The men of the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Fla. From the left: Chair Mike Greenwell (R-District 5), Brian Hamman (R-District 4), Cecil Pendergrass (R-District 2), Ray Sandelli (R-District 3) and Kevin Ruane (R-District 1). (Photo: BOCC)
Aug. 28, 2024 by David Silverberg with reporting by Dan Becker
Updated at 11:15 am with link to full agenda.
The Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Fla., will be considering a resolution condemning Amendment 4 at its next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Amendment 4 is a proposed constitutional amendment to the Florida Constitution that guarantees a woman’s right to choose abortion. It will be subject to a statewide vote in the general election on Nov. 5.
The proposed Lee County resolution is on the administrative agenda for the next Board meeting. (The full agenda can be accessed here.)
The resolution was drawn up by the Lee County attorney at the direction of Board Chair Mike Greenwell (R-District 5) at the Aug. 6 meeting in response to urgings from anti-choice activists. It was further discussed at the Aug. 20 meeting.
The proposed resolution states:
“WHEREAS, the Board believes that the language of the proposed amendment is vague, deceptive, and overbroad and would strike already enacted protections instituted by the State of Florida by broadening the definition of healthcare providers to those not medically licensed, and allowing the life of the unborn to be taken right up to the moment of birth; and,
“WHEREAS, the Board believes that the passage of Amendment 4 would be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Lee County and the State of Florida.
“NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THAT THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA, expresses its strong opposition to Amendment 4.”
(The full text of the proposed resolution can be read at the end of this article.)
If passed, the Lee County Board would be joining neighboring Collier County’s Board in opposing Amendment 4. The Collier resolution, passed June 11, expressed the opinion of Commissioner Chris Hall (R-District 2).
To register an opinion on the proposed resolution, residents who sign up in person the day of the meeting can speak before the Board for 3 minutes. The Commission meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 3 is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Old Lee County Courthouse, 2120 Main St., downtown Fort Myers, Fla.
To contact Lee County commissioners:
All commissioners can be contacted by mail at P.O. Box 398, Fort Myers, FL 33902-0398
Commissioner Kevin Ruane, District 1
Phone: 239-533-2224
Fax: 239-485-2143
Email: dist1@leegov.com
Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass, District 2
Phone: 239-533-2227
Fax: 239-485-2021
Email: dist2@leegov.com
Commissioner Ray Sandelli, District 3
Phone: 239-533-2223
Fax: 239-485-2099
Email: dist3@leegov.com
Commissioner Brian Hamman, District 4
Phone: 239-533-2226
Fax: 239-485-2054
Email: dist4@leegov.com
Commissioner Mike Greenwell, District 5
Phone: 239-533-2225
Fax: 239-485-2143
Email: dist5@leegov.com
The full text of the proposed resolution:
Liberty lives in light
© 2024 by David Silverberg