Collier County Board of County Commissioners
In November of 1996, Jim ran for County Commissioner against two incumbent republicans. The race was close, with Jim losing by 36 votes.
In November 2000, Jim ran again and won by a 3 to 1 margin. He was re-elected in 2004 without opposition. In order to devote full time to being a Commissioner, Jim closed his Equipment Rental Store of 16 years in the summer of 2001. You can follow Jim’s political career through the Naples Daily News at www.naplesnews.com.
Federal Funding
The Congressional Delegation including Congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart and Connie Mack, Jim Mudd, County Manager with his professional staff, Collier County realized federal funding opportunities for the first time in this community’s history. And at a time when revenues are in jeopardy, alternate sources are a continuous challenge for the Board to identify to provide the population of 330,000 the roads, water, public health and safety and other required services. Total awarded $3 million. (2007). Commissioner Coletta was instrumental in having the Everglades / 75 future interchange recognized as the county’s number one priority.
Accomplishments
Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council
As Chairman in 2007, first, the Legislative Initiative is what I am most proud. Legislators from many counties and regions interacted with the state Legislative Delegation at a critical time when our future revenue stream is questionable to prevent further loss of home rule. Second, the development of the Babcock Ranch, almost 14,000 acres of agricultural land in Charlotte County, received conditional approval to create an integrated community which fosters human interaction, sustainability and preservation of the natural environment. Third, proposed changes to several Developments of Regional Impact (DRI) and the associated concerns. Due to the Council’s interaction, affordable housing units would not have not been suggested otherwise.
Community Outreach
During Jim’s time on the Collier County Commission he helped establish five new neighborhood civic associations in his commission District 5. Jim has always believed in empowering the people to interact with their government. Also, he has capitalized on using the internet as a tool to bring solutions by forming a number of e-mail user groups. These groups have become active political forces that have resulted in the planning and development changes.
Agency Issue Management System (AIMS)
Working with the county manager the AIMS system was instituted in 2003. This system tracks constituent inquiries and their resolution. In District 5 alone, 991 total issues were tracked since AIMS’ inception in August 2003 (of a total overall of 3,330 issues or 30%). In addition he has encouraged residents who could not resolve issues at the staff level to come before the Board of County Commissioners during a regularly scheduled meeting under Public Petition. These actions have brought resolution to many concerned citizens.
Commissioner Jim Coletta has served on the following local and state boards while in office:
- Collier County Commissioner 2000 - Present
- Board of County Commissioners Vice-Chairman 2001 & 2006
- Board of County Commissioners Chairman – 2002 and 2007
- Collier County Health Care Consortium - 2003/04
- CRA Board Vice Chairman - 2007
- Elections Canvassing Board –2002 - 2003
- Elections Canvassing Board - Alternate – 2005 - 2006
- FAC (Florida Association of Counties)- Select Medicaid Reform Workgroup - 2004
- FAC (Florida Association of Counties)-Chairman - Growth, Environmental Planning & Agriculture Policy Committee-2006
- FAC Growth Management Workgroup - 2007
- Health and Human Services Advisory Committee staff liaison 2001 & 2003
- Immokalee Empowerment Alliance 2002-present
- Infrastructure Planning East of CR951 Liaison - 2007 - present
- Increase Regional Voice in Addressing State and Federal Issues Liaison - 2007
- Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) (as Commissioner) 2000-present
- Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council (MPOAC) On Governing Board-2000- 2007
- MS Walk Collier County Co-Chair – 2003-2006
- Monitoring Growth Management & Impact Fee State Legislative Liaison 2007
- NCH Council- Final Session 1/15/03
- Physician Led Access Network of Volunteer Healthcare Providers (PLAN) member – 2005 - present
- Productivity Committee - 2001 & 2006
- Red Tide Committee Co - Chairman August 2003/04
- Regional Advisory Committee on Trauma Services – 2004, 05 and 06
- Southwest Florida Expressway Authority – 2006 - present (elected new term 2008 - 2010)
- SWFRPC Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council - 2002 - present
- SWFRPC Legislative Sub-Committee Chairman 2002 - present
- SWFRPC Transportation Sub-Committee Member 2003 - present
- SWFRPC Transportation Sub-Committee Chair 2003 & 2005
- SWFRPC Secretary - 2006
- SWFRPC – Budget Review Committee 2006
- SWFRPC – Chairman Strategic Planning Working Group 2006 - 2007
- SWFRPC Southwest Florida Regional Planning Chairman 2007
- Salvation Army Chair – 2003 Kettle Campaign
- Tourist Development Council Chairman – 2002 & 2007
- Unit Management Plan Advisory Group for FDEP May, 2003
- Value Adjustment Board – 2002/ 03/04/06 (Alternate 2005), Vice-Chair 2007
- Weed and Seed Executive Committee member 2002 - 2007 (defunct Sept. 2007
- 4H Club Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors (Honoree) – 2004/06
