Punta Gorda to Elect New Council Member in November Election

On November 5 Punta Gorda will have its first City Council member election in a long time.  The four members of the current City Council who will remain on the Council after this year's  election did not have to stand for election -- they were not challenged.  But for the District 5 slot there will be  a contest to fill the seat being vacated by Bill Albers.   And there are two very qualified, viable candidates: Nancy Prafke and Charlie Council, both residents of Burnt Store Isles.

Nancy Prafke,  the long leader, CEO, of TEAM Punta Gorda stresses "a need to support existing businesses and attract new ones to create more jobs, to encourage a diverse population of young and old to attract more year-round residents who will help sustain our business community, to move forward while maintaining our city's unique charm and personality" on her campaign website. Her business experience was in the telecommunications industry where she led a global business management team for AT&T spin-offs Lucent Technologies and AShevaya. Nancy also provided leadership as the International Director for Professional Services. She graduated Leadership Charlotte in 2009, and holds an MBA from Colorado State University in addition to a masters degree from Ohio State. Her complete bio and more information on her positions on issues of concern to Punta Gorda can be found at www.prafke.com.

Charlie Counsil  has been President and long term board member of the Burnt Store Isles Civic Association and is also a member of the City's Code Enforcement Advisory Board and Land Development Regulations Review Committee. He notes on his website  "Punta Gorda is my home town and I want to see it develop to its full potential. At the city level, I have devoted extensive time and effort to understanding the workings of city government. As a regular attendee at Council meetings I have followed many city challenges and have addressed Council members numerous times on key issues." His experience spans senior level staff and operating positions with major corporations; ownership of a small manufacturing and services company in Washington State; and consulting activity with several emerging businesses. He holds a BS degree with majors  in Economics and History and an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. His complete bio and views on the issues can be found at http://www.counsilforcouncil.net/

Area residents will have upcoming opportunities to meet the candidates and hear their views on issues facing the City as well as ask questions.  Here are the panels that have been announced as of this writing:

October 5 -- Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association -- 10 a.m.
October 14 -- Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club (Dinner meeting of the Charlotte County Republican Club (for prices and reservation info: http://www.ccflrc.org/monthlyMeeting/index.html)
October 21 -- Burnt Store Presbyterian Church 7-9 p.m.