- From the County Chair
- Florida's "Schools of Hope"...Aren't
- Let the Youth Lead
- Shaping the Future
- Caucus of the Month
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- Tribute to Linda Wilson Campbell
- Join the VOPRO Team
- Volunteer of the Month
- Candidates Corner
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The Real Economics of Climate Action
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From the County Chair
Civic Engagement: Why Sitting Out
Is No Longer Neutral
[Note from Jim Rosinus, Chair, Lee County Democrats: This newsletter is all about issues, candidates and the people leading the charge for change in Lee County. Thanks to Elisa Miller-Burda and Fred McCoy for this article that speaks directly to the issue of why primaries are key to our success.]
General elections are about the choice between parties. Primaries are about defining who we are.
For many voters, especially during primary elections, it’s tempting to believe that sitting out is a harmless personal choice. Life is busy, politics can feel frustrating, and the idea that “my one vote won’t matter” is an easy conclusion to reach. But in today’s political climate—particularly here in Florida—that choice is no longer neutral. Read more
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Florida's "Schools of Hope"...Aren't
By India Palencia, Candidate for Lee County
School Board, District 6
For many families in Lee County, public schools are at the center of our communities —places where neighbors gather, teachers dedicate their lives to students, and generations of children learn and grow. But now, Florida’s controversial “Schools of Hope” legislation threatens to undermine that foundation by siphoning public resources into private operations, disrupting classrooms, and deepening inequality across our state.
A Program That Diverts, Doesn’t Strengthen, Public Education
Although the law was originally pitched as a way to support students in persistently low-performing schools, its modern incarnation has drifted far from that mission. Today’s “Schools of Hope” allows charter operators- privately managed schools funded with public tax dollars- to co-locate inside existing public school buildings at no cost, even in schools that are not academically failing. Read more
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Let the Youth Lead! The View from Gen Z
by Michaela O'Brien, President, Lee County Young Dems
Decisions shaping my future are being made without my voice, by leaders who won’t have to live with the consequences. That isn’t ageism, it’s the truth. As a 23-year-old long-time resident of Southwest Florida, I feel those choices heavily.
I’m a recent graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University and president of the Lee County Young Democrats. I see how policies created without us impact our lives. Housing costs are skyrocketing, pushing the dream of independence, staying local, and moving out of my parents’ home further from reach. Building stability feels impossible as young professionals are priced out of their hometowns. Read more
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Shaping the Future
The Lee County Democratic Party is building a stronger, more inclusive Southwest Florida through community action, voter empowerment, and local leadership. This space is more than an office. It represents an investment in grassroots organizing and expanding civic participation throughout Lee County. Our new home is a welcoming, accessible space for clubs, volunteers, candidates and elected officials and our many community partners.
Join us to protect our environment, expand opportunity, and make Lee County a place where everyone can thrive.
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Caucus of the Month
Democratic Women's Club of
Lee County
This month we celebrate the Democratic Women's Club of Lee County established in 1958. For over 6 decades members of this Caucus have been showing up to elect democratic candidates up and down the ballot, to seek diverse and inclusive membership, to educate their members on the issues of the day, to stimulate active interest in government among the Democrats of Lee County and to provide aid to those in need, with special focus on issues impacting women.
The DWC recently elected new officers Choon Dho Olmsted, President; Cindy Ginsburg, 1st VP, Ruby Hendley, 2nd VP; Patricia Montgomery, Secretary; Kathleen Barry, Treasurer; Sandra McClinton, Immediate Past President.
The DWC meets monthly on the 2nd Saturday of the month at the Quality of Life Center in Fort Myers. New members are always welcome. Meetings begin at 10:00 with social time. And yes, men are welcome! If you have been searching for an active group where your time and talents will be valued check out DWC.
