Keith Richter for State Representative Dist 72

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

ATTORNEY GENERAL McCOLLUM’S “DO NOT SHOP” LIST

Attorney General Bill McCollum today issued a consumer advisory, urging parents to check toy recall lists before shopping for their children’s holiday presents. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 50 toys have been recalled since the beginning of the year, most due to toxic levels of lead or lead paint. The toys include popular brands such as Mattel and Fisher-Price and millions of “must-have” toys such as certain Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys, Aqua Dots craft kits and some Barbie doll accessories.

“I am concerned about the staggering number of reports of tainted toys coming into the United States and the dangers they pose to our children,” said Attorney General Bill McCollum. “Parents need to do their research before they head out for holiday toy shopping. There is nothing more important than the safety of our children and in this case, knowledge could literally save lives.”

The dangers don’t stop with lead exposure, as evidenced with the recall this month of the Aqua Dots craft kit because of toxic coating on the toy that rendered at least two children unconscious. While most toys should at this point have been pulled from store shelves, McCollum encouraged parents to go back and check any toys they may have purchased earlier in the year before recalls were announced. Recalled toys can also occasionally show up at flea markets and resale shops. To make it easier for parents to keep track of the recalls, the Attorney General’s Office is providing a “Do Not Shop” List containing the most recently recalled toys for parents to print and take into stores when holiday shopping.

The list, along with links to the CPSC’s website is available on the Attorney General’s website at http://www.myfloridalegal.com. A current list of toys recalled this year can also be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/recentrecalls.html.

The Attorney General’s Office will continue to monitor the recalls and discuss options with Attorneys General around the country who are equally concerned about lead-tainted toys. As it becomes available, the Attorney General’s Office will provide additional recall information on its website.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

The Richter campaign agrees with the Florida Education Association …….

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Increase the recurring general revenue base. The state cannot continue its dependence on nonrecurring revenue sources and an aging tax system. Evaluation of the countless sales tax exemptions and corporate tax exemptions followed by the elimination of non-vital exemptions should be a top priority.

Reduce the level of spending for the Florida School Recognition Program.

Allow local school boards authority to utilize local 2-mill capital outlay funds to pay for property and casualty insurance premiums.

Reevaluate the funding model for exceptional student education. (ESE)

Expand teacher lead funding to include all full-time instructional personnel and pro-rata funding for part-time instructional personnel.

Provide free tuition or loan forgiveness scholarships to ESP for coursework to become certified teachers in critical shortage areas.

Reject simplistic schemes like the 65% “solution” that seek only to shift school funding without examining the needs of students, school employees, schools and school districts.

Examine Florida’s corporate tax policy and associated business tax breaks and the real economic benefit to Florida.

FACTS:

Pay teachers and other public school employees a competitive wage.

Experts agree that a highly qualified teacher in every classroom is critical to providing our children with the best education possible. But in Florida, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to recruit and retain quality teachers.

The teaching shortage is real.

Florida must recruit many new teachers each year and faces strong competition from other states and other professions. The average Florida teacher salary is $6,200 below the national average. Education support personnel such as counselors, nurses, and reading coaches are just as vital to our schools and must also make a living wage.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Keith Richter campaign now has a office located at:

Richter for Florida
(Candidate for Florida House Dist. 72)
205 Joel Blvd East Suite#116
Lehigh Acres, Fl 339712

239-822-9300

Office hours to be announced soon.

CHECK OR IN-KIND DONATIONS ARE

Greatly Appreciated!

The maximum an individual, business or corporation may contribute is $500.00 dollars. If you have any questions regarding your contribution, please contact me or my staff directly by phone at 239-822-9300 or by email campaign@richterforflorida.com

Please make check payable to: Keith Richter for Florida campaign fund.

Thank you all for your support!

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Keeping Your Kids Safe from Lead

Nearly 300,000 young American children have blood lead levels high enough to cause irreversible damage according to the Centers for Disease Control. Every one of these cases is avoidable. While many young children have been affected by lead from paint in older homes, other children are being exposed to the toxin through toys, especially toy jewelry, they love. These toys are identifiable and should not be purchased, played with, or even produced.

Every child is at risk for exposure to toys containing lead. Every parent needs to take important steps to keep their kids out of harm's way.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Children

Avoid purchasing toys from vending machines. In 2004, 150 million pieces of children's jewelry were recalled from vending machines nationwide. To be safe, parents should avoid these products.

Avoid toys which have small parts which may be swallowed, especially if the parts are metal or metallic.

Avoid glossy, fake painted pearls which may be painted with lead-paint.

Test suspect jewelry. Lead Check swabs are available at most local hardware stores and can be used to test for lead in products you may purchase for your child. Swabs turn pink when lead is detected. You can also order test kits online.

Check your child's toys. These toys may contain lead. If they do, remove them from your child's toy box and dispose of them. See photos of a sample of products which have tested positive for lead. For more information about disposing of lead contaminated toys, contact your local municipality.

Get your child tested. Lead poisoning can generally not be detected any other way. Regular testing will ensure the health of your child.

