Lawyer announces run for county commission Shawn Seliger
wants seat held by Mann
The News-Press
By Amy Sowder
July 10, 2007

A family law and criminal defense attorney announced Monday that he will run for Lee County Commission's District 5 seat next year.

A native of Los Angeles, Shawn Seliger works for the Bergermann & Seliger Law Firm, serving Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties.

If Seliger wins, he would replace incumbent Frank Mann. The district includes Lehigh Acres, parts of Alva and parts of unincorporated Fort Myers.

The 37-year-old lifelong Republican candidate's main issues include:

• Growing the local economy while preserving the environment.
  
• Beefing up law enforcement and emergency medical services to lacking areas.
  
• Combating urban sprawl by increasing density in urban areas.
  

Other commissioners have said they want to work on these issues, but solutions become stuck in the mire of personality conflicts, Seliger said.

"Right now, certain members of the county commission are arguing with each other and are wasting taxpayer money and time, instead of building consensus to focus on the issues that matter most to Lee County," Seliger said. He said he would try to get commissioners to agree and be more proactive. "I would take the personalities out of it," he said.

Steve "Sonny" Haas is also running in the Republican primary.

An engineer for the North Fort Myers Fire District for 24 years, Haas, 42, said he thinks more competition is healthy.

"I think it's good that this other guy's running," Haas said. "I hope more people get into the arena. It's about public service. What do I get for my tax dollar?"

Mann was vacationing in North Carolina and was unavailable for comment Monday.

The Republican primary is Aug. 26, 2008. Winner would face Democratic opposition, if there is any, Nov. 4. Districts 1 and 5 are also up for election. The term is four years.

. . . . .

Second candidate enters District 5 commissioner race; Incumbent
has yet to announce his candidacy
Cape Coral Daily Breeze
By Matt Blumenfeld
July 10, 2007

A Fort Myers attorney and Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral member threw his hat into the Lee County commission race Monday, according to a campaign prepared statement. Shawn Seliger, a partner at the Bergermann & Seliger law firm, will run for the District 5 seat in November's election.

"Right now people are really hurting, they are losing their jobs. The building industry and construction industry are struggling. I want to make Lee County better," he said.

He plans on running on a platform of fiscal responsibility and smart growth while ensuring minimal damage to wildlife.

"I believe that we need to grow the economy while protecting the environment. These are not mutually exclusive concepts," Seliger said.

Seliger has been heavily involved in the public and private sectors as well as politics in Southwest Florida since moving to the region in 2003. He worked as a public defender for Charlotte and Lee counties for a couple of years and has been a member of the Cape Coral Republican Club. He served as the vice chairman for the Lee County Republican Executive Committee from 2004 to 2006.

While he was president of the Cape Coral Civic Association for a brief time, he wanted to distance himself from the group, saying that he left the position because of differing views on the issues.

"It was a tremendous honor that the people of that organization respected and trusted me enough to elect me as president, but shortly after being sworn into office I resigned as president because I was seriously exploring the possibility of running for office," Seliger said. "It would have been a conflicting interest for me as their views are incompatible with mine."

Though he does not live in District 5, he defended his decision to enter the race in the Lehigh/Alva area by saying that he is headed that way soon.

"We're looking forward to relocating into the district and preparing our home to be listed for sale."

Seliger lives near his law firm, which is just on the other side of the Caloosahatchee Bridge, in Fort Myers.

"The election for Lee County commissioner is a county-wide election. I look forward to representing everyone," he said.

Competition for Commissioner Frank Mann's seat began when Steve "Sonny" Haas filed paperwork and opened up a campaign account earlier this year. Mann has not yet filed for re-election.

Seliger appears to be running with the assumption that Mann will indeed enter

. . . . .

Attorney announces bid for Mann's Lee Commission seat
Bonita Daily News
By Charlie Whitehead
Originally published 12:31 p.m., July 9, 2007
Updated 08:05 p.m., July 9, 2007

Attorney Shawn Seliger announced Monday he's seeking the Lee County Commission seat in District 5. The seat is currently held by Frank Mann of Alva. Seliger joins a race that already includes Lehigh Acres resident Steve (Sonny) Haas. Mann has said he will run for re-election but has yet to formally announce.

