Rodrigues best for District 76
To the editor:
It is disturbing to me that well respected members of our community make political endorsements without fully vetting the candidates and make statements which are not factual.
Ray Rodrigues has never published an article in support of Pine Island being combined with Cape Coral. He fully supports Pine Island being a complete and separate community from Cape Coral and feels that the Pine Island community is best represented by being a part of the coastal district that includes all the barrier islands. He has expressed this as he has gone door to door throughout Pine Island, from St. James City to Bokeelia and Matlacha, meeting voters and discussing issues with them. He has made many visits to the island, meeting business owners and attending the Chamber of Commerce reopening recently.
Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Andress did not reach out to Mr. Rodrigues to interview him. Mr. Rodrigues spoke briefly to Mr. Andress at his home when he was walking door to door here on the island.
Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Andress state that they made their endorsement decisions “After hours of interviews with the candidates …” The campaigns of U.S. Congressional candidates Trey Radel and Gary Aubuchon deny being contacted or interviewed by anyone here on Pine Island.
I’m also not sure why Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Andress would support a Charlotte County resident and a career politician who is running in this district because he feels there is a political opportunity for him.
The coming election is important on not only a national level, but state and local levels as well. I urge Pine Island citizens to learn about all the candidates and make their decision on which to support based on each candidate’s qualifications to represent Pine Island’s interest.
Kathy Jones
St. James City