Candidate: Ralph Rodriguez

Ralph Rodriguez was born in Queens, New York on October 10, 1974, to Rafael Rodriguez and Elsie Rodriguez. He attended high school in New York for 9th and 10th grade, then transferred to Naples High School where he graduated in 1992. He subsequently attended Mississippi State University studying electrical engineering. 
Ralph was blessed to have grown up with a shining example of a life of service. After serving in the United States Army, Ralph’s father, Rafael, served the churches in his community. He volunteered as a sound engineer at Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York, and after moving to Naples, at New Hope Ministries, Parkway Life Church, and Destiny Church. He also hosted community outreach events and even volunteered several times as an election worker passing out ballots. Rafael’s passing in 2022 is what has inspired Ralph to continue his father’s legacy by serving his community.
In addition to his volunteer work, Ralph’s father created a successful local low voltage burglar and fire alarm installation company in Naples late in 1994 called A-1 Sound & Security. To help the family business, Ralph acquired his state EF Alarm1 burglar/fire alarm contractor’s license for the company. They served the Naples community for more than 25 years in the security industry.
Besides helping his family run a successful business, Ralph also wanted to do more for the community. He felt his calling was serving the youth of Collier County. He worked as a local youth and high school umpire for softball and baseball, and as a referee for volleyball, basketball, and football. He volunteered for many years as a coach for youth softball and basketball. Additionally, Ralph coached girls’ high school basketball at Naples High School with the late Coach Dave Walker. He also worked for nine years as a Palmetto Ridge High School boys’ basketball coach. 
Ralph, like his father, volunteered at his church, New Hope Ministries, for many years as a sound engineer for multiple services each week.   
Ralph married his wonderful wife Monica Morgan Rodriguez in February of 1995. Monica has taught math in Collier County Public Schools for 28 years. She began her career at Everglades City School, where she taught for three years. Currently Monica is in her 26th year of teaching and serving as the math department chair at Naples High School.
Monica’s family tree extends into the origins of Naples. She is a fifth generation native of Collier County of the Storter family. Her great grandfather, Robert Storter, was one of the first settlers in Naples. He moved from his childhood home in Everglades City (which is now the Rod and Gun Club), to work as a commercial fisherman and lived in a house he built on an oyster bed off the coast of Naples. Ralph is fortunate to join this family full of history and tradition and learn from them. 
Together, Ralph and Monica have raised four remarkable children: Analia, Isabella, Eli, and Ralph James. Analia graduated from Southeastern University and now manages a local dog grooming business, The Salty Pup Doggy Spa, and she serves the youth at her church, Summit Church of Naples. Isabella received her master’s degree in education at Florida Gulf Coast University and teaches first grade at Mike Davis Elementary School. She is married to Gustavo Marin, and they have a one-year-old son, Gus. Ralph James is studying to become a band director with hopes of working for Collier County. He is currently serving as assistant band director at Naples High School, and like his father and grandfather, now volunteers as a sound engineer at his church, Oaks Community Church. He will soon be married to his fiancé, Lili Mutter, who is studying law at Ave Maria School of Law. 
Their son, Eli, has Down syndrome and autism. Having a child with special needs has changed Ralph and the entire family. Eli has taught them to be more patient, kind, humble, and nonjudgemental towards others. He has also prompted the entire family to volunteer with the community of individuals with special needs. They all have volunteered at various local events together, including Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine. Ralph’s wife has served as co-chair of the Naples event and also served with both of their daughters on the committee. All four children attended the fabulous event, with three children as volunteers and Eli as a guest! The family has also all helped Naples Civitan host a Valentine’s Dance for adults with special needs in Starability for over 15 years.  Service runs in the family.
Ralph is grounded by his faith in God, his relationships with his wife and family, and his passion for his community. Ralph truly has a heart for service.
Ralph hopes to assist our community in finding a better balance to our current community growth plan and getting a solid infrastructure in place. He believes progress is possible without it happening at the expense of our current residents' finances or safety.