Mission too important to be undermined
To the editor:
Captiva was my home for nearly 30 years, and the Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) has been an important part of my public service and professional life. I have served the district in multiple capacities, worked with each of the administrators mentioned in article published in the July 1, 2026, issue of the Island Reporter, and currently serve as vice chairman of the Lee County Waterways Advisory Committee and a member at-large for the Lee County Coastal Advisory Council.
With that background, I agree with Brighton Heard’s concerns and believe the Captiva community should take them seriously. Every Captiva voter should read his letter before going to the polls in November.
The continued turnover of qualified administrators and staff over the past six to seven years should alarm anyone who cares about Captiva. I have personally seen the hard work, diligence and dedication that past administrators brought to the district, often under difficult circumstances. This level of turnover is not normal, and it should not be dismissed as a series of isolated personnel issues. It is a governance issue that affects the district’s stability, credibility and ability to fulfill its mission.
When concerns are raised about consistent patterns of unprofessional conduct, abusive treatment of staff, coordinated efforts to undermine administrators, or actions that appear inconsistent with the best interests of the district, the community should not ignore them or dismiss them as personality conflicts. These concerns are not based on rumor or speculation; much of this conduct has occurred during public meetings and is available for the community to review for itself. In my experience, actions taken against administrators often occurred shortly after those administrators stood up to, challenged or called out these behaviors.
Elected representatives should be held to a high standard. Their conduct should be subject to public attention, accountability and appropriate action, particularly when that conduct contributes to instability or discourages qualified professionals from serving the district.
I encourage Captiva residents, property owners and stakeholders to become more engaged with the CEPD and to hold their elected commissioners accountable. Attend meetings, ask questions, submit public comments, review meeting recordings and records, and pay close attention to whether the district is being governed professionally, transparently and in the best interest of the community.
The CEPD’s mission is too important to be undermined by personal conflict, coordinated misconduct or conduct that weakens the district’s ability to function effectively. This community deserves stability, professionalism and representatives who are focused on the CEPD’s mission of protecting Captiva above all else.
John Riegert
Fort Myers