Seliger, 37, is a partner in the firm of Bergermann & Seliger with his wife Vera Bergermann. He was vice chairman of the county Republican Executive Committee and chairman of its ethics committee until 2006, when he resigned to protest the selection process that named Gary Aubuchon to replace Jeff Kottkamp as state representative when Kottkamp became a successful candidate for lieutenant governor.

His action wasn't about Aubuchon or any other candidate, Seliger said, but about the process that allowed the executive committee to select the representative.

"If I am in government and I see something wrong, I am going to stand up and do what's right in principle," he said.

Seliger is a resident of Fort Myers and would have to move into District 5 if elected. The district runs north from Corkscrew Road, including much of Estero and San Carlos Park and all of Lehigh. It extends into Fort Myers just north of College Parkway between Summerlin Road and U.S. 41.

Seliger said he didn't select Mann to run against, though two other commission seats are up for grabs next fall, too.

"I believe we can grow the economy and preserve and protect the environment," he said. "They are not mutually exclusive."

Seliger said he disagrees with Mann's stand against any comprehensive plan changes that would allow more growth than now allowed and would support increasing densities in urban areas as a smart-growth mechanism.

"I am a supporter of community planning through smart growth and I believe we need to combat urban sprawl with increased densities in urban areas," he said.

Seliger and Haas are both Republicans, as is Mann. Mann was elected in 2006 to complete the term of former commissioner John Albion, who resigned to run unsuccessfully for state representative.

. . . . .

San Carlos Park church seeks to become hurricane shelter
By Christina Cepero
ccepero@news-press.com
Originally posted on November 19, 2007

Hope United Church in San Carlos Park is trying to reach an agreement with Lee County to make its planned multipurpose building a hurricane shelter.

Church member John Weinzettle made a presentation to the San Carlos Park Civic Association at its November meeting.

"We've been working with the emergency management people of Lee County," he said.

The church needs $500,000 from the county to make its $1.5-million, 11,000-square-foot building a hurricane shelter.

The Lee County Emergency Operations Center is evaluating the agreement.

"We have gone and talked individually to the county commissioners except (Brian) Bigelow because he was out of town," Weinzettle said. "They think it's a great idea, especially (Frank) Mann and (Ray) Judah.

"We don't expect to have any problem getting the permit. It's just the darn time it takes to get it through the bureaucracy."

According to the church's proposal, the shelter's capacity would be 200 with priority going to San Carlos Park residents.

If space were still available, the center would open to any Lee County resident needing shelter.

Secondly, the center would open for no longer than three days after the end of an emergency.

Thirdly, the church would have to provide 24 volunteers -- eight for each day.

Weinzettle asked the civic association to assist the church getting volunteers, and the association's officers agreed to help.

A law enforcement officer would be present at the shelter.

Weinzettle said the church is asking the San Carlos Park Fire Department to provide a 24-hour emergency medical person, too.

He said the church hopes to have the building complete by next summer but it may not be ready until 2009.

"We're in the middle of the community and we need to work with the community for whatever they need and do things together," Weinzettle said.

Shawn Seliger, a District 5 Lee County Commission candidate on the Aug. 26, 2008 ballot, introduced himself and shared some of his views.

In 2003 and 2004, he served as an assistant public defender in Charlotte and Lee counties. He is an attorney with the Bergermann & Seliger Law Firm in Fort Myers.

"I'm running because I want to make Lee County better," said Seliger, who moved here nearly five years ago.

Resident Phil Martin asked Seliger if he shared incumbent Mann's aversion to overdevelopment.

"Unlike Frank Mann, I understand that we can grow the economy and preserve the environment," Seliger responded.

He said he would review development proposals on a case-by-case basis.

"Our quality of life continues to go down," said resident Bill Buchanan.

