BOB PETCHER Fort Myers Beach Mayor Larry Kiker hugs his wife, Paula, during the kick-off campaign party Monday when he officially announced his candidacy for a seat on the Lee County Commission.

Touting a political message of “A Better Tomorrow,” Fort Myers Beach Mayor Larry Kiker officially announced his candidacy for District 3 on the Lee County Board of County Commission amongst well-wishers at Pinchers Crab Shack in the Holiday Inn on Monday evening.

Kiker, who stated he has already filed qualifying papers for candidacy, joins incumbent Ray Judah and San Carlos Island resident Charlie Whitehead on the District 3 ticket. With the declaration, he will automatically have to give up his position on the FMB Town Council before the general election on Nov. 6.

“With everything that I’ve seen and all the places and the people that I have been fortunate to meet, I’ve had a front row seat on how things are happening. Somebody, somewhere needs to stand up and say something. That’s what we are doing tonight,” said Kiker.

The four-year mayor explained certain reasons for his decision. He stated there has been overspending at the county level and that unemployment needs to be addressed at the local level.

“Our destiny is in our own hands, and that is where we should be spending our money,” said Kiker. “I want to try to raise the bar on two things. One thing is we need accountability and responsibility. The second one is common sense. When is the last time you saw or heard what’s going on out there and thought, ‘That makes a lot of sense to me.’ We need to change that.”

With an eye on the primary elections on Aug. 14, Kiker reached out to those in attendance to spread the word. District 3 covers the South Lee County and Fort Myers Beach area.

“That is when I need you and we need you the very, very most. I hope you are talking to your friends, family and business personnel. We are in this together,” he said. “On Aug 14, some of you are going to get up at 5 a.m. with me, where we will go to the polls, hold up some signs, stand in the weather and ask people to please come and vote and help makes a difference. We’re going to have a victory celebration.”

Kiker, a Republican, introduced his campaign staff, led by Campaign Manager Phil Nichols and assisted by Bob Smith and Dennis Weimer.

Before Kiker was given the microphone, Fish Tale Marina Owner Al Durrett offered introductory remarks. Durrett was the first person Kiker met when he stepped foot on Estero Island when he asked to dock his charter fishing boat at the Beach’s south end marina some 20 years ago.

“This an opportunity for Fort Myers Beach. I think the Town Council today under the direction of Larry and his fellow members has made our town a much better place to live in the last three or four years,” said Durrett. “I think our county needs new people involved in spending our money and developing the community. Tonight is an opportunity to show our faith in him by contributing to his campaign.”