Paula Kiker withdraws from County Commission race
Fort Myers Beach businesswoman Paula Kiker has ended her campaign for the Lee County Commission seat previously held by her husband. Larry Kiker died in April.
Paula Kiker said Wednesday she is withdrawing from the race for the District 3 seat for a variety of reasons, including plans to expand her real estate business.
“At this time, I am announcing that am withdrawing my name as a candidate for Lee County Commission. There has been a confluence of events that have affected my decision to run,” she said in a release announcement.
“At this time I have made the choice to expand my real-estate business to Key West. This has always been a long term goal of my business development plan. Recently opportunities have arisen that have allowed me to make a rapid expansion into that market. Given the time necessary to develop a business in Key West, I will not have the time necessary to truly work for the people of Lee County and be as effective as a County Commissioner should be.
“The people deserve a County Commissioner that can devote the time necessary to represent the people of Lee County. Although I am not running any longer, I will personally continue to advocate and work to bring obtainable housing to workers and public servants of Lee County.
“I truly want to thank all of the people of Lee County that have supported my candidacy for County Commission.
“Thank you,
“Paula Kiker”
She was among the applicants who had expressed interest in a gubernatorial appointment to finish former commissioner Larry Kiker’s the term of office. The seat is up in 2020, and Paula Kiker also had opened a campaign to run for the seat.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his appointment of Bonita Springs businessman Raymond Sandelli earlier this month. Sandelli said this week he has not decided whether he will run for election.