Scott Safford Sails In: New Council Member for Fort Myers Beach
Fills Seat Left Vacant By Bill Veach Form 6 Resignation
By Richard Luthmann
In a unanimous decision, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council has welcomed Scott Safford to fill a vacant position. Stepping into the spotlight after Bill Veach's resignation over new financial disclosure laws, Safford emerged as the chosen one from a list of five eager candidates. He is ready to bring his business savvy and community spirit to the council.
"I'm ready to hit the ground running," Safford said.
With a 4-0 vote casting no doubts about the council's confidence in him, Safford takes on the challenge left by Veach, who bowed out late last December. The crux of Veach's departure lay in the reluctance to comply with Form 6, setting the stage for Safford's entry. The new mandate requires public disclosure of personal financial dealings.
A seasoned player on the local scene, Safford isn't stepping into unfamiliar territory. His eight-year tenure on various government committees has given him the insight and experience to serve effectively.
"I'm a business owner and a property owner. I know what everyone is going through with the permitting process and the rebuild because I'm going through it too," Safford said.
Beyond the council chambers, Safford is a well-known figure on the beach, co-owning the Sea Gypsy Inn with his wife, Jacki Liszak, who herself leads the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce with distinction.
As Safford steps into this interim role, he does so with gratitude towards the council for the opportunity to serve and a pledge to uphold the interests of Fort Myers Beach residents. His term, earmarked to end in November, promises a tenure focused on actionable governance rather than political maneuvering.
His aspirations extend no further than serving out the current term. With no designs on a November reelection bid, Safford's clear about his priorities after this new nine-month community commitment: savoring the beach life, doting on his grandchildren, and catching the occasional rugby match.
"My daughter-in-law recently had an opportunity to appear on the Today Show, so we flew to Arizona to watch the grandkids for a few days. You can't do that when you're on the Town Council. The oldest is nine, so I have about four good years until she becomes a teen and starts to hate me. That's where I want to spend my time," Safford said.
The backdrop to Safford's appointment was a town council initially divided over the selection process. Yet, in the end, unity prevailed, showcasing the council's ability to unite for the town's greater good. With the elections looming in November, the seats held by Safford, Mayor Dan Allers, and Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt will be up for grabs, promising a season of political rejuvenation.
As a local business owner, community advocate, and now town council member, Safford embodies the blend of leadership and local commitment that promises to steer the beach town toward a speedy recovery and a brighter future.
Richard Luthmann is a writer, commentator, and investigative reporter with degrees from Columbia University and the University of Miami. A transplanted New Yorker, Luthmann is a National Writers Union member now living in Southwest Florida and editor-in-chief of Sun Bay Paper.
If you liked this article, please consider following me below or commenting. For tips or help, call 239-631-5957 or email richard.luthmann@protonmail.com.
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