Commissioners Face Backlash Over Toxic Waste Allegations

In a recent Lee County government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the political connections and environmental practices of county commissioner candidate Dave Malika. Jacqueline Perez, a local resident, highlighted that nearly 30 elected officials are linked to campaign manager Terry Miller, who has been accused of orchestrating damaging political attacks against opponents. Perez specifically criticized Malika for his alleged history of toxic waste dumping, citing over 600 pages of documentation from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that detail ongoing contamination issues since 2019.

During the meeting, Perez urged commissioners to reconsider their endorsements of Malika, emphasizing the potential harm to local families relying on clean water and soil. She referenced a television interview where Malika misrepresented the status of a contaminated site, claiming it was cleared, a statement that was later refuted by DEP employee Becky Alexander.

Joe Phillips, another speaker, echoed these concerns, questioning the commissioners' support for Malika despite the evidence of environmental violations. He accused the board of prioritizing political alliances over community welfare, suggesting that the ongoing pollution poses a serious threat to local wildlife and public health.

The meeting also touched on broader issues of political integrity, with speakers alleging that the current political climate in Lee County favors cronyism and undermines grassroots candidates. Randy Hagel, representing pregnancy resource centers, shifted the focus to social issues, arguing against proposed amendments that could impact existing laws related to abortion, emphasizing the need for thoughtful consideration of women's health.

As the meeting concluded, the call for accountability and transparency in local governance resonated strongly among the speakers, reflecting a community increasingly concerned about environmental stewardship and ethical political practices.