In the corridors of power in Lee County, Florida, a silent battle rages—one that echoes a familiar refrain from history.
It’s a tale of exclusion, coercion, employment threats, manipulation, and the fear of change, all under the guise of maintaining the status quo. As the county teeters on the brink of a pivotal moment with Vanessa Chaviano, the specter of Miami-Dade looms large, serving as a cautionary tale of the consequences of sidelining African American leadership. There are so many parallels between Lee County and Miami-Dade, and how the establishment’s shortsightedness could lead to a seismic shift in power dynamics with far-reaching implications.
The Historical Context: Exclusionary Tactics and the Rise of Hispanic Influence
For decades, African Americans in Lee County have faced systemic barriers to political power, entrenched in a culture of exclusion and marginalization. Similar dynamics played out in Miami-Dade, where African American communities were systematically sidelined from positions of influence. However, in their quest to maintain control, the establishment inadvertently paved the way for the rise of Hispanic influence—a consequence they failed to anticipate. Ft. Myers is a carbon copy situation.
Miami-Dade: A Cautionary Tale
Vanessa Ciaviano will replace Jena Persons Mulika as the future female political star in Lee County. You heard it here first. There is already a stealth strategic plan in place to position her politically ahead of Jena that the establishment is clueless about. That plan is being implemented by major contractors who want a piece of the development and contract pie The original Ft. Myers families have had while eating at the public trough for generations. They want in. They want it now. They are smart enough not to show any signs of support for Vanessa also.
The parallels between Lee County and Miami-Dade are striking. In both cases, the establishment’s efforts to limit African American leadership in Miami ultimately backfired, ushering in a new era of Hispanic political dominance. As Hispanics gained numerical strength and organized politically, they began to assert their influence, ultimately reshaping the county’s political landscape.
The Impending Shift in Charlotte, Lee, and Collier Counties with the campaigns of two Hispanic women now complete, Lee County stands at a crossroads. Vanessa Chaviano is poised to assume a position of significant political power, Chaviano’s candidacy represents a potential turning point in the county’s history. However, the establishment’s reluctance to embrace diversity and inclusion could inadvertently accelerate the rise of Hispanic influence, mirroring the trajectory seen in Miami-Dade.
The Role of the Latin Builders Association: A New Era of Influence
One of the key players in Lee County’s political landscape is the Latin Builders Association (LABA), a powerful organization with deep ties to the Hispanic community. As Hispanic influence grows, LBA stands poised to replace the establishment’s traditional allies in the construction industry, signaling a seismic shift in power dynamics.
Lessons Learned and Paths Forward
As Southwest Florida grapples with the prospect of demographic and political change, it’s essential to heed the lessons of history. The exclusionary tactics employed by the establishment have proven to be not only morally reprehensible but also strategically shortsighted. To chart a path forward, SWFL must recognize that true progress can only be achieved through collaboration and unity.
Embracing Diversity for a Stronger Future
The impending shift in power dynamics in SouthWest Florida serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of exclusion and marginalization. As the Charlotte, Lee, and Collier Counties prepare for the Vanessa Chaviano and the rise of Hispanic influence, it must confront its history of systemic inequities and commit to fostering a more inclusive and representative political landscape. By embracing diversity and empowering all communities to participate in the democratic process, Southwest Florida can build a stronger, more resilient future for all its residents.
