To The Editor:

I am running for the fourth seat on the East County Water Control District (ECWCD) board on November 2. I have read the October 20 Lehigh Acres Citizen Letters to the Editor from Desmond Barrett, a 10-year veteran board member, in which Mr. Barrett recommended Mike Bonacolta for the fourth seat on the board. I have difficulty understanding how Mr. Barrett could write this piece after the Guest Opinion he authored for the October 13, 2010 News Star. I have to question which Desmond Barrett do we have serving on our water board and how reliable is his recommendations.

I have not yet determined which Desmond Barrett is true, but we all need to know because he is making a recommendation on how we, the individual citizens, should vote. Let’s consider his choice, Mike Bonacolta:

Mr. Barrett called Mike Bonacolta his friend several times in his letter to the editor. He stated that the board needed the insight and leadership of this 21-year-old college student to give the board back to the people. He admitted that the existing board needs leadership with a fresh perspective on budget in finding ways to cut fat, reduce the waste and restore transparency to government (which I took to mean the water board). Mr. Barrett contends that Mr. Bonacolta will not be a yes man for any special interest, but be for the public interest. Mr. Bonacolta will vote to cut spending, reduce taxes and limit government.

These claims caused me serious doubts because: Mr. Barrett stated that Mr. Bonacolta is his young friend who learned the job by observing the operation of this water board for the last two years. Is this the education we voters want? I agree with Mr. Barrett that the board needs an injection of fresh leadership, but I don’t think that can come from a 21-year old person with no real life experience.

As for Mr. Bonacolta not being a yes man to special interest, I have to question his sources of campaign contributions from all over Lee County. I have never taken any campaign donations from anyone. I am the best candidate for the fourth seat on the ECWCD board and I would appreciate your vote on November 2.

Dewey Tyler

Lehigh Acres