Naples Councilwoman Linda Penniman resigns due to husband's health concerns

Naples Councilwoman Linda Penniman resigned Wednesday to spend more time with her husband, Nick, who has been diagnosed with a rare health condition.

“Nick and I are assessing our priorities for the coming years, and we’ve determined that flexibility and time with family are really important to us. We also believe that in order for us to achieve the ends that we’re interested in doing, that it would be best for (me) to step down," Penniman said in announcing her resignation, effective immediately.

A special election will occur within 60 days to determine Penniman's successor, according to the city's charter. The City Council will have a special meeting at 2 p.m. Jan. 23 to determine the date of the special election and when candidates can begin qualifying for the ballot.

Penniman was first sworn in as a council member Feb. 19, 2014. She won re-election in 2018 with 2,865 votes, or 31.2 percent of the vote in a four-way race for three seats. Penniman was the top vote-getter. 

Election 2017:Linda Penniman, Gary Price, Terry Hutchison win seats

More:Naples City Council members Linda Penniman, Gary Price, Terry Hutchison sworn into office

She served two years as vice mayor and before that was appointed to coastal and planning advisory boards. Penniman also served on the Moorings Property Owners Association board for six years. 

During her time on the council, Penniman was a vocal proponent of affordable housing. In February she proposed selling city-owned property along Solana Road, next to Moorings Park, and using the profit to provide a “silent second mortgage” that would help city employees purchase a home near Naples.

Penniman also has been a strong advocate for the environment, supporting:

• Removing stormwater outfalls from city beaches. The large pipes stretch from the sand into the water and dump debris and high levels of bacteria into the Gulf of Mexico.
• Switching all homes in the city's utilities service district from septic tanks to city sewer service within the next eight years to improve water quality.
• Re-implementing a fertilizer blackout period, which prohibits the use of nitrogen- and phosphorous-based fertilizers during rainy season (June 1 to Sept. 30) when the chemicals are more likely to end up in waterways. 

Penniman also has been an ally of Ethics Naples, a political action committee that has been at odds with the city for months regarding a referendum to establish an ethics commission. Her husband is the PAC's president.

In 2017, Penniman filed a complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics against then-fellow council member Sam Saad, alleging Saad violated a state ethics law by voting to approve a commercial redevelopment that might have benefited him or his business partner.

The Florida Commission on Ethics ultimately dismissed the complaint against Saad, finding there was no probable cause to move the case forward. Saad denied he violated any ethics law, or the spirit of the law, calling the complaint a politically motivated smear campaign.

Penniman has said the complaint process was long and frustrating, and the Ethics Naples' proposal addresses some of her frustrations.

Ray Christman, executive director of Ethics Naples, said Penniman has been an invaluable asset to the city.

"Linda has been such a tremendous leader for the city of Naples," he said. "She brings wisdom and thoughtfulness and is certainly going to be sorely missed. I'm very sorry that she’s had to make this decision, but obviously it's one that she feels is in the best interest of her family, and I think anyone can understand making family a priority."

In case you missed it:Penniman of Naples Council files ethics complaint vs. peer Saad

More:Florida ethics panel dismisses case vs. Naples Councilman Sam Saad

Penniman had been a regular visitor to Naples since the 1970s and became a full-time resident in the 1990s. Her husband of 50 years is a retired publishing executive and is actively involved in Southwest Florida conservation efforts.

"It’s important to understand I’m stepping down, but I’m not backing down,” Penniman said. “I have no intention from disengaging in public life. I’m here to continue to strengthen our community and put Naples on firm footing for the future just as I have before."

Mayor Bill Barnett said Penniman has been an integral part of the city and that he hopes she someday might be able to serve on the council again.

"This particular council is an amazing council, and you have been a huge part of it," he said to Penniman. "But family is No. 1 in all of our lives. I said to (my wife) last night that I can only hope and pray that she would be there for me, God forbid if I needed her, as you have been for Nick. And anything you need from us, you've got it."

Penniman offered no details about her husband's condition except to say it must be treated by a specialist in Baltimore.

"We would like to thank Councilor Penniman for her service and wish her and her husband all the best," City Manager Charles Chapman added.