Politics or community activism or both?
To the editor:
The qualifying week is amongst us for the FMB town council race set for the March election, and the candidates are set and ready. I personally had gotten a great education while attempting to get on the ballot for the election by way of the petition method, while the rest simply buy their way on to the ballot. It was a learning experience for myself that ended in not only not enough petitions but also a learning lesson involving the red tape for regular folks to run. The hoops to jump through are one to marvel at, as we wonder why so getting involved turns many of our youth off.
The youth however are not turned off by getting involved in social and community activism, as we have all learned at some point or another that real change or real action toward the better comes through grassroots groups, not the actual politically elected members that sit in those high seats. It happens through organizations such as “1” FMB-Community and Unity Project, the Beach Artist Co-op One Human Family and many more. We know that the sky is the limit when it comes to a better community for what we want and need as islanders, because there is no “red tape” involved, just regular people helping regular people because they care for each other. (Imagine that concept).
I am saying to carefully research each candidate for this term’s election and to vote for the candidate that you truly believe is in our towns best interest.
Jo List would be a great example of a politician that actually gets things done, almost just like an activist. She is going to get all of our support as activists because of her compassion for our Island, her helping for others in need, and her never ending will to create dialogue inside the towns meetings about us residents and our very dear to heart opinions.
With people like Jo List in office we have an avenue for activists and politicians to actually work side by side. Personally, being an activist for over 20 some years now, I know that we can do it all alone with town hall by the wayside. However, with Jo List, there is that certain will to want to work with politicians to create a better tomorrow, because we believe in her and her efforts for community and unity coming together as “1”.
The rest of them that are running, I am not so sure about?
The lesson is this: Yes; by all means make sure that you do cast your very important vote come March, but be sure to do your homework as the activists will rise to the occasion upon holding the newly elected officials feet to the fires. (Which we will do anyway.)
We activists are few, one would think, yet look around this beach at every other car that don’s a ONE HUMAN FAMILY bumper sticker on it. An army of likewise minds are committed to this island and its best interests to only come together as “1” for the sake of its future. We are struggle families, single mothers, service industry workers, teachers, mentors and every other walk of life who shall endorse Jo List for the simple fact that we believe that she understands the concept behind ONE HUMAN FAMILY and will do all that she can to pass our words and hard work along to where it matters. I send out this invitation to all town leaders: Work with us as community activists and not against us. Make no mistake about it. We will be out in full force starting now and leading up to the actual election in March to spread the common good that we all want and deserve on Fort Myers Beach as it will completely be up to those elected to turn our demands into action.
The youth movement stands by Jo List for re-election, please join us in support.
Activism and Politics usually doesn’t mix well as now is our chance to mix well.
John G. Heim.
“1” FMB-Community and Unity Project
One Human Family
Fort Myers Beach