Betty Parker

Special to news-press.com

State Rep. Dane Eagle, R-Cape Coral, said all along he was not guilty of driving while intoxicated, and now the courts agree.

Eagle will no longer be charged with driving under the influence after his April 21 arrest in Tallahassee, and instead is being cited for reckless driving.

Negotiations in Tallahassee between Eagle's attorney and prosecutors resulted in the court-approved reckless driving settlement, for which Eagle must do 100 hours of community service in Southwest Florida, Eagle said Friday.

Eagle said he wanted to apologize "to constituents, family and friends for the embarrassment this whole ordeal has caused. Today I am very pleased to let you know we can finally put this entire matter behind us."

Eagle, who refused Breathalyzer tests at the time, maintained throughout that he was not intoxicated — it was late, he'd picked up takeout food, and he was distracted behind the wheel. "I take full responsibility for my actions, and accept the penalties for reckless driving," he said Friday.

Eagle said he does not yet know what the community service work will entail, but he hopes to be able to work with young people who might find "a learning experience" from what happened to him.

He still automatically loses his license for a year because he declined to take the Breathalyzer test. He is allowed to drive for work.

Eagle, who was elected two years ago, is up for re-election this fall and faces three Republican primary challengers. None have made a campaign issue of the incident. The winner will be on the November ballot against a write-in.

Miller speaks up

Matt Miller, an east Lee County business owner running for the state House seat held by Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-Lehigh Acres, made it clear from the start of a forum this week that he does not like speaking before a crowd.

His first move was to give the audience printed material that he said would tell them everything they needed to know about why he was running, and he waited while BUPAC members read. "Public speaking is a major fear," he said, adding that he becomes "stressed out" at forums and other events; it was also an issue during his last, unsuccessful race for Lee County Commission.

He also said the Q&A session was tough, although he knew audience questions are part of the hourlong presentation.

Audience members asked how, if he found speaking and questions so stressful, he could deal with not just the campaign, but with the spirited debate and questions legislators face daily during session and other times.

Miller, 43, said he's battled the problem for years, and he still runs because he believes public service is important and changes are needed. "I'm not a politician, I'm a public servant," he said. "I'm tired of the way our government is ruining our country. It's time for a change."

Incumbents have an unfair advantage in fundraising, Miller said, and he supports term limits to help level the field. Caldwell, first elected in 2010, has raised about $212,000, much of that, as Miller pointed out, comes from businesses and interest groups affected by legislation.

Miller's account shows a $500 self-loan, plus a $1 donation from an individual.

Poll: Should Rep. Dane Eagle's DUI charge have gotten dropped?

On other matters, Miller said his initial impression of fracking is that it's not good for Southwest Florida, but he wants to learn more about it. And he supports medical uses of marijuana, when prescribed by a doctor.

Miller, whose businesses include farm supply and tractor stores, also said he thinks more organic fertilizer should be used to help battle pollution in the Caloosahatchee River.

With Miller and Caldwell, both Republicans, the only candidates now in the race, that election is open to all voters in the August primary. Democrat Larry Aguilar, who has campaigned for the seat, failed to meet qualifying requirements and is disputing that decision through legal means. If Aguilar becomes a candidate, then only Republicans will vote between Miller and Caldwell.

Dreikorn unhappy

A mailing from the Republican Party of Florida on behalf of Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, and Gov. Rick Scott, has Benacquisto's election opponent unhappy.

Michael Dreikorn, a Republican who's challenging Benacquisto's Senate re-election, said the mailer "smacks of cronyism and demonstrates this party really is the party of good ol' boys."

Dreikorn said it's not right for the party to take sides and support one Republican over another in the primary.

The mailer, clearly identified as from the state party, is a large postcard with photos of Scott and Benacquisto, who's Senate Majority Leader. "The Conservative Leadership Florida Needs" is the headline, and smaller type outlines accomplishments for both, including cutting taxes, reducing state debt, and "taking on Tallahassee."

Dreikorn said he's called the state party and the governor's office, among others, to ask about the mailer, but has had no response. "What it tells me is that the people in the party have no voice," he said. "It's all decided by the elite at the top."

A party spokesman responded Friday morning to media questions on the matter.

"The RPOF will continue to promote the successes of our Republican leaders across the state," Susan Hepworth, communications director, said via email.

The mailing does not mention any upcoming elections, nor does it urge recipients to vote for anyone. Such mailings in the past have been described as information about elected officials, and not campaign material.

Dreikorn said most recipients won't notice that subtle difference in wording, especially when such mailings go out during elections. "That's word games. The question in my mind is, is it ethical? If you want to set higher standards, you have to do it all the time."

Dreikorn and Benacquisto are the only candidates in this race, which will be open to all voters, including Democrats and minor party members, in August.

Nelson man of year

Rickey Nelson, who's been president of Southwest Florida's Young Republicans, was given the "Man of the Year" award by the statewide Florida Young Republicans last week.

Nelson's honor was based largely on his work organizing the YR's state convention in downtown Fort Myers last weekend, along with recognition of the local club's activities and achievements under his leadership.

Betty Parker is a freelance writer specializing in politics. Her column appears in Saturday's The News-Press and on news-press.com.

Related:

Benacquisto, Eagle outearn in re-election campaigns

Rep. Dane Eagle: I'm not guilty

Rep. Dane Eagle resigns job with Building Industry Association

Rep. Eagle blasted for handling of arrest

Poll:Should Rep. Dane Eagle's DUI charge have been dropped?