At reception: State Sen. Mike Bennett, left, talks with Dave Deetscreek at a special reception and fund-raiser for Deetscreek held Sept. 23 at the Majestic Golf Club in Lehigh Acres. More than 70 people turned out for the event, which included a meal and an endorsement from Bennett. Deetscreek is a candidate for a seat on the East County Water Control District. Photo by Mel Toadvine By MEL TOADVINE

Local community leader Dave Deetscreek kicked off his election campaign for the board of commissioners of the East County Water Control District (ECWCD) at the Majestic Golf Club Thursday evening, Sept. 23. Deetscreek is running against 12-year incumbent Neal Horrom.

Leading the reception’s program was State Sen. Mike Bennett (R-Bradenton/Lehigh Acres). Bennett represents part of Lehigh Acres and is a member of the Senate Leadership Team. Bennett introduced Deetscreek and said that the voters in Florida needed to pay close attention to the activities and policies of the special districts that have tax authority in their communities.

Bennett also said that East County Water Control District has tried in the past to thwart efforts of a referendum when trying to expand its authority and taxing power on the people of Lehigh Acres.

“Dave Deetscreek has the financial talent and insight to bring fresh insights over at East County and I support him. These are harsh times and Dave knows that what tax dollars we give to the District that is has to be well spent. This is not the time to set things up to raise taxes in the future. We need more people to step up to the plate for service,” Bennett said.

Deetscreek is a partner of SDS Accounting and Tax Solutions and is the current president of the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce.

The Reception Host Committee included besides Sen. Bennett some of the following:

State Rep. Paige Kreegel (R-Punta Gorda/ Lehigh Acres), Lee County Commissioner Tammy Hall, Eugen and Conchita Borosch, Lehigh Regional Medical Center CEO Chris Rakunas, Elinor Scricca and husband Domenic, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Swords, Lourdes Nicholson, Mrs. And Mrs. Shawn Cleaver, Mr. and Mrs. Edd Weiner, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Blaney, Joe Pearson, Mr. and Mrs. Jerre Carrick, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Terson, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Richard and Matthias Eckenstein.

More than 70 people turned out at the reception and more than $4,000 was raised for Deetscreek.

Early voting in Lee County begins Monday Oct. 18. Voters can cast their ballots at the East County Regional Library.

In addition to Horrom and Deetstrcreek, one other person qualified to run for the seat. He is Andrew Craig Frinkle of Lehigh.

The reception held for Deetscreek is the only fund-raising event held so far before the election for any of the local candidates.