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Collier’s Democratic chief steps down
Chuck Mohlke has been the leader of the party since 1988
Mohlke
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An era is ending for Southwest Florida’s Democratic Party.
Chuck Mohlke, long-time chairman of the Collier County Democratic Executive Committee and a local political institution in his own right, is stepping down.
But party faithful should not worry, said Mohlke, because the future is definitely heading in the right direction for Florida Democrats.
“We have developed a lot of momentum in our party in Southwest Florida. Not just in Collier, but in Lee, Charlotte and Sarasota counties as well,” said Mohlke in an interview Monday.
Mohlke announced his plans to step down in June on Monday, adding that he hopes it will open up new opportunities for leadership of the local committee.
“It just seems like a good time to hand off the baton,” he said.
However, Mohlke, who has been the leader of Collier Democrats since 1988, said he wouldn’t be going quietly into the night.
Mohlke will retain his positions as state committeeman, member of the Democratic National Committee and a pledged delegate to the Democratic National Convention for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
At Monday’s Collier County Democratic Club meeting, Mohlke received a standing ovation from more than 50 attendees — including Karen Thurman, chairwoman of the Florida Democratic Party, and Nancy Shepherdson, state committeewoman for Illinois’ 8th Congressional District.
“For 19 years here in Collier County, as being the chairman, Chuck, we do appreciate it,” said Thurman, while discussing Mohlke’s involvement with the party from the local to the state and national level during the meeting.
News of Mohlke’s departure not only took some long-time politicos from the Democratic Party by surprise, but some Republicans as well.
“I’ve known Chuck since about 1991. I was always so impressed with his intellect, his curiosity and his objectivity,” said former Naples Vice Mayor Alan Korest, 78, in an interview Monday. “He is just one of the most interesting people I have ever known. I’m awfully sad to hear that he is stepping down from his job.”
The key to Mohlke’s tenure, said long-time friend and fellow Democratic Party supporter George Vega, is his fairness.
“The Republicans thought as highly of him (Mohlke) as the Democrats,” Vega said, adding with a chuckle that Mohlke has been in Collier politics forever. “He’s extremely fair and knowledgeable.”
District 1 Collier Commissioner Donna Fiala said she was surprised to learn the news.
“Chuck has been the mainstay of the Democratic Party for as long as I remember,” she said. “Everybody just loves Chuck Mohlke and respects him so much. ... He’s always been the go-to guy.”
As for what the future holds for him and the party, Mohlke said, the key is to keep on rolling.
“The important thing is to keep that momentum moving and to keep this effort a very viable and contributing part to our party’s fortunes in Florida,” said Mohlke.
“That’s, I think, the principal task the new leadership will have. Whatever I can provide to make that possible, I’m going to want to do that.”
An offer, Thurman said, the party would definitely be taking.
“You’re not going to get away that easily,” she said.
Comments
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It won't be the same without Chuck. At least he will apparently still be around at the state level.
#1 Posted by naplesdad on April 21, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
" the future is definitely heading in the right direction for Florida Democrats"
Is that why they have no seats at the convention?
And you accuse the Republicans of voter fraud!
#2 Posted by swampbuggy on April 21, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I spoke to him on a couple of occasions. He was cordial enough, but I felt as if he held himself above others. I could be wrong about my impression, but usually see through artifice.
Fiala's take is pretty funny. She "loves" everybody. Pleasant enough lady, however ditzy.
I would like to see more candidates for any office in this area facing opposition. Unopposed candidates seldom are good for the electorate. Perhaps the Democrats in Republican clothing should show their true party as well.
#3 Posted by BlueTonguedVole on April 21, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I remember that it was not that long ago when there were no Dems in Collier.
#4 Posted by Ry42 on April 21, 2008 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To Ry42,
I remember when the dems were a majority in
Collier County and controlled both houses
of the Legislature. They weren't the good ole
days!
#5 Posted by BobBarricade on April 22, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, we know who YeOldNaples is, the letter writer always coming down on the far right of the abortion issue.
One day I'm going to have a bone to pick with you.
#6 Posted by rocknfla on April 22, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually...everyone in Florida was a "D" before the 80's.
#7 Posted by CELTLUV on April 22, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was going to say the same thing Bob. I can remember when the Democrats ruled both Collier County and Florida. That changed in the 80's with the newcomers and the Reagan revolution.
There were some local Democrats still in office into the 80's. Most of them ended up changing their party affiliation in order to remain in office. In fact there are a couple of them left in office in Lee County.
I would much prefer to see an active two party system myself. It would keep all the candidates on their tows so to speak.
#8 Posted by swfl_ff on April 22, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry about that, I ment to say toe's in #9.
#9 Posted by swfl_ff on April 22, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
and as far as a two party system is concerned..........I'd rather vote Independent, thank you very much!
#10 Posted by rocknfla on April 22, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Me too rock. But that is not always possible with the system that we have. I vote for the best candidate no matter which party they represent.
I have never bought into that theory that one should only vote for candidates from only one political party or another. There are good candidates from all walks of life.
#11 Posted by swfl_ff on April 22, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with swfl_ff. I have never voted party lines for any party: always independently. We have some who are elected who are "Republican" in name only, while their philosophy is more in keeping with the Democratic philosophy as it is today,
I too remember the Democrats having full control. I don't believe it is to anyone's benefit when any particular party is in full control of any level of government. Finding a reasonable balance would be great, but the pendulum swings back and forth and seldom finds balance.
#12 Posted by BlueTonguedVole on April 22, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You'd be surprised how many of us are "registered" republicans just so we have a say in the election in this town. I've been a registered republican that has voted democrat for 20 years. It'll be nice when I can switch back and have a say in who are commissioners are. I think it won't be too long before a democrat runs and wins. This town is more liberal than you think.
#13 Posted by complainersinnaples on April 22, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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