Response to Buchanan letter
To the editor:
Mr. Buchanan stated in his letter “Noel Andress of Pineland and I have been jointly interviewing candidates for County Commissioner District 1.”
The above statement would lead most readers to believe that Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Andress interviewed ALL candidates, however that is not true. Unfortunately, their “endorsement” is just another example of the “good ol’ boy” network trying to keep career politicians in office.
I was not interviewed by either of these two gentlemen, so I was certainly surprised by their comment that the “only candidate that has promised to protect and promote the interests of Pine Island” is John Manning. Had I been given an opportunity to actually be part of this “interview” process, it would have been very clear that I will also “Promote and Protect” Pine Island.
As Commissioner, I will reduce spending, work with private business to create jobs and protect our environment. I look forward to serving the residents of Pine Island and have promised to hold monthly town hall meetings throughout Lee County. I will ensure that the rural nature of Pine Island does not change and that the environment will remain a top priority. I will fight to stop water releases from Lake O, making waterways cleaner throughout Lee County.
Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Andress are doing a disservice to the residents of Pine Island by misleading them on the true process that they used in endorsing one candidate without meeting with all of the candidates for District 1 Commissioner.
I respectfully ask for the support of Pine Island voters on Aug. 24, and promise to serve them with honesty and integrity. We cannot continue with business as usual in Lee County government.
Chris Berardi
Candidate, Lee County Commissioner District 1