Phil Ammann
Clearwater state Sen. Jack Latvala was the special guest at a fundraiser for Republican business executive Gary Price in his bid for Senate District 23.
The theme of the $100-a-ticket lunch, held at The Grandezza in Estero, was that Tallahassee is broken and new leadership is required. The event drew an audience of about 100.
Price, who served a decade on the Naples City Council, is seeking to succeed term-limited Garrett Richter for the Republican-leaning seat covering southern and central Lee and northwestern Collier Counties.
“Gary and I have a lot in common we’re both Small businessman,” Latvala said. “It’s important we have more people in the legislature who actually own and run small businesses. Gary also brings a fresh approach, a clean slate, and will think for himself.”
Hosting Monday’s event, the second in a series of Senate forums, were several prominent local Republicans, including former Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah, Bonita Springs Mayor Ben Nelson, Naples City Council Member Doug Finlay and former Congressional candidate Chauncey Goss.
“I’m standing here today for election to the State Senate because I’ve had enough. The good news is you have a choice between the only candidate with local Government experience, or the Team from Tallahassee,” Price told the crowd. “I have a heart for public service, but I’m going to lead with my head.”