"We need to be proactive about making the county better," said Seliger, a former prosecutor in north Florida and inner-city high school teacher in Los Angeles. "I'd like to see us do more crime prevention and community policing."

He also stressed the importance of cleaning waterways and beaches as well as investing in transportation infrastructure.

Resident Yolanda Beckworth said people can't afford to pay rent because they are struggling economically.

"I think we need to create a better job base out here," Seliger said, referring to light industry. He said the widening of Interstate 75 should create jobs.

"We need to attract outside business investment," he added.

"I think we need to look at creative and innovative solutions to help people when they need it the most."

. . . . .

Chamber inducts new board members; visited by Seliger
North Fort Myers Neighbor
By Andrea Galabinski
February 6, 2008

In a busy first meeting of the year, the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce inducted four new board members and its president announced upcoming activities. There was also a visit by a county commission candidate Shawn Seliger.

The new board members are area businessman Sheldon Arpad; William F. LaPlante II, co-president of WFL Properties Incorporated; Julie Myers, branch manager of the Hancock Bridge Parkway Regions Bank; and Margaret Wolter, manager of Graphic Sign Solutions.

Myers said, "I'm looking forward to helping make a successful year with the North Fort Myers Chamber,"while Wolter said she was hoping to "help make this year for the chamber eventful, successful and fun."
Of the chamber itself, Arpad said, "I'm happy to be a member of a fine organization in Fort Myers."
Edward Cure, Enrolled Agent for H & R Block, spoke on the complex Alternative Minimum Tax and its application to business.

Chamber President Morgan Halle announced an upcoming activity.

"On Saturday, Feb. 23, we'll host of the first of two Night Golf Tournaments at El Rio Golf Club,"said Halle. "It's a blast. You will never have more fun than during that evening."He said more information and sign-ups are available on line at the chamber's Web site.

He announced that there are plans to have an area contest for school children to re-design the Web site. "The prize will be a grant for on-going education."

Halle also said the chamber is now a member of the U.S. Chambers of Commerce.

"With your membership here, you basically get access to a national chamber,"he said.

He also said the chamber is working on new member and new resident packets for those who have recently moved to the area, and business information will be offered in those packets.

Halle and his wife Heather also brought new baby Josiah to the meeting. Heather introduced him as "the chamber's newest, youngest member this year."

Interview with commission candidate

Last July, Shawn Seliger filed his intention to run for Lee County Board of Commissioners.

He's running for District 5, in the up-coming August election.

"This election is at large, which means anyone who is a registered Republican, regardless of where they live in our county, can vote for me,"he said. "I'm a lifelong Republican."

The Neighbor asked about his key campaigning points.

"I understand right now that people are hurting," said Seliger. "Our economy is struggling and families are just having a hard time making it right now. I'd like to get our economy moving again. I'd like to see us reduce county spending, and county taxes. I'd like to see us proactive in getting our economy moving again.

"I'd also like to see us move up some of our capital improvement projects that are set two, three or four years out. It's likely cheaper to do those projects now than later and it will help get people back to work," he said.

He expanded on the unemployment issue. "Our unemployment rate in the last year has gone up from approximately 2.8 to 5.7 percent. We just can't sit there as a county commission and do nothing, close our eyes and pray that it all will go away and get better. We need to have someone who is willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work and I'm that candidate." He's been in Lee County over five years, he said, originally from California.

"I'm a former inner city high school teacher in South Central Los Angels so I have experience working with others and turning lives around."

He also served as a prosecutor in North Florida and is now a private attorney in a Fort Myers firm.

He's married with three step-children, and said his 8-year-old step son is his "political advisor."

"He tells me everything I need to know about everything and everybody," he said.

. . . . .

Grand ol' Party Charged With Favoring Good ol' Boys
Special to news-press.com
By Betty Parker
April 12, 2008

Shawn Seliger, a GOP candidate for the Lee County Commission seat held by Frank Mann, put out a news release this week charging county party leaders - specifically Chairman Gary Lee - with playing favorites in the party primary.

