Am I the only one struggling?
To the editor:
We’re a small town with about 7,000 residents and about 2,000 people that vote, but you’d think we’re Washington DC.
When my wife, Summer Stockton, ran for council she spent roughly $3,000 for her campaign. The current PAC (political action committee), yes, a PAC on a 7 mile island, has collected about $11,000 thus far. All to slander one council person, Dennis Boback. And, apparently members of this same group have filed complaints against my wife at her non-political job for writing a letter to the editor last week.
It’s a shame, because as neighbors and friends we shouldn’t be attacking viciously. We should be having healthy discussions and compromise. We’re unfortunately living the Netflix series, House of Cards, with PACs, deceit, libel and lies. Instead of being what we were and could be again, a balanced, well-rounded, community with healthy debates.
I’m voting for Dennis Boback and Rexann Hosafros. They’re both long-term Fort Myers Beach home owners with a voting record I can get behind. However, that’s MY vote and my opinion and you don’t have to agree with me. It’s OK to have different view points and different goals. That’s why when we incorporated in 1995 the town made a choice not to have a strong-mayor but a council-manager form of government so no one person would have control and all voters would feel heard. It takes three council members to raise taxes, change codes, or alter our comp plans.
Despite all of this political contention, remember no matter what flier you get in the mail or what letter you read, your vote is YOURS. No amount of money or political pressure can take that away from you. Do your own research by visiting fortmyersbeachfl.gov/209/Meetings-Agendas and make your own decision on March 5.
Sheena Brook
Fort Myers Beach