By S. Vincent Anthony
As a dedicated conservative and longtime resident of Southwest Florida, I’ve seen Lee County transform from a serene coastal haven into a bustling region teeming with opportunity. This growth should embody the American Dream—low taxes, personal freedoms, and limited government intervention. Instead, our current Board of County Commissioners has veered off course, embracing fiscal recklessness, ethical lapses, and policies that favor special interests over everyday citizens. It’s high time we replace them all with fresh, principled conservatives who will restore fiscal discipline, protect property rights, and prioritize the values that make Florida great.
Let’s begin with the most egregious failure: fiscal mismanagement that burdens taxpayers. True conservatives champion balanced budgets and tax relief, yet Lee County’s commissioners have presided over an $18 million deficit, scrambling to plug holes by eyeing hikes in sales taxes, tolls, and fees. Commissioners have openly discussed raising toll prices on bridges like the Cape Coral Bridge to address a $13 million shortfall, a move that hits working families hardest. Even more alarming, the state’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has questioned the county’s spending practices, demanding accountability from the commissioners. Slowing property value growth has been cited as a factor, but that’s no excuse for poor planning—commissioners were warned about ending double-digit increases, yet they failed to cut waste or streamline operations. The Sheriff’s Office budget alone has sparked demands for transparency, with fears of uneven taxing across cities like Cape Coral and Fort Myers. Borrowing money and pushing for higher local taxes reflect a big-government mindset, not the fiscal conservatism we expect. New leaders would slash unnecessary expenditures, lower debt, and ensure every dollar serves the people, not bureaucratic bloat.
Property rights, a bedrock of conservative philosophy, have also been trampled under this board’s watch. Commissioners have greenlit controversial developments that override community concerns and erode rural lifestyles. Take Commissioner Mike Greenwell’s involvement in pushing a massive project in Alva, which has sparked lawsuits from residents furious about the “ruination” of their community. More recently, the board approved the rezoning of South Seas Resort despite widespread opposition, prioritizing developers over homeowners. This pattern of favoring big-money interests smacks of crony capitalism, not free-market principles. Conservatives believe in protecting private property from government overreach, yet proposals to expand the county’s governance structure—like adding an elected mayor with veto power—threaten to centralize power and dilute local voices. Debates over single-member districts further highlight internal Republican rifts, with some commissioners resisting changes that could better represent diverse areas. Electing new officials committed to deregulation and resident input would safeguard our lands and liberties, fostering genuine growth without top-down mandates.
Public safety, another conservative priority, suffers from this board’s shortsighted decisions. While backing law enforcement is non-negotiable, the commissioners’ handling of the Sheriff’s budget has raised red flags about transparency and potential double-taxation. Fraud allegations swirling around the Sheriff’s Office have prompted calls for reform, yet the board’s response has been tepid at best. In a county vulnerable to hurricanes and rapid urbanization, allocating resources efficiently is crucial—yet deficits force tough choices that could compromise first responders. Conservatives demand pro-law-and-order policies without waste; this board’s fiscal woes endanger that commitment. Fresh faces would ensure robust funding for safety while holding officials accountable, keeping our communities secure.
Transparency and ethics have eroded dramatically, fostering a “swamp” mentality that conservatives despise. Multiple instances suggest Sunshine Law violations, including private meetings with developers that skirt public oversight. Ethics complaints have plagued commissioners, such as those against Greenwell over his ties to the Lee Civic Center and real estate dealings, even if some were dismissed. Campaign contributions from shadowy sources raise questions about undue influence. Alarmingly, Republican commissioners have ignored local GOP concerns, aligning with Democrats on key issues and earning rebukes for betraying party principles. Family power grabs, like candidate David Mulicka’s bid amid allegations of dominance by his relatives in local politics, further erode trust. This insider culture mirrors the D.C. swamp we fight against. New, untainted leaders would enforce strict ethics rules, term limits, and open governance to rebuild faith in our institutions.
At its core, Lee County’s future hangs in the balance. This board has strayed from conservative ideals—self-reliance, fiscal prudence, and individual rights—opting for policies that inflate government and favor elites. From budget deficits to development cronyism, their record demands change. Governor DeSantis has exemplified bold conservatism statewide; Lee County deserves the same locally. Voters, let’s elect a new slate of commissioners who will cut taxes, defend freedoms, and serve with integrity. It’s not just about replacement—it’s about reclaiming our county’s conservative soul. The ballot box awaits.