The proposed bill will change Lee Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) from 5 At-Large seats to 7, down the road 9, and eventually could lead to as many as 15 Single Member Districts, taking away 86%, 89%, and eventually up to over 93% of our representation in the BoCC.
Think about how hard it already is to meet with just 5 Commissioners to get something like removing fluoride, or reinstating backyard chickens, accomplished at BoCC. Now, we would have to meet with 7-15 Commissioners, reducing our chances of getting enough support, while taking up to 3 times as long just to schedule those meetings. This insures that grassroots issues will never see the light of day in Lee County, ever again. And, make no mistake… that’s one of the driving forces behind it.
If you prefer to drive up in your own vehicle, we will meet you there, but let us know you are planning to attend by RSVPing below, and choosing “Self Transportation”.
If you wish to ride with us, we have a 16 seat van, currently with many seats still available. You can register to speak, when you get there, or ahead of time by clicking here. If you don’t wish to speak, you can still register and “waive in opposition”, thereby letting them know you are against it, without publicly speaking.
If you are unable to attend, you can still register to attend and speak, using link and instructions above. Once registered, you have an option to submit a written statement in lieu of attending. That statement will be sent to all Committee Members, but will NOT be read aloud at the meeting. So, we urge as many as possible to attend, but at least submit a statement.
If you need any assistance registering on the FL House website, please call Bob Valenta at 239-292-1613 or Barb Walter at for assistance. Here are some screenshots to help those who cannot attend, but wish to submit a written statement…
Title – Lee County Legal Citizen Voter Representing ‘Lee County Republican Assembly’ or ‘Concerned Lee County Citizen’
Select: The meeting to attend is CS/HB 4001 Lee County
Only box to click – Select Opponent
Click Add
Scroll down
Although it says I wish to appear in person — Click I am Not A Robot
Click Submit/Print
Click Written Testimony
Step 3
Select Agenda Item CS/HB 4001 Lee County
You will need to enclose a written testimony in order for it to be sent
It will allow you to review your testimony before you submit. It will be sent to all Committee Members, but not be read at the meeting.
For your written testimony you can use one or more of the below talking points.
Click Add
Click I am not a robot
Click Submit Written Testimony
You will then get a message:
Email message to the members of the State Affairs Committee has been successfully sent.
A copy of the email sent to the members of the State Affairs Committee has been sent to your email address.
Some talking points for your written statement may include:
It would circumvent the wishes of Lee County (LC) voters, who voted for a County Charter form of government in 1996 & circumvent the charter itself
Unfairly punishes grassroots candidates and gives an advantage to big PACs
LC Charter Review Board voted 11-1 to OPPOSE Single Member Districts
LC voters would lose representation – Commissioner will only respond to direct constituents
Potential for unfair gerrymandering that hurts certain demographics
Infighting over resources
Commissioners will pander to their district and ignore County wide projects such as roads, water, etc
At the 11/29/2023 BoCC Special Meeting, the MAJORITY of the public spoke in OPPOSITION to this proposed legislation
It creates increased inefficiency of government.
It causes increased costs by expanding size of government adding anywhere from 2 to eventually 10 BoCC positions
Increased costs associated with the proposed changes and the impact on taxes
There is lack of oversight over an elected County Executive
Reduction of voter’s rights to vote for each County Commissioner
Single District Members of BoCC should not serve as chair resulting in 2 At-Large members alternating who is chair, controlling agenda
We will be departing promptly at 10pm sharp, so we can arrive in Tallahassee with plenty of time to attend the State Affairs Committee
We will spend some time visiting with legislators after the Committee Meeting, and will be departing the Capitol in the late afternoon, back to Lee County.
We will be taking plenty of rest stop breaks throughout the trip.
