By Vernon Brown, The Shade Tree PHD.
Wake UP Taxpayers and VOTERS!
In a time when trust in government and local representation matters more than ever, we as voters are being offered a rare and crucial opportunity: the chance to decide how we elect our County Commissioners. House Bill 4001 (HB 4001), recently approved by an overwhelming 94-11 vote in the Florida House and supported by the Lee County delegation through a 6-1 vote, places the power exactly where it belongs—into the hands of the people.
This isn’t about partisan politics. This is about fundamental fairness, transparency, and representation. It’s about allowing each community in Lee County to have a voice that truly speaks for them, elected by them—not by the entire county, but by the voters who actually live in that district. That’s what single-member districts promise, and it’s why allowing the people to vote on this matter is so vital.
Why This Vote Matters
Currently, Lee County’s five commissioners must live in separate districts, but they are elected in countywide, at-large elections. This means that while a candidate may be from your district, their election often hinges on votes from outside it—areas they may not live in, understand fully, or prioritize. Lee County, with a population nearing 835,000, is the largest county in Florida still using this outdated method.
You deserve a Commissioner who is elected by you, and who is directly accountable to your specific community. Whether you’re in Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, or Fort Myers Beach, your local challenges and priorities should not be diluted by voters from the far corners of the county who may have completely different concerns. Amanda Cochran would have been the only Female County Commissioner on the dais and would have defeated Mike Greenwell.
Under a single-member district system, each Commissioner would be elected solely by the voters within their district. This system ensures a truer, more responsive form of representation—one where elected officials are directly accountable to the constituents they serve, not to a generalized electorate spread across a vast county.
The Power of the Ballot
Let us be clear: HB 4001 doesn’t automatically change how Commissioners are elected. What it does is far more democratic—it places the question directly on your ballot in the 2026 General Election. That means you, the voter, get to decide whether you prefer single-member or at-large districts.
Rep. Mike Giallombardo (* pic of Mike Giallombardo) , who has tirelessly championed this issue for years, said it best: “This is the people’s government, and they deserve the right to determine how it’s structured—something they’ve been denied for far too long.” For nearly two decades, local government has resisted letting the public have a direct say. This bill finally changes that. It doesn’t mandate change—it offers choice.
Why would anyone be afraid of a choice?
Opposition and Conflicts of Interest
Not everyone supports HB 4001, and many of the objections come from those already in power or closely tied to it. Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka, who spoke against the bill, is married to sitting County Commissioner David Mulicka, who was elected at-large under the current system. Their shared opposition raises serious concerns about conflicts of interest and preserving the status quo—not for the good of Lee County residents, but for the political comfort and influence it affords them.
Let’s be honest: those who benefit from the current system are understandably reluctant to change it. But the reluctance of a few should not override the rights of many.
Persons-Mulicka claimed the bill lacks local support and that voters have already had a say. But let’s unpack that: the last time this issue was seriously debated, our county population and demographics looked very different. More importantly, it wasn’t a fair, comprehensive referendum with widespread awareness and engagement. And if local voters do indeed oppose single-member districts, then they will show that at the ballot box in 2026.
Again, this isn’t about forcing change—it’s about enabling choice.
James Muwakkil NAACP, President of Lee County NAACP has long been an advocate of single member districts.
Sen. Jonathan Martin, a Ft. Myers Republican supported the bill at the delegation level, and said he supports the language passed by the House.
Sen. Kathleen Passidomo supported the bill as well.
Victor Arias Esq. a Democrat and Congressional Candidate for District 19 in 2026 supports the bill.
Terry Miller with TM Strategic Consulting supports the bill.
Accountability, Equity, and Representation
Under the at-large system, candidates must fundraise across the entire county, which can easily top hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign costs. That gives an unfair advantage to incumbents and well-connected candidates, often backed by powerful political or business interests.
This discourages grassroots candidates—teachers, nurses, small business owners, veterans, retirees—from running. These are people who truly represent our communities, but can’t afford to compete in a countywide election. A switch to single-member districts levels the playing field. It empowers local voices and fosters more competitive elections.
In addition, at-large systems have historically been criticized nationwide for diluting minority and underrepresented community votes. With single-member districts, every part of Lee County—from rural to urban, from underserved neighborhoods to bustling suburban communities—has an equitable chance at being heard and at electing someone who reflects their lived experience.
A Proven Model
Florida is no stranger to single-member districts. In 2014, voters in Lee County approved single-member districts for the School Board. More recently, in 2022, voters brought back the elected Superintendent position via referendum. In both cases, voters showed they are perfectly capable of deciding how they want their local government to function.
Matt Caldwell, Lee County Property Appraiser and former State Representative, made an excellent point: “If the voters were smart enough to choose how to structure their School Board, why aren’t they smart enough to choose how to structure their County Commission?”
It’s a question worth repeating to every opponent of this bill. Why shouldn’t the people have the right to decide? If you trust voters with presidential elections, tax referendums, and constitutional amendments, you must also trust them to weigh in on how they elect their own county leaders.
What This Isn’t About
Let’s dispel some myths:
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This is not about partisanship. This is about how representatives are elected—not what party they belong to.
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This does not add more seats. The bill explicitly maintains the five-seat Commission structure.
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This does not affect your ability to hold Commissioners accountable. It actually increases accountability. Commissioners will be more responsive when they know their reelection depends solely on the constituents they serve, not voters miles away with different interests.
A Vision for the Future
Lee County is growing rapidly, and with growth comes growing pains—housing, infrastructure, traffic, water quality, hurricane recovery, and more. These issues don’t affect every part of the county equally, and solutions should be tailored to local needs. Under single-member districts, your Commissioner is more likely to understand and advocate for your unique challenges, because they live them too.
Imagine a system where your vote feels like it truly matters because it elects someone directly answerable to you. Imagine knowing your Commissioner can’t be voted in or out by people living 40 miles away in another district. That’s not just fair—that’s the essence of local democracy.
Your Voice, Your Choice
In 2026, you’ll be asked a simple but powerful question: Do you want your County Commissioners elected by all voters, or only by voters in their own district?
This question should not be answered by politicians in Tallahassee or by Commissioners trying to hold onto their at-large influence. It should be answered by you—by us, the people of Lee County.
Voting “yes” on the referendum isn’t a vote for a specific policy or candidate. It’s a vote for democracy. It’s a vote to reclaim your right to choose how your government works. It’s a vote to ensure local government reflects local priorities, not countywide politics.
Let us be clear once more: supporting HB 4001 doesn’t change the system today—it simply gives you the power to decide in 2026. If you oppose single-member districts, you’re free to vote no. But don’t oppose the question being asked at all.
Let the people decide.
