. The plan is to get ahead of that by swearing in the newly appointed member during the December 9 meeting.  

The goal on Dec. 2 was to select three finalists, but the six current councilors’ selections produced four finalists.  

About the Finalists 

Candidates shared qualifications and priorities in their applications to the city, including:  

Daniel Bryant  

Daniel Bryant served as chairman of the Sheridan Road Charitable Foundation, which helps improve financial, emotional and physical outcomes for those in under-resourced communities throughout the U.S. He is a former member of the Art Institute of Chicago board, among others.  

He is a member of the Marco Island Yacht Club and Island Country Club.  

“I care deeply about Marco Island and the hidden gem we have created as a community. I believe that we should listen to all sides of an issue and be respectful of those interests, but ultimately govern in the best interest of the community,” Bryant wrote in his application.  

Bryant added that he could provide historical perspective, having been a visitor of Marco Island for 30 years prior to becoming a resident, and that his vast experience working within company and not-for-profit boards, associations and community organizations could help Marco Island to become “the best run city in Florida.” 

Priorities include making Marco welcoming to residents and visitors, protecting wildlife and providing safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, among others. 

David Leaser 

David Leaser has served on the Marco Island Beautification Advisory Committee from 2020 through 2024, and accomplishments during the term including the establishment of a donor-driven tree planting initiative, as well as others. 

Leaser was a media and press escort for the Ronald Reagan 1984 Presidential Campaign, among other career highlights listed in the application. 

“I believe my commitment to Marco Island — and my skills in strategic leadership, economic development and environmental stewardship will help address critical issues like water quality and navigate the dynamics of growth and community issues.”  

Leaser listed goals of sustainable tourism with balanced regulation of short term rentals. Environmental goals include improving water quality and reducing algae blooms; enhancing biodiversity; reducing heat and improving stormwater absorption. Leaser also listed adding more communication channels with Council and residents to build trust and consensus while also educating on water conservation and sustainable practices, among other topics. 

Teri Sommerfield   

Teri Sommerfield has decades of experience as a healthcare executive. Sommerfield has participated in many council meetings through citizen comments. 

“As a dedicated community member with over 40 years of executive leadership experience, I’m committed to serving on the City Council to ensure responsible growth and preservation of our island’s unique character,” Sommerfield wrote in the application.  

Topics she has remained engaged with Council on include responsible development; the marijuana dispensary and recreational referendum; Veterans Park; the new assisted living facility; short term rental control; sign and noise ordinances; water quality and fertilizer compliance; 2019 strategic planning and 2021 comprehensive plan revisions, Sommerfield noted. 

As a healthcare executive of community hospitals, academic medical centers and private companies, Sommerfield managed budgets exceeding $25 million.  

Topics of priority if selected to serve on Council including canal water quality; traffic; effects of growth in density and intensity on and off island; ecosystem preservation in tourism.  

Martin Winter 
Martin Winter served on the City of Marco Island Waterways Committee since 2020, including serving as chairman.  “I have a clear passion for improving the Island as the city reaches build out. My experience on the Waterways Committee puts me in a unique position to effectively and economically address the waterways challenges before us,” Winter wrote in his application.  “Many candidates ran on this issue. I feel I can add significant value to help those candidates,” Winter added. Other priorities include unifying the island; wildlife conservation; using clear communication through a regular city publication to provide a source of truth outside of social media gossip, he said.  Winter went to college in Southampton England and earned an MBA in 2008 at Washington University in St. Louis, MO.  He worked in states across the U.S. in domestic and global business development in technology industries, including semiconductors, industrial IT and cable.  

City Council Seeks Candidates for Several Committees 

Meanwhile the City Council also seeks applicants for the Audit Committee, Beach and Coastal Committee, Beautification Committee, Parks and Recreation Committee, the Waterways Committee and the Planning Board.  

Applications are available on the City website, CityofMarcoIsland.com. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, December 17, according to a public notice. 

Next Council Meeting December 9 

Among other matters, at the next regularly scheduled meeting of 5:30 PM, Monday, December 9, Council is to: 

- Appoint a chair and vice chair. 

- Appoint a council member.  

- Appoint a council member to the Metropolitan Planning Organization Board.  

- Make a recommendation regarding parking boats and boat trailers on residential properties.  

- Vote on contracts for a Winterberry Beach access boardwalk and a boom truck.