Water quality, safety top Marco Island voters' concerns in District 22

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. (WINK) — WINK News has been looking into the new Congressional District 22, which stretches as far west as Marco Island over to parts of Hendry, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Political experts say it's going to be an interesting race because the district is so geographically big, it includes many different communities and priorities. WINK News reporter Maddie Herron has been talking to District 22 voters in our area.

She's been to Hendry County, Lely neighborhoods in Collier County and Marco Island. Voters on Marco Island tell Herron their top priorities at the polls are island safety, a greater focus on senior populations and water quality.

On Marco Island, water plays a huge role in the community and for some neighbors, their votes.

"My priorities are the water quality. The water tastes terrible here, and it's lousy to shower with. So, if you want to have decent water, you have to get a water filtration system," said Bev Ertman, a Marco Island early voter.

Ertman has lived by these island beaches for about a decade. She voted early at the city's library.

"My most favorite part of the island is the people," Ertman said.

This year, how she and thousands of others in Collier County vote for Congress looks a little different. Marco Island is now in Congressional District 22, along with other parts of Collier, Hendry, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

"I know that we re-drew the line... and I used to be in District 18," Ertman said.

One priority that seems to be a hot topic across the district is affordability.

"I think affordability is definitely one of the biggest things for our family. I know we food shop all the time; it's a big kind of household topic," said Will Dohrmann, a visitor to Marco Island.

Dohrmann says he's been coming to Marco Island for years. He may be just visiting, but tells Herron some of his family members will soon be hitting the polls on the island.

"We do a lot of boating out here. We care a lot about the environment, and we just would definitely love to support a candidate that cares about that as well," Dohrmann said.

No matter your congressional district or coast, Ertman's advice is to research your pick.

"I think you have to research and look at the quality of the individual and what are their priorities," Ertman said.

There is still time to vote early. For more information on early voting locations and times check your county's supervisor of elections website.