Rep Matt Caldwell responded to Lehigh Acres Gazette request by email, he said, “This resolution by the Community Council comes as a bitter disappointment. After having held multiple public hearings and making personal requests to their membership for feedback, we have never received any specific proposal for an amendment to the bill. To the contrary, members of the Council have voiced support for the concepts presented. Despite this extremely puzzling action, I would reiterate my desire to have a constructive relationship with any group who shares my desire to see Lehigh Acres succeed. Any and every citizen is always welcome to contact me directly with any thoughts they have on this or any other matter. My email address is matt.caldwell@myfloridahouse.gov and the district office number is (239) 694-0161.”
Mohamed Yasin, President of the Community Council of Lehigh Acres said, “We the Community Council is very disappointment in Mr. Caldwell lack of leadership in this community. We invited him to speak in front of the 42 member council and he hasn’t.” Yasin went on to say, “The bill that Caldwell has filed has several misrepresentations, assumptions, flaws and duplication of services provided by others in the community. He has not advised nor consulted the Community Council on this bill nor any changes that may occur. And if the passage of this bill affects all of the ongoing efforts of the residents who have held town hall meetings over the past 18 months and have been quietly working on incorporating our community.”
Yasin has told the Lehigh Acres Gazette he will ask Rep Caldwell cancel the bill for a year so that Caldwell can get the real feeling and the truth about what is happening in the community and where the council leadership in heading.
When this reporter asked Rep Caldwell if he would cancel or lay down the bill for a year to work with the community, Caldwell answer was “NO”.
Editor Comment: Does Rep. Caldwell really have his finger on the pulse of Lehigh Acres or is the Voice of Lehigh Acres stirring the political pot again, only time, patience and truth is on the community’s side of this picture. The Community Council has been serving this community for nearly 50 years. The Council represents various organizations, civic and government agencies that meet regularly to discuss and act on issues effecting Lehigh Acres. The Council strives to be representative of Lehigh Acres residents and address the rights and concerns of the residents and businesses to the appropriate governmental agencies. Community Council has a positive impact on Lehigh Acres and the quality of life for Lehigh Acres residents.