On Monday, April 10, the LWV of Collier County held its annual meeting. This meeting, required by the League bylaws, includes the vote for a slate of the officers, budgets, bylaw changes, and a review of the year by the President.
A very special component of this year’s meeting was the recognition of three distinguished people whose contributions to the League and the community were recognized. Cynthia Cromwell, former chair of Voter Services, was recognized as the League’s own unsung hero for her years of contribution and hard work. Eric Strachan, editor of Florida Weekly, was honored for his support of the League during the election period, where the paper published the Vote 411 Voter Guide at no charge to the League, and for providing an opportunity for us to publish more than 23 articles in Florida Weekly addressing voting, school board, solar, and much more. The third individual to be recognized was Kamala Patton, former Superintendent of Collier County Public Schools. Dr. Patton spent a few moments discussing her plans, which included a new career in educational consulting, serving as a speaker at numerous training programs for superintendents, and even a bit of travel that she will enjoy in her retirement. She received a standing ovation for her dedication to the community and the many accomplishments during her tenure as superintendent.
New members of the League were affirmed as officers and board members including Susana Pezzullo as Vice President, and new board members, Wendy Riedel, Tina Palmese, and Beth VanDamme. Diane Moore, Denise McLaughlin, and Linda Scherzinger will continue in their positions until April of 2024. Sue Savage, who had previously nominated for the Vice President position, requested that she be removed from consideration for personal reasons. Board members Betty Schwarz, Deborah Williams and Pat Plummer will continue the second year of their 2-year term. The Nominating Committee also recommended that the Board appoint Paul Kardon, Libbie Bramson, Susan Golden and Joanne Huskey for a 1-year term, as permitted by the Bylaws. Departing board members Julie Wade, Jan Eustis, Abe Levy, Lynn Martin were thanked for their service.
Denise McLaughlin presented for approval the budget for 2023-2024 for both the Education and General Funds. Fundraising for the past year raised over $43,000 from member donations, adopt-a-precinct fees, and the January event, and Denise confirmed that funds are available for key programs as well as advanced planning for the upcoming election season. The recommended 2023-2024 membership dues levels, approved by the Board, were presented. The Suffragist Individual rate of $65 will remain unchanged and the other levels slightly increased to make the figures more logical. Increases were modest.
Bylaw changes regarding dues (to be now set by the board), and length of time for submission of programs to be approved at the annual meeting were voted on and approved.
Diane Moore, in her President’s report, thanked everyone for a successful year despite the effects of Hurricane Ian. She recognized the work of the board members and the committees to promote the mission of the League.