Special to The Neighbor Honorary Mayor Candidate John Gardner.

Editor’s note: The race is on! Two candidates are running for NFM Honorary Mayor. Last week, the Neighbor profiled Dr. Terry L. Tucker, OD., one of the two official candidates for NFM Honorary Mayor.

This is a charitable event run by the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, so for a dollar a vote, these candidates can raise funds for scholarships and more.

This week, The Nieghbor profiles John Gardner.

The first Honorary Mayor, Tommy Hoolihan, with Hoolihan Lifestyle Center, has offered his 18-acre private Maranatha Gardens to create a true Southern Style BBQ at the event that will announce the winner. There will be plenty of parking, music, food and community spirit for a grand time.

Tickets are $25 per person. Kids are $7. There will be appetizers and full out BBQ, along with a Chili Cook-off (cooks to be announced).

There also will be a Silent and Live Auction and live auction. All proceeds support The North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce business and community programs and services. Visit nfmchamber.org for more information.

Mark your calendar for Friday, March 26, for the formal event, which will be held from 6 to 9 p.m.

Call The North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Welcome center at 997-9111 to reserve your ticket.

John Gardner

Owner of Lee County Insurance Agency

As a third-generation Florida native, Gardner said he cannot imagine life anywhere else. Lee County has always been home for him and his wife Peggy.

John has been active in the community as a business leader and a volunteer, and as past president of the North Fort Myers Chamber.

He is the owner of Lee County Insurance Agency and has made it very clear that he has no aspirations for public office other than as honorary mayor.

He believes that North Fort Myers is a great place to live, work and have fun, and he will work hard as your mayor to ensure that life here only gets better.

One of his campaign promises is to work hard to help keep our businesses here and show them how the Chamber can help them network and promote their activities.

He also is concerned about education and is happy to help raise scholarship funds for local students to help them with college expenses.

As an employer himself, he understands that a good education can make the difference in a person’s life, and that you are never too old to learn something new.

For information on the Honorary Mayor’s Dinner, contact Kim Constantine, North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, executive director, 997-9111.