Mayor Heitmann of Naples has announced her reelection campaign in a highly competitive race.

Teresa Heitmann, the mayor of Naples, has encountered more than the typical problems that come with such a high-profile position.

The COVID-19 epidemic and Hurricane Ian are two examples.

While it’s been difficult, she’s ready for more, with plans to roll up her sleeves and serve a second term, according to a recent article by Laura Layden of Naples Daily News.

In the presence of more than 50 supporters, Heitmann, 60, formally launched her reelection campaign for 2024 on Friday at city hall.

Her objectives remain mostly the same: to prioritize environmental activities, budgets that are matched with citizen objectives, managed expansion, and the preservation of Naples’ small-town charm.

On Tuesday, March 19 (the same day as the Florida presidential preference primary), the city will host a general election. Along with the mayoral election, three council seats will be up for grabs.

Heitmann will be up against at least two opponents.

Both current councilman Ted Blankenship and former councilman Gary Price have filed to run for mayor, expressing dissatisfaction with the present leadership and board direction, which they believe has veered off course.

“We are not deviating from our course. I think that’s rhetoric I won’t bother with in my campaign,” Heitmann said over the phone.

The 2020 election resulted in the removal of three council members and the incumbent mayor, which Heitmann interpreted as a voter mandate to do better. In response, she pledged to “put residents first by listening to them and taking swift action to advance their top priorities.”

“Three years ago, we set out a new direction for the city, more resident-focused and with a promise to address community priorities that had been too long ignored,” she said in her candidacy announcement on Friday.  “As your mayor, I’ve demonstrated a track record of making difficult decisions with integrity. We have made significant progress as a group, but there is still much more to be done. You can count on me to safeguard what makes our Naples neighborhood so special.”

The article originally appeared on the Naples Daily News.

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