I've known Congressman Matt Gaetz for over ten years. When he was in the Florida legislature, I worked with he and his father, Don Gaetz, on some significant legislation related to public education. In 2007 I went to Tallahassee to support the Teacher Merit Award Plan--signature legislation from then Senator Don Gaetz who was at that time serving his first term in the legislature.
In 2018 I called Rep. Gaetz to ask his opinion on opening a "back door" out of the burgeoning NFCU campus onto a federal roadway rest stop--to ease traffic congestion in Beulah. He looked into the matter and was happy to assist. Unfortunately--what we tried to do could not be accomplished.
In 2020--as COVID 19 was ravaging the nation, I spoke with now Congressman Gaetz on the implications on local governments of the shut downs, beach closures, etc.
In 2021, Congressman Gaetz came onto my Coffee with the Commissioner program on Facebook and we talked about a lot of important issues.
And recently--the chairmen of the boards of all four panhandle counties worked with Congressman Matt Gaetz on supporting the increasing of the amount of housing allowances for our military men and women in the panhandle, and nationwide.
I've had Rep. Gaetz's phone number for years--but I've rarely called him. But he has always been receptive when I have reached out.
And he has been incredibly helpful many times.
So when I spoke with him recently about my campaign for re-election to the county commission and potentially earning his support and endorsement--he was receptive--which was humbling.
After all--he is one of the most influential Republican figures in the United States of America. Period.
I'm pleased to announce that as of this evening, Matt Gaetz has now officially endorsed me in the August 20th Republican primary election for Escambia County Commissioner, District 1.
He has also made a generous contribution to my campaign account.
Thank you very much Matt for the gracious words and support----keep up the great work in DC!
Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteOoof! That's one I wouldn't be bragging about. He's lost a LOT of support in Escambia County. Especially from military people.
ReplyDeleteAlice Hurst Neal- I could not disagree more, and you will see the support Matt has in Escambia County on 8-20-24 when he dispatches his primary opponent by 25-30 percentage points. I'm proud to have his endorsement and he is one of the most influential Republican lawmakers in America.
ReplyDeleteI didn't say he wouldn't win, I just simply said I wouldn't brag about the endorsement. I can promise you, he's lost a lot of support from military members. But there are always those will look for the "D" or the "R" when they vote and that will never change.
ReplyDeleteHowever influential Gaetz remains on a national level, it's only to the detriment of the nation. As for his "representation" of our district, there isn't any such thing. In my opinion, the man ought to be in jail, so hopefully his republicans in the House will at least get the job done on exposing him where the Biden DOJ fell down.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Commissioner Bergosh and I have been on the same page more than not on local issues, and in my opinion he is one of the most successful Escambia commissioners on big ticket items with huge benefit to the entire County in decades.
So I'll continue to hold my nose on his national politics. :) And keep the focus on his local policies and impact, which is what matters the most to me in the end per the local position he's running for.
I agree Mel Pino.. I will hold my nose as well as I have voted for Commissioner Bergosh twice and think he does a good job but, now I will at least take a look at the other candidates.
ReplyDelete