Editorial by Robert J Anderson
Publisher of The Lehigh Acres Gazette
On July 7, 2012, the Lee County Republican Executive Committee (REC) hosted GOP candidates running for various offices, including the six running for the U.S. House seat in District 19. About 120 REC members listened attentively to candidate messages and voted in a straw poll. Traditionally, the REC then sends out a mailer informing Lee County
Republican voters of the results. However, this time REC Chairman Gary Lee has indicated that the REC may not send any mailer. Why? Is it because the “favorite” was beaten in the Congressional District 19 contest?
In the actual REC straw poll, Byron Donalds surprisingly won narrowly over Gary Aubuchon, with Chauncey Goss finishing third. Few expected Donalds, from Collier County, to win. But then Donalds has been victorious in other straw polls throughout Congressional District 19.
But two weeks following the REC meeting a mail piece from the REC without Byron Donalds photograph showed up in my mail box……..
So is this bad politics or is there just bad blood between REC Chairman Gary Lee and others. But these kinds of shenanigans are why Americans distrust politics in general. It’s simply wrong and must be corrected.
That’s one of the reason why Lehigh Acres First is being form. Lehigh Acres First is a non-partisan group of Lehigh Acres citizens that has been established to find and assist those politicians who are willing to pledge their support to the residents of our Lehigh Acres community. Founding Chairperson Tonda Soisson-Lawson, said, “Lehigh Acres First shall seek out qualified candidates to run for public office. We will meet with them and question them. And may grant them our organizational or individual financial and endorsement support.”
To become a member of the originating committee of 100, you must complete a short membership form and donate $100 to Lehigh Acres First. For more information, you can call Ms. Lawson at 239-823-7047.
It is these kinds of shenanigans that give people a bad taste. I commend Ms. Lawson for calling this out, as well as think that this should be rolled out by all city’s, localities and regions. The power needs to be returned to the people and it is time that we stand up to the party. They should not be able to elect our candidates for us.
Byron Donalds is an upright man and an outstanding candidate. My support goes to Byron Donalds!