| The next meeting of the Greater Pine Island Civic Association will be a candidates’ forum designed to allow community residents an opportunity learn about the people running for Lee County Commission in the primary, which takes place on Aug. 20. (Since there is no Democratic party primary for seats on the Lee County Commission, only those running in the Republican primary will attend.)
It’s important to know that Lee County Commissioners are elected “at-large,” meaning that every registered voter, regardless of commission district they live in, can cast a ballot in each contested district race come November.
Since Kevin Ruane ran unopposed for District 1, which includes Pine Island, he will be automatically re-elected to another four-year term.
Races are still ongoing for District 3, where incumbent Ray Sandelli decided not to seek another term, and District 5, where current Commissioner Mike Greenwell is seeking re-election.
Because no Democrats are running in District 3, the winner of the Republican primary will automatically win the seat. (Read more about why this primary is closed and about the “ghost” candidate here.)
The winner in District 5 will face off against Democrat Kizzie Fowler in November’s general election.
- What: Meet the Candidates for Lee County Commission during the next GPICA meeting
- When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6
- Where: First Baptist Church of Pine Island, 5363 Ave. D, Bokeelia, 33922, next to Pine Island Elementary School.
- Etc.: The meeting is open to members and nonmembers and will also be livestreamed on the GPICA Facebook page
The Evening’s Format
GPICA President Deborah Swisher-Hicks will be the evening’s moderator. After a few opening remarks/general GPICA housekeeping, she will introduce the candidates. Each will have three minutes to provide an opening statement. That will be followed by three questions from the GPICA Board of Directors and then questions from the audience. (Members of the audience will be asked to submit their questions in writing and a member of the GPICA board will read them.) Candidates’ answers will be timed.
As always, we expect:
- The discussion to focus on issues affecting the community;
- That attendees and candidates will remain civil and polite;
- That everyone will avoid making ad hominem (personal) attacks.
About the Candidates
Commission District 3 Candidates
Matthew R. Thornton (attendance confirmed)
Matthew Thornton, of Fort Myers Beach, grew up in Florida, where he spent his formative years running tugboats alongside his father, working on shrimp boats,  and charter fishing during summers. According to his website bio, following Coast Guard service, he had “40-year career in construction, specializing in commercial doors and automated entry systems. With extensive expertise in managing large governmental contracts across all levels of government and collaborating with renowned private sector entities such as Anheuser-Busch, InBev, Amazon, and Google, Thornton’s dedication to excellence and sustainability is evident. Now retired, he remains actively engaged, overseeing his 17-acre ranch while dedicating his energy to giving back to the community that shaped him. Thornton’s decision to run for Lee County Commissioner stems from his desire to contribute his knowledge and expertise to address the pressing needs of the county, particularly in the aftermath of significant events like Hurricane Ian. With a deep-rooted commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability, he aims to integrate these values into his leadership, echoing the core principles that guided his businesses with an impressive 92% recycle/reuse rate.”
David Mulicka (attendance confirmed)
David Mulicka, President of HONC Destruction, grew up in Bokeelia, and he calls the future of Lee County “personal and critical to his children, grandchildren, and for generations to come.” According to his website bio, he is running for the Lee County  Commission “to put his conservative principles and 20-plus years of business ownership experience to work for the taxpayers and residents of this community. His business experience coupled with his lifelong connection with Lee County has prepared him well for the opportunity to serve as your County Commissioner. David is committed to protecting individual liberties, supporting small businesses, and improving our waterways so that future generations can experience the same Lee County we all know and love.” Mulicka’s wife, Jenna Persons-Mulicka, is a state representative, and his father-in-law Armor Persons is a Lee County School Board member.
Commission District 5 Candidates
Amanda S. Cochran (attendance confirmed)
Amanda Cochran, of Alva, is a native Floridian from a six-generation Southwest Florida family. Her great-great uncle helped to settle east Lee County and her great-great grandfather was a cattle rancher. According to her website, she will “focus on sensible  and strategically planned growth” and aims “to ensure that Lee County’s development aligns with its residents’ current and long-term interests. I plan to prioritize crucial initiatives for infrastructure and public safety resources that anticipate and meet the needs of a growing population. I pledge to champion the needs of our first responders, law enforcement officers, educators, and health care providers. By focusing on real solutions, I aim to actively work toward securing every available resource to ensure attainable workforce housing for these essential professions. I will advocate for public awareness, prevention, and treatment programs for much-needed mental and behavioral health services in Lee County. I understand the critical role that environmental conservation plays in sustaining our local economy and quality of life. I am committed to protecting our environment and safeguarding Lee County’s endangered waterways.”
Mike Greenwell (attendance confirmed)
Candidate and current District 5 Commissioner Mike Greenwell is a retired Red Sox left fielder and was appointed to the Lee County commission by the governor in 2022 after the death of Frank Mann. According to his  website, Greenwell is “proud to call Lee County home. This is where he learned to play baseball, and where he returned to raise his family and build a business after his 12-year career with Boston Red Sox. As an owner and operator of several successful local businesses, (he) has the business skills and budgeting experience we need on the Lee County Commission.” According to his website, his key issues are: improving infrastructure, including upgrades to roads, sewer and water; keeping taxes low; economic growth; protection of individual liberties.
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