The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District will start 2019 with a few new faces and a current veteran commissioner.

Commissioner Linda Carter will keep her current District seat 2 on the board.

Carter, who took 50.7 percent of the vote in a three-way race, staved off a challenge by Nettie Caro, who took 41.56 percent of the vote, and M. Yasin, who took 7.74 percent..

According to Carter, who started on the board in 2010, being voted in for a third term offers her the opportunity to continue working on a project that focuses on maintaining the fire district’s income for the future.

“It’s great to be voted in again by the citizens. I will continue to work towards making sure that the vacant properties here Lehigh Acres pay their fair shares in assessment fees. Everybody else has to pay their share,” Carter said.

Lehigh Acres currently has more than 91,000 vacant properties that are charged little to nothing in fire assessment fees. Carter along with the other commissioners and their attorney Richard Pringle are continuing to evaluate ways to amend legislation, which would change how empty lots are assessed. Presently the fee is $21 per empty lot.

“Once implemented, these fees could stabilize the fire district’s income for the future. That’s important because Lehigh is growing at an extremely fast rate,” said Carter.

Other seat changes included the election of Robert Bennett who will now fill fire District’s seat 3, which was held by William Ernest Liedtke.

Bennett received 69.5 percent of the vote to Liedke’s 30.5 percent.

According to Chief DiLallo, Liedtke brought years of experience to the board and will be missed.

“I’m definitely sad to see Liedtke go, but happy about the service he gave to the board,” said Chief Robert DiLallo.

Cia Gomez-Sherman came out ahead to take fire district seat 5, which was held formerly by Commissioner Matt Smith.

Gomez-Sherman took 41.91 percent in the four-way race.

Charles Edwards took 35.49 percent of the vote, Christopher Waples took 11.87, and Richard Alan Swindle took 10.73 percent.

“We are happy that we now have a full board of five and excited about working with the new commissioners. It’s also great to be able to continue working with Carter who I have worked with for a few years now,” said DiLallo.

The new commissioners will take office 10 days after the election and will be sworn in during the board’s monthly meeting on Nov. 27.

Following their implantation, DiLallo will set up a workshop for the new commissioners so they can become more familiar with the district and Florida’s Sunshine Laws.

“I set up personal appointments with each of the new board members to show them what we are currently working on and where those items stand, as well as current union negotiations,” said DiLallo.

Carter also wanted to send a message to those who entrusted her to represent citizens on the board.

“I want to thank the Lehigh Acres community for their continued support,” said Carter.

Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District will hold its next regular monthly meeting on Nov. 27 at 5 p.m. inside fire station 104, at 3102 16th Street SW, Lehigh Acres.