This year’s General Election brought a new face to the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District Board of Commissioners.

Julie Camp won District seat 2, unseating longtime member Commission Chair David Duane Deetscreek.

Camp culled 64.26 percent of the vote to Deetscreek’s 35.74 percent last Tuesday night,

Camp is a Lehigh Acres resident and business owner of ABC Framing. She previously served and was a member of the local business chamber.

She is excited about the opportunity to serve on the board and play a role in Lehigh’s future.

“I’m really happy how it turned out and looking forward to being a part of the district’s plans to move Lehigh forward. My installation will take place on Nov. 19 prior to the board’s regular meeting,” said Camp.

According to Commissioner Michael Welch, the district will miss the former chair and his contributions to the board, but it is a sign of the times in the election process.

Deetscreek joined the municipal district’s board in 2010 and was an active member of various organizations including The Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce as Board Chairman and Director and with Lehigh Economic Development as Vice Board Chairman, Director & Acting Treasurer.

Welcoming Camp also means having to say goodbye to a longtime and valued board commissioner, said District Seat 4, Co-chair Mike Bonacolta, who held his seat over a challenge by Julie Hollingsworth 55.34 percent to 44.66 percent.

“It was bittersweet. Having won this term’s elections and then having to say good bye to a friend and respected colleague,” said Bonacolta.

“I’m really honored to be reelected to the board and very excited that community voted in favor of our referendum on signage powers. It shows that the community has faith in the district to take on these powers and assume more of a leadership role,” Bonacolta added.

Bonacolta’s slogan during this year’s election was “Moving Lehigh Forward,” something he says he is very passionate about.

“It’s not just a slogan. It’s my goal during these next four years,” Bonacolta said.

The municipal district intends to find other ways to aid in unifying Lehigh. Emergency Management is another area that is currently being addressed by the board.

“The resolution that was signed by our legislation and board clarified the role that they wanted the district to play in centralizing Lehigh. We are currently the largest unincorporated area in the state of Florida. With that being said, we need some kind of government representation at a local level,” said Bonacolta.

According to Bonacolta, while signage is an important first step, the unincorporated community needs to put zoning and planning on the forefront going into elections for 2020.

The new board member will officially take her seat during the district’s next regular meeting.

The Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District will hold its next regular monthly meeting on Nov. 19 at 6 p.m.

Their yearly Town Hall Event will be held Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the LA-MSID, at 601 East County Lane.

For information, visit the their website at www.myecwcd.net