Marco’s Future Deserves Seat at the Table

Marco Island is more than a retirement destination. It’s a place to raise families, build businesses, educate children and create a future worth inheriting.

As a parent, a daughter of a Marco Island retiree, and member of the Marco Island Charter Middle School board, I see our island through multiple generations. Our children may not yet have a vote, but they certainly have a large stake in decisions made today.

That’s why I support Darrin Palumbo, Jason Bailey, and Chris Ricci for City Council.

Palumbo brings experience as Council Chair, business leadership, and a history of community involvement.

Bailey, as Planning Board Chair, understands the complexities of development and the importance of responsible, data-driven planning.

Ricci brings business, legal, and engineering experience, along with service on the city’s coastal and audit committees.

I respect that Woodworth, Sommerfeld and Bartolucci care deeply about preserving Marco Island. Their concerns aren’t wrong, but I believe focusing primarily on protecting what exists today risks overlooking what tomorrow requires.

“Residents First” should mean ALL residents—not solely retirees, but working families, business owners, and the next generation growing up on Marco Island. Every generation deserves a voice in shaping our island’s future.

True stewardship means protecting the island we treasure today while creating opportunities for future generations to thrive tomorrow.

I support Palumbo, Bailey, and Ricci because I believe their experience and approach reflect that responsibility.

Our children deserve more than memories of what Marco Island has been. They deserve a voice in what it can become.

The views expressed are solely my own and do not represent the positions or endorsements of Marco Island Charter Middle School, its Board of Directors, or the school community.