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Tribute to Linda Wilson Campbell
Late last year, the Democratic Party of Lee County lost one of our fiercest warriors to illness. Linda Campbell was a long time Officer, Office Volunteer and Precinct Leader who gave of herself, her time, and her financial resources in service to this community for many years. During my time as Chair, I knew Linda as a source of strength and reliability, always ready to do what she could to further our mission. We will always owe Linda a huge debt of gratitude for her service. Read the complete obituary
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Join the Voter Protection Team
You've been wondering how to get more engaged? If you are a born organizer and enjoy working with people our VoPro Team could be the perfect fit for you.
Voter Protection Team ensures that Lee County’s voting process runs smoothly and all Democratic votes are counted. During the election, the team trains and schedules poll greeters and watchers and helps voters to cure rejected ballots Volunteer positions include:
- Voter Protection Team Lead Coordinator
- Poll Watcher Coordinator
- Poll Greeter Coordinator
- Ballot Curing Coordinator
- Canvassing Board and Special Observers
Learn more and sign up
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Volunteer of the Month: Rachel Rubinski
I’ve been involved for less than a year—I believe I attended my first meeting in May 2025. At the time, I was feeling incredibly powerless watching things unfold at the national level. I knew I needed to shift my focus locally, where I could actually make a difference. I finally worked up the courage to attend a meeting at the Bonita Library.
I remember standing outside the meeting room, feeling so nervous about walking in. When I finally did, the very first person I made eye contact with was India Palencia (running for Lee County School Board, District 6). She waved me over to an empty seat next to her.
When the meeting ended, India turned to me and asked, “Are you running for office?” I laughed and told her I was there because I wanted to volunteer on a campaign—and the rest is history! Since then, I’ve felt so much better knowing I’m helping another Democrat run for office and make a real difference right here in our community. Being around other Democrats on a regular basis has truly been a breath of fresh air.
If I can offer one piece of advice to candidates looking for volunteers, it’s this: ask. So many people want to help, but they don’t know where to start. Sometimes all it takes is a friendly smile, an open seat, and an invitation.
Thank you again for this recognition, and for making Lee County Dems such a welcoming and inspiring place to be.
Thank you Rachel! We appreciate you and can't wait to see what's next!!
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Candidates Corner
Informed Democrats need to be aware that there are two important elections in Lee County this year--the primary election in August and the general election in November. It is critical that you vote in both!
This year’s August primary is important for two reasons:
- Registered Democrats will choose their candidates for the Democratic Party’s nomination for US Congress. In the 17th Congressional District, Matthew Montavon is squaring off against Allen Spence to oust incumbent Republican Greg Steube. In the 19th Congressional District, Victor Arias and Howard Sapp are vying for the opportunity to fill the seat Byron Donalds is vacating.
- The Lee County School Board is chosen in non-partisan elections, so all Lee County voters are able to vote for School Board members. If a candidate wins a majority of the votes cast in the August primary, that person will be elected immediately and that office will not appear on the November ballot. So, it is important for Democratic voters to know who our preferred candidates are, and to be sure to vote for them in the primary.
Candidates may qualify to be on the ballot in one of two ways: by securing voters’ signatures or by paying hefty filing fees. For School Board candidates, only voters living within their districts may sign their petitions. However, this year, because the Florida legislature is likely to consider redistricting, Florida Congressional candidates may submit signatures from voters registered anywhere in Florida. This means that you can sign petitions from all four candidates below!!!
| U.S. House of Representatives - District 17 | | |
My name is Matthew Montavon. I am a Sarasota resident and lifelong public servant. I believe that Southwest Florida deserves a representative who will serve the people’s interests and bring accountability and accessibility to Congress–as opposed to Greg Steube who refuses to hold public forums and blindly follows Trump. Steube’s in his fourth unproductive term. It’s past time for him to go.
With degrees in political science and public administration, I have worked in government service and with organizations including the Illinois Migrant Council, Peace Corps and the United Nations. Read more
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My name is Allen Spence, and Southwest Florida isn’t just a district on a map to me, it is the place that helped shape who I am. From walking the halls of Fort Myers High School to meeting my wife at the Publix on Hancock Bridge Parkway in North Fort Myers, some of my life’s most important milestones have happened right here. Today, I am a proud father and a Scoutmaster for my son’s Scouting America troop in Punta Gorda, where I work to instill the values of character and leadership in the next generation.