Party leaders traditionally followed Ronald Reagan's "11th Commandment" to not speak ill of GOP candidates, and stayed out of primaries. But Lee has taken an active role in picking favorites even in the primary, co-hosting fundraisers for some challengers to GOP incumbents, and there are plans for the Republican Executive Committee to make primary endorsements.

Seliger said he will refuse to participate in a primary endorsement process if committee members go through the complicated process required to approve such action.

"The party bosses are determined to settle political scores at the expense of good government, and voters should reject those efforts. The days of Boss Tweed and corrupt party machines are over," Seliger said.

Seliger, an attorney, was once active in the executive committee but had a falling out with Lee a couple years ago. His complaint includes charges the party would not list his campaign Web site on the party's campaign Web site, which usually provides such links. He also named commissioners Bob Janes and Ray Judah as having similar problems.

Other candidates in the past also have complained about playing favorites, as well as the problem of getting equal exposure on the party's Web site.

Janes, who's up for re-election this fall, has a Web site, and his campaign coordinator Rachel Peacock said her requests that Janes' site get a link on the party's site have been ignored.

"And it speaks volumes to have him on the host committee for a fundraiser of our opponent" Eric Feichthaler, she said.

"You would think the head for the party would try to lift up all Republicans and let voters decide in the primary, then get to work for the party's nominee," she said. "To have this kind of discord within the party before a big election makes no sense."
Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah, who's also had differences with Lee, said Seliger's comments "are right on the mark. Playing favorites like that is not in line with what Ronald Reagan advised all Republicans to do. This kind of thing has caused a lot of divisiveness and dissension within the Republican Party."

State committeeman Bob Shrader agreed, saying the chairman takes sides in the primary, "and that, to me, is wrong. I believe we should follow what Ronald Reagan said."

Lee shrugged off the criticism.

"In my experience, when you get into the campaign season, you get into the silly season," he said.

The executive committee does plan to have a group interview candidates and make recommendations in late spring or early summer, he said. Those decisions will also likely affect which candidates' Web sites are linked from the party's Web sites, Lee said.

But the fact that he co-hosted a fundraiser for one candidate "is not necessarily a show of personal commitment," he said.

Lee is elected county chairman by members of the Republican Executive Committee, which is technically made up of two people from each of Lee County's 171 precincts, or 342 members. But party leaders say membership is rarely full - Lee County election records as of 2007 show 150 members - and meeting attendance is usually less than 100.

. . . . .

Commission candidates say Lee County Republican Party
showing favoritism
By CHARLIE WHITEHEAD
10:43 p.m., Monday, April 14, 2008

GOP infighting has Lee County Commission candidates invoking the names of Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall and certainly violating the party's 11th Commandment.

Into an atmosphere where commission incumbents Bob Janes and Ray Judah are already accusing county Republican Party chairman Gary Lee of favoritism, candidate Shawn Seliger issued a statement last week telling Lee that the days of Boss Tweed, who bullied, bribed and manipulated his way to the top of New York politics before he was convicted of corruption in the 1870s, are over.

Seliger is challenging Republican incumbent Frank Mann for his District 5 seat. He says he's twice asked Lee to link his campaign Web site to the Republican Executive Committee site. So far, no link.

"The party leadership is playing games, denying fairness to all candidates and rejecting democratic principles," Seliger said. "I reject these efforts and will not participate in their petty games."

That goes for Lee's intention to have the REC endorse — or at least vote whether to endorse — in the party primary.

"That's absolutely not appropriate," Seliger said. "We have a legitimate endorsement process already in place. It's the Republican primary."

Those sentiments were repeated by Janes and Judah. In fact, Janes has a campaign Web site, and a Republican challenger in Cape Coral Mayor Eric Feichthaler. Feichthaler's is the only Web site linked to the REC site.

Judah said he's never had a site, and certainly would not expect a link if he had one.

