The Fort Myers Republican Women’s Club thinks Sheriff Mike Scott deserves an award for all his hard work in Lee County, so on Jan. 27, they’ll give him one.
Scott will be the third recipient to be honored with the club’s “GEM Award” during a luncheon meeting where he will be speaking to club members and attendees.
“GEM” stands for Good leadership, Effort in establishing programs and policies, and being a Major contributor to the community through time and effort.
The Fort Myers Republican Women’s Club feels Scott exemplifies all of these qualities.
“He wears his uniform with pride,” said Marilyn Stout, the club’s president. “He just brings pride to the Sheriff’s Department. He has fought crime and marijuana grow houses. In our estimation, he has just done a fantastic job as sheriff.”
Scott took a 91 percent landslide victory in the 2008 November election for Lee County Sheriff.
“Absolutely the people are supportive of him, as they should be,” Stout said.
However, the club didn’t specifically endorse Scott during the election.
“We did not endorse any candidate, but we had as many candidates as we could have (speak) to educate our members,” Stout said.
Scott, an associate member of the group, frequently attends its meetings. Scott was grateful of the club’s recognition of him, he said Friday.
“It’s very nice, I’m very appreciative,” he said. “I feel I’m just doing my job. I’ll use it to be a catalyst to continue to do that and more. I’m honored with it and I applaud what they do with the community.”
The award was first given to State Attorney Steve Russell in 2006, and then to Supervisor of Elections Sharon Harrington in 2007. Scott is the third recipient of the award.
“I’m in pretty esteemed company there,” Scott said.
“I think it’s a beautiful award,” Stout said. “The recipients so far have been very pleased; our membership is pleased. I think the selections so far have been of people who continue to be outstanding in Lee County.”
The award isn’t necessarily limited to certain individuals, Stout said.
“It doesn’t have to be an elected person, so there are a lot of opportunities,” she said. “We just thought it was a nice idea. We didn’t have anybody in particular when we decided to do this. The direction was important to set ourselves apart from the other clubs.”
Scott is scheduled to speak at the Fort Myers Republican’s Club’s luncheon meeting Jan. 27 when he will be presented with the award.
The meeting will take place at 11:30 a.m. at Building “S,” Taeni Hall, at the Edison State College Campus in Fort Myers. The luncheon is open to the public through reservations at a cost of $16 per attendee, which must be made by Jan. 22 by contacting Tina Laurie at 489-4701.