I am running for Congress because I see those values, and our local economy, under threat by a "campaign of retribution" that prioritizes political theater Read more
| | | U.S. House of Representatives - District 19 | | |
Victor Arias is the Managing Attorney at Arias Law Firm, P.A. and a member of the Florida Bar. He has been practicing law for over 36 years and currently practices law in the areas of Personal Injury Law, Workers’ Compensation, and School Law. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamilton College, and his Juris Doctorate degree from State University oof New York at Buffalo. He has been married to his wife Angelette for 32 years, and they have two children, Ariana and Victor who are attending Universities.
Candidate Arias has been a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church since 1999 where he has served as an Elder and also is an active member of the Board of Trustees. Read more
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Howard Sapp A native of Ft. Myers FL, I have a great love for my city and community. As a retired Air Traffic Controller for over 30 years, I bring a strong sense of leadership and no fear to make tough decisions. Keeping people safe is what I did with passion and love and doing the right thing even when no one is looking continues to be a part of my foundational makeup.
As a husband, a father, a grandfather (pa-pa), a community leader and an ordained minister I understand that people matter. No matter their differences it does not change or negate their rights. Everyone deserves to be represented and heard. As a candidate for US Congress, I am ready to work with all representatives no matter what party they represent. Read more
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Lee County School Board
This year there will be elections for District 1, District 4, District 5. Only the people in those districts can vote for those candidates. The District 6 seat will also be up this year. It is an At-Large seat and everyone in Lee County can vote for that office. In the next few issues, we will be introducing the candidates we support.
In a future issue, we’ll be hearing from Heidi Fausel, running in District 1. This month, we feature Carline Saintilus, a candidate for District 5. Elsewhere in this issue, India Palencia, a candidate for the At-Large District 6, explains her views on “Schools of Hope.” Debbie Jordan, the incumbent seeking her third term in District 4, was featured in “Ask the Candidates” in our October issue.
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Carline Saintilus is a lifelong Floridian, mother, grandmother, former educator, and award-winning entrepreneur running for Lee County School Board, District 5. Her mission is to strengthen public education, support staff, and ensure student opportunity through her four pillars: Motivate, Educate, Grow, and Act (MEGA).
With an MBA degree with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and experience as a business owner, Carline brings the fiscal discipline and strategic expertise necessary to manage public resources. Having taught in the classroom, she possesses a practical understanding of the challenges educators face, such as overcrowding and limited resources.
District 5 is at a critical turning point. Lehigh Acres has seen a 50% population increase since 2010, straining neighborhood schools and impacting teacher retention. Carline advocates for data-driven planning to ensure new school construction meets immediate needs and represents responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds.
Her platform prioritizes:
- Competitive Compensation: Ensuring teachers and staff receive respectful, livable wages.
- Strong Public Schools: Prioritizing traditional neighborhood schools over taxpayer-funded charter systems to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Community Engagement: Inviting parents and educators to help shape the district's future.
You are invited to join Carline at a Town Hall co-hosted by India Palencia on February 23rd at El Tarasco Mexican Restaurant in Lehigh Acres. This is an opportunity to hear her vision and share your voice.
Carline Saintilus is ready to bring fiscal responsibility and compassionate advocacy to the school board to support our students, families, and staff.
Contact info:
Website: VoteSaintilusSBD5.com Email: carline@VoteSaintilusSBD5.com Phone/Text: 844-YES-MEGA / 239-490-5257
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The Informed Democrat is published monthly and posted on the LeeCountyDems.org website.
Do you have something you’d like to share with your fellow Democrats in Lee County, or do you have comments, questions, or ideas about features you'd like to see?
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Editor: Mary Peabody
The Democratic Party of Lee County is an all-volunteer organization. We do not receive any funding
from the Florida Democratic Party nor the National Democratic Party.
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