Politics in the Park Lets
Candidates Stomp For Votes

By Lehigh Acres Gazette Staff
Photos by RJ Photography

A wide range of political incumbents and hopefuls gathered at New Life Assembly Church in Lehigh Acres Saturday, July 7, 2012, attempting to make a point, get noticed and garner votes in this year’s upcoming elections.

The event was sponsored by the Lehigh Acres Community Council with many local residents vying for their neighbors’ votes running for local governing entities such as the water and fire district as well as county, state and federal positions.

Local hopefuls included Jacqueline Danis, running for Seat 5 on the board for the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District.  She started the long line of speakers for the event  quoting Bob Dylan claiming “the times they are a’changing.” Danis was obviously making reference to what she said was a reason to vote for her because she said she would bring a fresh set of eyes and ideas to the local fire district. “It’s time for someone new with fresh ideas,” Danis said. “That someone is me.”

“That someone is me” theme ran all through the night since the main goal was persuading the voters in Lehigh Acres to “pick me.”

Moderators were on hand to make sure each politician limited their address to three minutes.

More than 50 political hopefuls were on hand for the Politics in the Park at the New Life Assembly of God, sponsored by the Lehigh Acres Community Council and the Kiwanis Club of Lehigh Acres. Politics in the Park  is normally held at Veterans Park or at a local school. It was moved to the campus at the New Life Assembly of God do to scheduling issues.

Republican congressional hopeful Byron Donalds praised the forum’s organizers but expressed disappointment at the relatively sparse attendance. About 100 people listened to the candidates’ short speeches in the sanctuary, while about the same number of candidates, staffers and volunteers worked their tables, which were laden with cookies of all sizes, shapes and flavors.

To see the straw poll taken click here.

School board candidate Robert ”Bob” Chilmonik said that “Bottom line is the bottom line.” He said  that some of today’s children are “unable to read at the most basic level.” He spoke of early childhood programs, and that English language must be taught.

Edd Weiner who is a candidate for East County Water Control District Seat 5, said “Lehigh Acres was not prepared for catastrophic storms like those seen elsewhere if one of our bridges goes out. Our current reserves will be gone.”

John Fry contributed to this article.