Candidate: Gary T. Fileman

Candidate Statement

Hello and thank you for viewing my statement. As background, I have been a resident of Charlotte County on and off since 1980. I graduated from Charlotte High School in 1982, and moved away for college and graduate school, but always returned to the place I call home. I am married to my lovely wife Ariana and have two wonderful daughters, each now attending the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida.

I have been an attorney for over 27 years and continue to practice in the areas of estate planning, business law, real estate, probate and tax representation (state and federal) from my office in Punta Gorda. In addition, I am also a licensed CPA providing tax planning, bookkeeping, administrative filing and compliance (also state and federal) and other accounting services. And just to fill up any spare time, I also assist in the management and operation of my parent’s local business which has been in Charlotte County since 1978.

Over the last 13 years, I had been a voluntary Magistrate for the 20th Judicial Circuit for the State of Florida, providing much needed assistance to our court system, hearing and deciding cases related to the state’s involuntary placement actions (i.e. “Baker Acts”). It was this position that allowed me to give back to the community I so enjoy. The downside however was that I was restricted from participating in all of my desired efforts to be more involved in community affairs and government.

Feeling the desire to provide a greater, more direct and a more localized impact on the community, I resigned my position as a Magistrate and have chosen to attempt to give back to the community on a broader scale by running for office as a Charlotte County Commissioner.

I believe with my background and experience I have a unique set of skills which provide me with abilities to navigate the ever-increasing complex world we live in and assist in providing a path forward. I have seen some of Charlotte County’s most needy residents and have worked with some of its most successful.  These experiences have allowed me to develop a keen appreciation and understanding for my fellow citizens, their needs, desires and wants of the community and local government.

If elected, I will make every effort to better our community and local quality of life. I will attempt by and through my words and actions, to earn your trust and to foster the belief that government works for all. I understand the great responsibility I undertake with this position as an agent and fiduciary of the people of Charlotte County, and will guide our local government towards providing an atmosphere for smart, cost effective growth, fiscally  responsible spending and delivery of services, while protecting the natural resources we have all come to love and enjoy.

Professional Licenses and Education:

Florida Bar (Florida Attorney)

Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (Illinois Attorney)

Florida Board of Accountancy – Department of Professional Regulation, Certified Public Accountant

J.D., DePaul University College of Law (1992)

M.B.A. Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, DePaul University (1992)

B.S. University of Florida (1986)

B.S. and Post-Graduate University of South Florida (1989 and 2004 – 2005)