Ask retailers about their toy jewelry and ask them if they have documentation that the jewelry does not contain lead. Let them know that you are concerned if they don't have documentation.

Stay vigilant. Sign-up to receive e-mails from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) about new product recalls. For past recalls of kid's products click here.

How Does Lead Affect Young Children?

The primary danger to young children from lead poisoning is brain damage. This can result in lower IQ levels, hyperactivity, developmental delays, and aggression.

Lead can kill. In February 2006, a child in Minnesota died after ingesting a piece of toy jewelry.
Lead is a soft, naturally occurring metal and can be found in contaminated soil, water, old paint, inexpensive jewelry, and other consumer products.

There is no safe level of lead for children.

Children are generally exposed to lead by eating dust or soil contaminated by old lead-based paint or by swallowing or mouthing contaminated objects.

Children six and under are particularly vulnerable to lead contamination. Two-year olds tend to have the highest levels of contamination because of their instinct to put objects in their mouth.

Brain damage from lead cannot be reversed, but blood lead levels can be lowered to prevent further damage and early intervention can help to reduce long term effects.

The best treatment is to remove the source of lead from the child. Parents should discard or avoid consumer products that contain lead.

Don't allow lead to become part of your holiday!

Click below and watch the movie ..............

Source Sierra Club http://sierraclub.org/healthycommunities/lead/#badges

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Lehigh candidate for state House sides with the people

By Betty Parker Originally published on November 10, 2007

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071110/COLUMNISTS01/711100458/1017/COLUMNISTS

State House candidate Keith Richter, who's challenging state Rep. Paige Kreegel, R-Punta Gorda, in the GOP primary election next year, got his audience's attention this week when he initially appeared to call for legalizing marijuana.

Asked about his hometown of Lehigh Acres' leading cash crop, Richter knew what was coming."Marijuana?" he replied. "We should tax the hell out of it and make some money on it."
"You can't tax it if it's illegal, can you?" he said, then he noted, "But I'm not saying we should legalize it."Most people want it to be illegal, he said, and he wants to do what the majority of the people desire.

He went on to say "prisons are full of people with minor drug charges," and imprisoning a parent for such small violations means "we've destroyed a family unit and they go on welfare."He suggested the "burden" on the prison system could be lessened by putting violators on house arrest with a monitoring bracelet.

Speaking at Business people United for Political Action, Richter, 39, said as an individual, he supports efforts for Lehigh to become an incorporated town. As a candidate, however, he said he'd abide by the will of the people as evidenced in an upcoming straw ballot planned on incorporation.

He said he wants to support the will of the people on issues, but it was less clear how he'd decide between two issues that had widespread support, and no referendum to help gauge public opinion.Richter, a disabled veteran, said he hurt his back while moving airplane parts at an Arizona military facility. Although he was told he'd never walk again, he said he was determined to prove doctors wrong, and now walks with no obvious problem.

His background makes him very pro-military, he said, and helped him form ideas about the role of the military. "Being a police force is not what we're supposed to do," he said.

He also said unfriendly Middle Eastern forces "have us by the short hairs" because of the U.S. dependence on oil. Florida needs to develop alternate energy sources, he said, which does not include drilling for oil off Florida's shores."I don't want us out there drilling the hell out of it," he said. "People complain about red tide now, can you imagine a lot of gooky oil there?" on the beach.

All it takes, he said, is one

Exxon Valdez-type spill "and it would be disastrous for Florida's economy."

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Richter Campaign Store Open

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

As you know the importance of working together to accomplish important goals:

protecting wildlife, including threatened and endangered species,

preserving our national forests, wild lands, uplands and wetlands,

figuring out a way to solve global warming,

using alternative fuels in our everyday lives,

. . . and ensuring a healthy planet for generations to come.

As you know, the current Federal Administration and its special interest friends are continuing their efforts to weaken the Endangered Species Act, allow development within our national forests, increase oil & gas drilling in fragile wild lands such as in the Arctic, and resist measures to solve global warming.

We need to work together to accomplish these important goals ………. and develop a healthy planet bill …….. before it's to late!

Leadership on a different scale

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Keith Richter, Candidate for State House, Dist-72 will be speaking at BUPAC on Nov 6th

YOU are invited to attend. TUESDAY ...

Breakfast starts at 7:00 am

Meeting begins at 7:30 am ...

Adjournment promptly at 8:30 am

French Roast Cafe, 12995 S Cleveland Ave (Pinebrook Plaza, north of the Bell Tower Mall)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BUPAC/message/90

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

State House 72 candidate Keith Richter of Lehigh Acres

building community spirit and waits for the water balloon to drop after the target is hit during Saturday’s family fun day and voter registration event

sponsored by the Lehigh Acres Community Council

Link to story

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Improve Transportation and Strengthen our Infrastructure: Richter said improving transportation must be done in a sensitive way to protect the local natural environment.

Southwest Florida's popularity comes with a price. IROX costs more than $430 million, but Governor Crist says the payoff will be worth the price tag."We want to keep growing, grow the economy, grow our infrastructure, and that's what today's all about," Governor Crist says.

