Primary Election Forum allows voters to learn about candidates
The North Fort Myers Primary Elections Candidate Forum drew several hundred individuals, including many politicians who met and mingled with local voters.
A joint effort of the North Fort Myers Civic Association and The Public Affairs Committee of the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, the goal was to let local voters meet and learn about candidates including those running for Lee County Court Judge, County Commission, School Board and State Representative.
Most of the area Primary candidates turned out for what was one of North Fort Myers largest local political events, along with others that will be in the General Election. “We had a greater turnout from candidates than we anticipated; we actually had more candidates show up than originally scheduled,” said the Chamber’s Deputy Jarrod Cantrell.
“We were very pleased with the turnout in general,” said Chamber Board Member and North Fort Myers Honorary Mayor John Gardner, who said the next like event will be centered on the General Election. “We anticipate lots of candidates for a future forum, from Governor on down.”
A wide range of citizens turned out. A high school junior, Rebecca Karttunen from North Fort Myers High, helped check in participants. “It’s important to me,” she said. She was there with her father, Peter Karttunen from the NFM Chamber’s Public Affairs Committee.
The moderator was popular local media representative Trey Radel, host of Daybreak on FM 92.5 Fox News Radio. “I was actually humbled to do this, to be involved. I too want to further my education on the candidates.”
The North Fort Myers Civic Association was there in force, including organizer and Association President Gregg Makepeace, wife and active member Bonnie Makepeace and Membership Director Rose Mary Rinkevicz at an informational table.
Bonnie Makepeace kept track of attendees, and helped inform individuals on the local Civic Association.
“The Chamber has certainly made a difference in helping host the event,” said Gregg Makepeace. “Trey Radel was also a great host; he did a great job in emceeing the event.
“I personally think residents really got a closer look at the candidates and their messages. This year, I saw less personality and a more issue-based focus.”
The Civic Association has had a hand in many like forums for many years.
The forum allowed candidates to give a four-minute introduction of themselves and key information of their campaigns.
Supervisor of Elections Sharon Harrington was also on hand to answer voter questions.
“Basically what we were doing was to offer voter information, services that can help people know where and when to vote, and where to register.”
The Primary Election is Aug. 24.