"It's not so much the party as it is Gary Lee," said Judah, a commissioner since 1988. "There is clearly favoritism."

Judah is challenged from within the party by former Fort Myers Beach Mayor Anita Cereceda. Lee has donated to Cereceda's campaign.

"He's taken the position of a strong political party boss," Judah said. "In the same form as Tammany Hall. He wants to try to control the elected officials. I think it's despicable."

Tammany Hall was a Democratic Party political machine that attempted to control New York City politics from the 1790s to the 1960s.

Seliger said he thinks Lee is paying him back. In 2006, when Jeff Kottkamp was elected as Florida's lieutenant governor, Republican Party officials were allowed to select a replacement for his District 74 state representative seat. No one had qualified to run against Kottkamp, so had he not run for the state's second-in-command position, he would have been re-elected without opposition.

Seliger was critical of the process, and quit his posts as the party's vice chairman and chair of its ethics committee. His criticism drew the ire of party officials at the local and state level.

"The party's fight with Commissioners Judah and Janes is further evidence," Seliger said. "Gary Lee has taken unprecedented and inappropriate action against fellow Republicans."

That would be a violation of the party's so-called 11th Commandment, that being, "Thou shalt not speak ill of thy fellow Republican."

Lee said that he doesn't deal in personalities, just Republican policies and ideologies.

"It's campaign season," he said. "Silly season. And silly messages get promulgated. This confirms that."

Lee said that as soon as candidates qualify in June, an endorsement committee will begin interviews. Endorsements will be given only to candidates that score two-thirds of the votes from the executive committee.

Katie Gordon, press secretary for the Republican Party of Florida, said typically county committees do not endorse one Republican over another.

"There would have to be extenuating circumstances," she said.

It is up to locals to decide to endorse, Gordon said, but she said most would adhere to the 11th Commandment.

Bob Shrader is Republican committeeman for Lee County, and has been on the outs with Lee for years. He said it's not right to endorse in the primary.

"It's not appropriate," he said. "That said, they're doing it."

Shrader said he doesn't attend Lee's committee meetings and wouldn't expect to be asked about endorsements.

Mann said he assumes the REC wants to endorse because the county is so strongly Republican now that the primary winner often sweeps to victory in the general election.

"Both parties used to stay out of primaries," he said. "It is a break from the past."

Lee said he's not unfair to any Republican.

"I think that's just not the case," he said.

For Mann, it's simple.

"I'd rather have it for me than against me," he said.

. . . . .

Budget, economy dominate Lee County Commission debate; District 1, 5 candidates square off
By MATT BLUMENFELD

With local governments in dire fiscal straits and Lee County's economy mired in a slowdown more than a year old, it was no surprise that economic and financial concerns took center stage at Wednesday night's commission debate.

Incumbents and challengers alike tried to paint themselves as the answer to the region's economic woes in one of the election season's first showdowns, which was hosted by the Southwest Cape Coral Neighborhood Association.

"I've provided, I believe, the stable influence and bold leadership that Lee County has needed over the last 20 years," said District 1 Commissioner Ray Judah, adding that he has overseen the stewardship of the region's critical environmental resources since coming to the county in 1983. "That's really the basis of our economic prosperity."

District 5 challenger Shawn Seliger was quick to argue that incumbent Frank Mann voted for 53 tax increase proposals over the course of his time in public office. He called for aggressive business friendly policies to generate jobs within the county.

"It's time for a change, it's time to make Lee County better," said Seliger. "I want to see us rein in government spending and our taxes to help make our economy better again."

Fellow District 5 challenger Richard Kuhn argued for a major overhaul in the county's approach to commercial development. He called for the economic development department's expansion and tried to persuade the audience of the importance of designated industrial sectors to bring economic stability while minimizing the impact of growth.

"If we do not wish to be chained to the boom and bust of tourism and construction, we must vastly increase the development of clean industry in Lee County," he said.

Two questions from the audience focused on the services Cape Coral receives from the county for the taxes that its residents pay, an issue that many across the city, including members of the City Council, have complained about.

