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Collier and Lee counties are fortunate to have dedicated, qualified candidates for an important public service — mosquito control.

They work out of the limelight. We know they’re doing well when we don’t think about mosquitoes — or the officials elected to keep bugs at bay.

Three incumbents on the Nov. 4 ballot, for which early voting starts Oct. 20, merit re-election.

Collier County

Linda Hartman has served on the board of the Collier Mosquito Control District for the past four years. She is a mortgage broker by trade and a tireless civic activist by nature. She is involved with and usually chairs nearly every civic happening in Golden Gate and the Estates. No wonder in 2005 she was named the Citizen of the Year of the Golden Gate Estates Area Civic Association.

She has earned the second term she seeks in order to expand service to more areas, find new and better ways to kill mosquitoes and maintain efficiency on a budget.

-- Also in race: Steve Spencer.

-- Who can vote in this nonpartisan race? All 200,000 voters in Collier County.

Lee County

Seat 1: Larry Murphy has earned his reputation as “The Dean” of Lee County Mosquito Control. He has been on the board for eight years. Now a veterinarian, Murphy was the first biological research technician ever hired by the district.

He brings degrees in biology and medicine to the board. When he speaks about using the right equipment, technology and chemicals to get the job done, he speaks with authority.

-- Also in race: James R. Opp.

Seat 3: Incumbent Mike Ellis also brings a four-star resume, with degrees in biology and chemistry and a connection to public health as a policymaker or administrator at hospitals in clinics in Southwest Florida since 1990.

He knows the equipment, strategies and bugs inside out. Every public official ought to be so informed and enthusiastic about his or her work.

-- Also in race: Tim Gardner.

-- Who can vote in this nonpartisan race? All 296,000 voters in Lee County.