To the editor:

Women For a Better Lee has been asked: “Why are you endorsing write-in candidates?”

Indeed, we recognize that they are long shots. But the answer is simple: we want to preserve democracy in Lee County by giving voters a choice.

Imagine our shock to learn that the name of an unopposed county commission candidate does not even appear on the ballot — and that a blank line allowing voters to write in another name requires individuals to qualify with the Supervisor of Elections as write-in candidates. While this is not unique to our county, the reality in Lee County is that the two incumbent county commissioners running for reelection would win by acclamation without even a single vote being cast in their favor.

Luckily for all of us, two citizens stepped up to run –Karen Watson in District 2 and Jim Sheets in District 4. Neither of these write-in candidates represents a political party — nor are politicians, for that matter. But both know that it is important for them to reflect the needs and concerns of the people of Lee County and will do so should they be elected to our County Commission. And remember, commissioners are elected at large; you just need to live in Lee County, not a specific district to cast your vote.

Both are running because they care deeply for our community and because they strongly believe that you cannot have democracy if candidates are going to walk into office by acclamation without voters even having a choice.

Women For a Better Lee has been tracking the actions and policies of the two incumbents, Brian Hamman and Cecil Pendergrass, for almost four years. It is widely known what we think of these two men — their coziness with special interests, their overwhelming reliance on campaign donations from developers, their disdain for public participation, their lack of transparency and vision. If Lee County is to grow and its residents to thrive, we need elected officials who are less focused on destroying wetlands and more willing to listen and act in the interest of citizens.

Women For a Better Lee is proud to endorse Karen Watson and Jim Sheets for election to the Lee Board of County Commissioners and encourages voters to remember their names. In this election you will have to Write to be Heard to send a message to our commissioners and make your vote count! It is important that Lee residents learn their names.

WFBL has developed short issue briefs focusing on issues of concern during this campaign season. They can be found at our website, womenforabetterlee.com/2022-election.

Charlotte Newton

Women for a Better Lee