Lee County Commissioner Candidates Mulicka and Cochran Invest Heavily in Campaign Signage
Lee commissioner candidates Amanda Cochran and David Mulicka have poured thousands into campaign signage. Their approach stands out compared to fellow Republican contenders Mike Greenwell and Matthew Thornton. Taking charge of their visibility, both candidates have opted for bold moves, eager to carve their names into the minds of Lee County voters.
Mulicka reports investing around $20,000 on his 127 dual signs—$12,000 for printing, $5,000 for materials, and $3,000 for manpower. Meanwhile, Cochran enriched her campaign with an expenditure of approximately $15,000 on 150 signs, complemented by electronic displays and billboards, each symbolizing her commitment to be a visible presence in the race.
The primary election for Lee County draws near, concluding on August 20, with early voting from August 10 to 17. Campaign signs, allowed to grace commercial and residential properties with landowners’ blessings six weeks prior, are designed to stick within size limits of 32 square feet. The post-election task of removal is a mandatory cleanup to be done within ten days.
Curiously, while Cochran and Mulicka have maintained comparable numbers of signs, their strategies diverged. Mulicka took the initiative to collaborate with local land brokers, as revealed by public records. Gary Tasman, CEO of Cushman & Wakefield Southwest Florida, played a pivotal role as the point of contact for several of Mulicka’s signs, fostering arrangements with property owners from diverse states, including California and Illinois.
“I planned ahead,” Mulicka shared, emphasizing that he had ordered the signs a week in advance. His mind was a logistical hub, mapping every access point across Lee County as if aligning the stars. His relationships in the real estate realm guided him to supporters ready to exhibit his signs, igniting a sense of community and purpose as he stated, “We had a good game plan from the beginning.”
In contrast, Cochran’s network comprises primarily local owners who supported her endeavor, including Mary Lee Mann, the widow of former commissioner Frank Mann. A figure revered in the community, her endorsement signifies a lineage of protective stewardship over the land—a beacon for local residents hoping for continuity in representation.
“I see a lot of what Frank was doing in Amanda,” Mann noted, her reflections stirring a longing for a time when dedicated service to the community was the hallmark of leadership.
Aubrey Jewett, a political science educator from the University of Central Florida, suggests that while the significance of campaign signs is often debated, they undeniably contribute to building name recognition, particularly at the local level. “Signs can be an inexpensive means of visibility, especially when many voters have limited time to research candidates,” he explains.
Through these varied approaches, Cochran and Mulicka both express earnest motivations for their signage, reflective of their contrasting backgrounds. With deep ties to Lee County, Cochran’s hands-on community involvement surfaces as a pillar in her campaign. Her opponent, Mike Greenwell, boasts a notable Major League Baseball career, setting the stage for an unusual juxtaposition of sports fame against grassroots dedication.
“I have to combat name recognition,” said Cochran candidly, her determination radiating as she recalls her strategy to leave a mark through widespread signage. The battle of visibility unfolds, illuminating the broader struggle of local candidates in an arena often overshadowed yet shaped by fame.
For Mulicka, the act of erecting numerous signs isn’t just about visibility; it’s rooted in a firm budget and a ambitious goal. “I’m proud of those 127 names supporting me,” he expressed, signaling a collective hope to have his message win the hearts of the people.
In this intricate landscape of campaigning, Thornton intentionally kept a low profile, relying on his family’s historical name recognition to float him through. He placed only two signs, merely dotting the vast landscape, while rest assured in the weight of lineage—his name tied to the Declaration of Independence. “Having a sign to put out there doesn’t make a lot of sense to me,” Thornton mused. With followers scattered across social platforms, he focuses on his digital presence, believing that the means of reach today are as diversified as they are extensive.
