Brunner suspends campaign and endorses Penta for Collier County School Board District 2 seat

Collier County School Board candidate John Brunner announced that he has suspended his campaign for the District 2 seat, and is proud to endorse Louise Penta. Brunner and Penta made the official announcement at a press conference held at 2 p.m. today at the Collier County Supervisor of Elections Office at 3750 Enterprise Avenue in Naples. Penta and Brunner both addressed the media and answered questions.
 
Brunner informally announced his decision earlier in the morning in the form of a letter posted on his school board candidate Facebook page. In the letter, Brunner says, “Penta is an excellent candidate, who I am proud to support wholeheartedly, and encourage my supporters to do the same. I feel strongly about the need for change, and realize that had I decided to stay in the race, the voices for constructive change on the Collier County School Board would be split between the two of us, lessening the potential for that change.”
 
Brunner and Penta platforms are similar on many issues.  They both pledge to overturn common core, support a budget assessment and audit, committed to restoring local control and to implementing teacher merit to reward teachers.  
 
In a statement Friday, Penta announced that she has raised $56,000 toward her campaign in just two months, far outpacing the fundraising of any other candidate in the race. This is a testament to the confidence Collier County residents have entrusted to her. 
 
“It means a great deal to me to have John’s support,” Penta said of Brunner. “I am honored that he has chosen to support me in the race and sees me as someone who is not only like minded, but who has a proven track record. I have the resources and experience to face challenges head on and make difficult decisions on behalf of our students, teachers and parents.”
 
For more information about Louise Penta, or to meet Louise Penta in person, join her on Wednesday, June 15, from 6-8 p.m. at the Coalition for Public Education Forum, Collier County Library Headquarters, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples; Wednesday, June 22, from 4:00-7:00 p.m., at Politics in the Park at St. John the Evangelist Life Center, 625 111th Avenue in Naples or visit her online at LouisePenta.com
 
The Collier County School Board election is a countywide, nonpartisan election, and everyone in Collier County has an opportunity to vote for their candidate of choice from District 2. This will determine the future leadership for education in Collier County.
 
About Louise Penta
Louise Penta grew up in the Boston area, where she raised her family. A full-time resident of Naples since 1999, she has fully invested herself in the community. Through various events in the last six years alone, she has helped raise more than $7 million to fund education programs. The Women’s Foundation of Collier County honored her as a Woman of Initiative in 2016. Penta’s personal mentoring of a number of local children has resulted in each advancing to the college level. To learn more about Louise Penta, visit www.louisepenta.com.