Dr. Cindy Banyai hosts Amber Ware, a 24-year City of Fort Myers employee and STARS division manager, to discuss Ware’s run for mayor and her critique of the city’s recent direction since 2020. Ware says Fort Myers has fallen six years behind on infrastructure and neighborhood improvements while administrative staffing and costs have ballooned, citing a highly paid city manager and delayed or derailed projects, including escalating costs for a new police department site. She argues development-driven annexations and sprawl in Ward 6 strain utilities, roads, and water supply, while older wards see little economic development. Ware highlights widespread sewer and water-system failures contributing to fecal contamination issues and opposes proposed multi-year utility rate increases without a clear public plan, calling for implementing existing comprehensive plans and delivering promised projects.

Learn more about Amber Ware for Fort Myers Mayor here

00:00 DCS

08312026 02:23

Meet Amber Ware 05:06

The Risk of Speaking Out

08:02 Amber's Vision for Fort Myers

10:39 The Money Gap

13:58 Unpacking the Political Structure

19:49 Nothing to Show for It

21:19 Transparency & Corruption

23:33 Sprawl & Ward 6

27:34 The Cost of Sprawl

31:02 The Water Crisis

41:29 Get Involved

Dr. Cindy Banyai hosts Cornelius Fowler, a union leader running for Florida House District 77 (East Lee County including Buckingham, Lehigh Acres, and San Carlos Park), to discuss changing the status quo in Florida politics. They focus on power consolidation in Tallahassee and state preemptions that weaken home rule, including pressure on local officials such as Fort Myers over 287G agreements, and criticize development-driven policies. Fowler highlights district issues like overdevelopment, flooding and inadequate infrastructure, traffic congestion, and debate over Lehigh’s incorporation. He supports raising the minimum wage to $22/hour with annual cost-of-living increases, calls for expanding technical education funding flexibility, and proposes increasing required affordable housing beyond the current 10% in new developments. Fowler shares how to support his campaign via corneliusfowler.info and email, and Banyai urges voting in upcoming primaries and November.

See more about Cornelius Fowler here.

00:00 Show Intro

00:35 Meet Cornelius Fowler

02:15 Why He’s Running

04:04 Home Rule Under Attack

07:19 How To Take Power Back

09:05 District 77 Local Flashpoints

10:28 Infrastructure And Incorporation

12:46 Jobs And Training Pipeline

15:45 Minimum Wage And Affordability

19:05 Affordable Housing Requirements

20:02 How To Support The Campaign

20:49 Vote And Support Big Mouth Media

22:10 Closing Credits

Dr. Cindy Banyai hosts Christine Sanon-Jules, a grassroots candidate running for Florida Congressional District 24. They discuss how Florida’s reshuffled maps and candidate shuffles have reduced Democratic-leaning seats, and how party dynamics and high ballot-qualification barriers disadvantage grassroots campaigns. Sanon-Jules outlines her priorities—affordability, housing, small business support, education, and workforce programs as AI disrupts jobs—sharing what she’s hearing from constituents about income inequality and the need for higher-paying work. She proposes an “Emergency Stability Account” to help cover basic needs during setbacks and advocates Medicare for All with telehealth care for all as a step forward.

Learn more about Christine Sanon-Jules - https://christineforfl.com/

Donate to Christina here - https://secure.actblue.com/donate/christine-sanon-jules-24

00:00 Show Intro

00:35 Meet Christine Sanon-Jules

00:58 Redistricting Fallout

03:05 Wilson Retires Race Opens

05:15 Resign To Run Shuffle

08:31 Grassroots Vs Party Machine

11:20 Campaign Priorities Fundraising

15:34 Affordability Jobs On Ground

17:52 Policy Ideas Stability Healthcare

21:59 How To Support And Subscribe

24:33 Final Sign Off