Former Fort Myers Beach Mayor Anita Cereceda, who is running against Judah, pounced on those queries. She said communities across the region feel like "red-headed stepchildren" who are being overlooked when it comes to the county using its dollars for projects in their areas.

"I think that speaks volumes to the disconnect there is between the government and the people that we serve," she said. "I believe I have the ability to bridge that gap."

"I haven't found somebody from Cape Coral that has said we've been treated fairly. Not one," added District 5 candidate Sonny Haas.

But Judah defended the county's relationship with municipalities, pointing out the millions it put up for the Midpoint Bridge about a decade ago and the recent contribution of $1.5 million to a solution to the Ceitus boat lift as prime examples of the Cape receiving its fair share.

Mann noted that unincorporated areas of the county pay additional taxes that residents in municipalities do not so that their taxes can be more focused on city governments.

Seliger took the question as an opportunity to try and score some points, pointing out that Mann was once part of a group that opposed the Midpoint Bridge's construction. He said Mann's opposition cost taxpayers a bundle as the cost more than doubled during the dispute between the city and county.

"Due to his delays on this project, it increased to $175 million," said Seliger.

Beautification and green space also received some attention from the candidates, all who spoke up in favor of sprucing up the county and preserving segments of open land.

Mann called for preserving "quality of life" and hanging on to green areas like the county-purchased segment of Babcock Ranch. He also pressed for widespread median beautification, saying that all of Lee County's major corridors should look like McGregor Boulevard, though finding funds will be tough.

"It's a difficult dilemma, but it's one of my top priorities," he said.

. . . . .

Republican Women hold commission candidate forum
By AILEEN MCELROY
amcelroy@breezenewspapers.com

The Fort Myers Republican Women's Club Federated hosted a Republican forum featuring candidates for Lee County Commission Districts 3 and 5 last Tuesday at Edison College. The candidates include incumbent Frank Mann and challenger Shawn Seliger in District 5 and incumbent Ray Judah and challenger Anita Cereceda for the District 3 post.

All four candidates will face off in an August 26 primary.

Candidates answered questions on their positions on offshore oil drilling, housing, immigration, but one candidate separated herself from other candidates when it came to creating single member districts.

Currently county commissioners run at large, which allows all Lee County residents to vote for all commissioner candidates. Under a single member district system voters would only be allowed to vote for a candidate running in their geographical district.

Seliger, Judah and Mann overall said they opposed single member districts while Cereceda said she is in favor of the system.

"I will proudly be the odd woman out and say that I do believe in single member districts contrary to what the other comments have been," said Cereceda. "I think that people run for office for two distinct reasons and it should be very apparent to you all as you listen to us today. Does the person want to be something or does the person want to do something? If it is the latter, they will always take into consideration the broader spectrum. They will always look for the greater good and they will always look to serve the needs of the people."

Seliger said it has been an issue in this year's campaign, but wouldn't fight it if Lee County residents voted in favor of single member districts.

"Throughout the course of my campaign, I've shaken thousands of hands and listened to thousands of voters," said Seliger. "There has been a tremendous outcry especially in District 5 about lack of representation. Even if you have single member districts it's not going to change the fact that from time to time people will elect people that are not accountable and not responsive to the general public. I believe we address issues that affect all of Lee County and therefore I believe that everybody should have the right to vote in this. However if a charter review commission is later created and they do support single district voting I will not obstruct that process."

Judah said single districts would reduce accountability to commissioners.

"I do not support single member districts and I'll tell you why," said Judah. "I really feel very strongly on this. This goes back to 1988 when it was a very important issue before the community at that time and I did not support it then. I truly feel that a candidate running for county commissioner should have to work their tail off to be able to be accountable to the entire community. Quite frankly, I think single member districts create divisiveness. You have to be accountable to the entire community and make sure you represent everyone's interests. That way everybody rises at the same level."

Mann said he wasn't necessarily in favor of single districts but he would support letting Lee County voters decide for themselves.

