Editor:
As a longtime West Charlotte County resident, I have had the privilege of working with Commissioner Chris Constance on issues that directly affect our community. I have come to appreciate his willingness to listen, respond to residents, and make decisions based on what is best for West County.
A clear example was the decision to redirect funding from Placida Road to much-needed improvements on Gasparilla Road. Residents understood Gasparilla Road was the greater priority, and Chris made sure our voices were heard. He also helped secure a traffic signal at Marathon Boulevard and Gasparilla Road after neighbors raised legitimate safety concerns.
Chris has also stood firm against Charlotte County assuming responsibility for State Road 776 from the Florida Department of Transportation. That position protects local taxpayers from the significant long-term costs of maintaining a major state highway.
His leadership extends to protecting our coastline as well. He recognized early that partnering with Sarasota County on the Manasota Key beach renourishment project would strengthen our ability to secure state funding and better protect our shared shoreline.
Following Hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton, Chris remained actively engaged in West County’s recovery. Whether addressing debris removal, infrastructure repairs, or beach restoration, he has been present, accessible, and focused on helping our community recover.
Chris Constance has earned my support long ago, and has not let me down since.
I encourage my fellow residents to vote to re-elect him as our District 2 Commissioner on August 18.
Ray Corcoran
Port Charlotte