“Some men worship rank, some worship heroes, some worship power, some worship God, & over these ideals they dispute & cannot unite – but they all worship money.”

– Mark Twain’s Notebook

The time of opulent local spending and free-flowing cash from the deep pockets of private individuals and Lee County government is over, at least for now. Our economic recovery is a challenge for us all and it is a call to action.

Yes, the federal government is spending billions to bail out the housing, banking and auto industries and spending more on the economic stimulus package for roads and bridges. Unfortunately, this will provide some work to some people, but very little monies are expected to trickle down to small businesses, independent workers and local companies.

In order for Lee County residents to make it through this trial, we need to relearn the Golden Rule. We need to think of creative solutions, work together, share and participate in public/private partnerships.

Partnerships with private industries on a small and large scale are imperative today. A good example locally is the GICIA Bike Path on Boca Grande. The property, originally owned by CSX, was donated by the families of Bayard and Hugh Sharp to the Gasparilla Island Conservation & Improvement Association Inc. The GICIA, with the assistance from island residents and Lee County, constructed the GICIA Bike Path on what was formally the old railroad bed.

Today, the GICIA is raising money to endow the Bike Path. GICIA Executive Director Misty Nichols said directors, including Lee Wesselmann, president, and Dick Mayer, vice president, are working to reach a goal of $4 million. Since kicking off the endowment campaign in late 2007, they’ve raised $3.2 million through the generous donations of island residents. The money will insure that the path is properly maintained into perpetuity.

Cooperation like this not only builds a sense of community, but it also seems that when communities invest in their surroundings as a team, individuals take additional pride in the community asset. These facilities seem to be not only well used, but better kept.

The Homeless Coalition of Lee County also is considering partnering with private groups to combat increasing homelessness in Lee County. Private businesses are donating money, event tickets, time, volunteers and more to help assist this non-profit agency. Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed, a land and water conservation organization, is holding a concert on March 21 to help fund its conservation and outdoor education programs. Private businesses sponsored the event through donations of money, time and goods for a silent auction.

We need these partners. People are hurting for jobs and services. Private developers, such as Kitson and Associates with Babcock Ranch, are slowing down. Kitson has offered Lee County more than 2,000 acres he formerly was going to develop. His company also let go several employees – all Lee County residents – just before Christmas. Bonita Bay also is laying people off and preparing to power down. They will not be advancing jobs to construction until the economy recovers. Other large employers such as the Fort Myers News-Press, Chico’s and Sony have cut their staffs as well.

Partnering, caring about our community and neighbors will make us stronger. It will make us a true community, not a transient one. In short, money is being given and taken – rearranged in everyone’s budget. In order for us to survive and thrive in this community, it will take a team effort. We need to be acting like citizens of Lee County, true investors in her long-term health and wealth, not visitors. As individuals and companies, governments and groups, we need to volunteer our time, work as community, promote private and public partnerships that protect this community and encourage its prosperity.

Bob Janes is the District 1 representative on the Board of Lee County Commissioners.