"The issue of single member districts can be argued both ways," said Mann. "I frankly agree with what Ray said about being responsible to all the citizens of the community…and I agree with Shawn. If the commission brought it to us and asked us to put it on the ballot I would support putting it on and letting people speak to it but for now I think our best interest is to leave the system as it is and that is at-large voting."

. . . . .

Mailing heats up Lee commission race
By CHARLIE WHITEHEAD
 Monday, June 30, 2008

The tiny east Lee County community of Alva has things heating up in a big way on the Republican side of a Lee County commission race.
When Bonita Bay Group CEO Kitty Green helped host a fundraiser for candidate Shawn Seliger on June 11 it surely came as no surprise. Incumbent Frank Mann has made it no secret he will oppose any increase in development density in the rural part of the county. In fact he's loudly proclaimed it to anyone who will listen.

That runs counter to the company's plans for the 1,200 acres it owns in the rural community. The company wants to build 2,500 homes where current limits would allow only one for every upland acre, just under 1,000 homes.

After the fundraiser, Mann targeted Alva residents with a campaign mailing warning them their rural tranquility was in danger.

"The people that want to fill Alva with condos and asphalt are working hard to silence my voice," he said. "They are doing that by raising big bucks to support my political opponents who will do their bidding to run us over with cars, noise, and huge population increases."

That immediate opponent is Seliger, who squares off with Mann in the Aug. 26 primary. Seliger calls the mailing "a hypocritical attack."

"He's taken thousands and thousands of dollars from development and mining interests over the course of numerous campaigns," Seliger said. "To hypocritically attack me for taking some development money when he's accepted thousands ... I think this is a desperate attack because Mr. Mann feels this election slipping away from him."

Seliger said if he's elected he'll be beholden to no one but the voters of Lee County.

"I will review every decision on a setting by setting basis, review all the data and all the evidence, talk to all the residents, all the stakeholders and the business community, and make the best decision I can for the local community and the county overall," he said.

Ruby Daniels received the Mann mailing. She said she didn't see it as an attack.

"Our goal here is to maintain our rural area," said Daniels, president of A Living Vision for Alva (ALVA).

The citizens planning group she heads is not against growth, Daniels said, but is looking to restrict higher densities to the community's core. Bonita Bay's plans don't fit.

The Bonita Bay Group has been a player in local politics since the company launched its namesake community in Bonita Springs more than 20 years ago.

"It is unusual for us to not support an incumbent," said Green. "But the things Frank believes in we don't think make smart growth. They make sprawl."

Green said she talked to Mann about the company's plans last spring. In fact, shortly before Mann had made a splash by announcing he'd oppose any density increases anywhere in rural Lee County.

"He'd made his decision and was not interested in hearing other views," Green said.

Mann has accepted campaign funds from Bonita Bay and from Green in the past.

"A lot of people contributed in fear that I'd win," Mann said. "Now they're very disappointed in me that I won't lie down and let them run over me."

Joe Sterlacci lives directly across from the Bonita Bay property in what he says is really North Olga, but he didn't receive Mann's letter.

"He does not consider me to be of like mind," he said of Mann.

Sterlacci, himself a former developer, said he'd love to see the central sewer and water Bonita Bay would bring instead of the almost 1,000 homes that could be built on septic tanks and wells now. He said Seliger's approach of case by case decision-making is the way to go.

Seliger described Mann's letter as "the low road" and "the politics of personal destruction." He pointed out that Mann, a former Democrat, has in his long political career given money to Bill Clinton, Al Gore and Joe Lieberman. He voted 53 times for tax increases in various instances from Lee County to Tallahassee, and in 2007 voted against lowering property taxes in Lee County.

That Lee County vote was on a motion to slash the tax rate by half.

Mann said he stands by his record, and will debate densities with Seliger "anytime, anywhere."

"And he will go away bruised when we're done," Mann said.

Mann and Seliger will meet in the party primary. The winner will face unaffiliated candidates Sonny Haas and Dick Kuhn in November.