Former Commissioner Albion campaigns to return to District 5 seat
Albion successfully served 14 years prior to Commissioner Frank Mann
FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 14, 2022) – John Albion, a Republican who successfully represented District 5 on the Lee County Board of County Commissioners from 1992 to 2006, is vying to regain that seat after the June passing of Commissioner Frank Mann. Albion will put his experienced leadership to work to advocate for low taxes, water quality, infrastructure improvements and balanced growth.
“The unfortunate passing of my friend Commissioner Mann has left a void both personally and within the community,” said Albion. “I would honor the opportunity to fill his seat and advocate for our District 5 communities and all of Lee County. The attraction to Southwest Florida is not just the lifestyle, it is the breadth of opportunities. I believe in a balance of environmental conservation and systems along with economic growth to preserve our paradise. We must do so with low taxes. You deserve to be heard and I have the passion and experience necessary to help ensure the quality of life in Lee County for generations to come.”
With the primary quickly approaching on August 23, Albion believes his leadership and experience makes him the best person to fill the District 5 vacancy for the remaining two years of the current term.
As a former Commissioner, Albion fulfilled all of his 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 campaign promises, including a $20 million Federal Grant for Cape Coral, Midpoint, and Sanibel Bridges creating a toll discount program and introducing transponders to Lee County; $15 million to widen Lee Blvd.; the building of the current airport terminal at RSW; voting to purchase more than $19 million in environmentally sensitive lands; building a regional library system; improving the park system; implementing Community Redevelopment Agency projects in Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs and North Fort Myers; fighting to keep lower tax rates through accountability; and more.
As Lee County’s newly elected commissioner, Albion would advocate for:
Keeping taxes low by holding all county departments and constitutional officers accountable to meet the needs of the community for the least amount of taxpayer money.
Protecting water quality through reservoirs and assisting the state delegation to gain funding to help waterfront property owners to convert septic systems and reduce pollutants. Albion will do so in collaboration with Governor DeSantis, the USACE, the South Florida Water Management District, and through continued service on the Regional Water Supply Authority.
Proactively planning for infrastructure as population and traffic continually increase, Albion will add to his success by again fighting for available government funding to save locals time and money while increasing capacity and safety on roadways.
Environmental Conservation by balancing growth with natural surroundings. Albion voted for Conservation 2020 and has helped secure over $10 million in additional grants to preserve the environment while respecting private property rights.
Economic Growth by attracting desirable companies and improving low wage issues in the area.
“Improving our quality of life is best achieved by building tremendous partnerships with our communities and local businesses,” said Albion. “Strong collaboration with local governments on every level was instrumental in building effective partnerships during my time as commissioner.”
Albion has an impressive record of advocating for responsible growth and development while maintaining the quality of life for all in Lee County. He played a role in the development of the Horizon Council and Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs), worked through the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council (which he also chaired), and the Metropolitan Planning Organization which provided state funding for roads. Albion has also served as Chairman of the County Commission three times; Member of the Lee County Port Authority for 14 years; Chairman and Treasurer of the Regional Planning Council; Smart Growth Task Force Member; Commissioner Liaison for Economic Development; Chairman of the Tourist Development Council; Chairman of the CRA; and many more. These organizations have been instrumental in bringing positive change to the entire region.
After 14 years as District 5 Commissioner, Albion went on to serve as Executive Director for the Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. He then joined Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida as a Director in 2013 where he continues to serve clients today.
“I am the only candidate with a proven history as a County Commissioner and a track record that the community can have great confidence in. They will have my ear and we’re going to accomplish so much together,” said Albion.
A Special Election to fill the District 5 seat will coincide with the regular election cycle, with a party Primary on August 23, and General Election held on Nov. 8.
For more information, or to make a contribution, please visit ElectJohnAlbion.com, and Albion’s Facebook.
About John Albion
John was born on August 26, 1962, in Lynn, Mass, and he grew up in Framingham, Mass. He attended is a 1984 Graduate of The Centre College in Kentucky with a B.A. in Government and a minor in English. John came to this area immediately after college. He received his Real Estate License in 1984. John became the Real estate broker for Safe-T Realty in 1985. John and Lauri were married in September of 1989. They have three beautiful children: Jake, David, and Hannah. He was employed in his family’s business, Safe-T-Storage, as Director of Operations from 1984 until 1992. In November of 1992, John was elected to the Lee County Commission serving District 5. He worked passionately for his constituents for 14 years until 2006. While in office, John was tasked with many leadership assignments (see below). After leaving public office, John went on to serve as the Executive Director for the Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. He joined Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida as a Director in 2013 where he continues to service clients today.