Politics in the Park
Draws No More Than 100 Visitors

Politics in the Park
by: Rebecca Bock with RJ Photography

Vice President Joe Biden’s visiting South Fort Myers Saturday may have contributed to the small attendance at the Community Council’s Politics in the Park. Additional factors could have been the hot weather, other activities in the area and that many voters have already made up their minds as to whom they will vote for on November 6.

But the lack of turnout didn’t take away from the 36 candidates – local, county, state and federal – who spent five minutes explaining why they should be elected and also engaged in one-on-one talks with voters.

Jessica Carter candidate for Lee Memorial Health System

Free hotdogs and cold water were handed out to anyone who attended the even tin the Ruth Anglickis Community Room at Veterans Park Rec Center; the tables were covered with campaign literature and aides in some cases with cookies and candy.

The program began at 11 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation by Gary Warchol and opening remarks by Jim Kreger, chairman of the Community Council of Lehigh Acres. Marshall T. Bowers, president and CEO of the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, introduced the candidates while he was assisted by timekeeper Beverly Burke, the program director.

Candidates spoke behind a podium that was marked “soap box” across its front.