Note: This letter to the editor was featured in the June 30, 2017, edition of The News-Press.

My family has called Southwest Florida home since the 1960s. As a young boy growing up here, I learned the importance of how water grows our economy and environment. As the director of community relations and philanthropy for Collier County’s Lipman Farms, I learned how sustainable practices ensure the vitality of land so that generations will continue to earn their livelihood off its bounty.

“Grown in Florida” is a label that carries with it a tremendous amount of pride, which is not singly relegated to the agriculture industry, but beyond, and in terms of those who have invested years in strengthening the communities that make up our great state. Keeping that momentum going with impactful and long-term flood protection, water supply and restoration projects speaks to my belief that sustainability should dictate all direction when it comes to resources.

It is for these reasons that I accepted the honor of serving on the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board. No moment in the history of Southwest Florida has been more crucial for completing monumental projects then right now. The C-43 Reservoir is a timely example. Once finished, this project will help reduce damaging discharges to the Caloosahatchee Estuary and supply clean fresh water to reduce salinity levels. Our community needs this solution and others like it to meet water needs for the present and into the future.

That is why I look forward to hearing from all constituents and working with diverse groups to help guide South Florida water management into the future. I pledge to always work hard for you on this Governing Board.

Jaime Weisinger
SFWMD Governing Board Member