You can also visit http://www.irox75.com/ for more information.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Building Consensus: Richter said he will build consensus throughout Lee, Charlotte and Desoto counties, while always fighting for the rights of our citizens and veterans.

Consensus is a decision making process which equalizes power over a group of people. Instead of simply voting for an item, and having the majority of the group get their way, the group has to sit down and get a solution to a problem that EVERYONE is ok with. People take different ideas and we see how we feel about them. The solution that the group thinks is the most positive gets chosen, unless a member of the group finds the solution totally unacceptable. Consensus is based on compromise, and the ability to find common ground.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

“All levels of government must exercise fiscal responsibility to their citizens.”

Richter has said he will promote fiscal responsibility while seeking to protect and promote public safety and well-being for residents of District 72.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Smart Growth: Richter said he is a supporter of community planning through the Smart Growth initiative. He said he will combat urban sprawl by promoting greater density in urban areas. “We must grow in a smart and responsible manner.”

Ideas from Richter …..

Enact an inclusionary zoning ordinance for new housing developments.

Provide home buyer assistance through support to community land trusts.

Revise zoning and building codes to permit a wider variety of housing types.

Plan and zone for affordable and manufactured housing development in rural areas.

Educate developers of multifamily housing units and nonprofits on the use of limited-equity (or equity-restriction) components.

Educate realtors, lenders, and home buyers on the use of resource-efficient mortgages.

Implement a program to identify and dispose of vacant and abandoned buildings.

Adopt special rehabilitation building codes to regulate the renovation of existing structures.

Enlist local jurisdictions in implementing a regional fair-share housing allocation plan across metropolitan areas.

Give priority to smart growth projects and programs that foster smart growth in the allocation of federal housing and community development block grant (and other) funds.

Plant trees throughout communities and preserve existing trees during new construction.

Create active and secure open spaces.

Create special improvement districts for focused investment.

Create opportunities for community interaction.

Create a network of trails and greenways.

Zone for concentrated activity centers around transit service

Incorporate opinions and interests often and routinely into the planning process.

Bring developers and the development community into the visioning process.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

As you know, providing property tax relief for Floridians has been a priority this year. Over the last 10 months, there have been many different ideas presented and debated, and I applaud leaders like Speaker Marco Rubio

and Speaker-Designate Ray Sansom

for being willing to advance what was consider to be very sensible reform proposals.

Political reality is that the legislative process requires agreement from both the House and the Senate and the members within their respective bodies. I am glad that Floridians will have a chance to vote for some property tax relief in January.

The highlights of the Constitutional Amendment are as follows:

*Allows "portability" of accumulated Save Our Home benefits for homestead property owners,
Expands the homestead exemption.

*10% assessment cap for all non-homestead and commercial properties.

*Tangible Personal Property exemption of $25,000 for small businesses.

I’m urging you to vote for this plan and support it. Passing this plan would be a small victory in the effort to reform the property tax system. My effort to fight for property tax reform will not end on January 29th but all continue if you elected me as your Representative for District 72

Keith Richter

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Dear Friends,

Over the summer, Florida Governor Crist signed an Executive Order (EO127) calling for increased investment in renewable energy in the state.

Now is the time to speak up for Florida Solar Energy in "The Sunshine State." The Florida Solar Initiative will result in a world-class solar market in Florida, replacing the equivalent of 20 average coal-fired power plants.

It's critically important that the Governor knows that this plan has the support of the people. That's why we'd like to deliver a petition signed by renewable-energy supporters. To be effective, we need something huge: a veritable mountain of signatures.

Can you add your name to the list of people supporting the Florida Solar Initiative today?

Click Here to Sign the Petition.

Check out "Vote Solar".

Your Candidate for House Dist 72

Keith Richter

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Mr. Richter will be in the dunk tank at 1pm

to support Lehigh Acres

Family Fun Day Nov 3rd 11 am to 4 pm

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

People talking about Richter.......

http://www.news-press.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=132907&start=15&sid=534aa2d8f8e793162f08210bdfd487f6

James Crews wrote: If you want to support a career politician who doesn't care one bit about Lehigh Acres, by all means support Paige Kreegel. Keith Richter, everything else aside, is well-qualified. He is not a politician which is why he doesn't have public relations and all down to a science. Anyone who decides to run for office will have their lives put under a microscope. If a cheap degree is the worst you can find on Keith, I would say he is doing well. He is a real, honest guy who has done a lot. Maybe you agree with him and maybe you don't. This is a guy that wants OUR opinions and is interested in other perspectives, you won't be electing a puppet with Keith Richter. I know I sound like his press secretary, but it hurts me to see his name smeared in the mud like this just because he wanted to serve the community in a higher capacity. He's a good guy with good intentions, whether you want to vote for him or not. If he had never decided to run, his name would still be clean and he'd still be working for us.

Jujube writes: James Crew, I agree with you. I took the time to meet Mr. Richter and was quite impressed with him (also met some of his students and their praise were highly regarded). You will notice, in time, there are some posters in this forum that have not taken the opportunity to meet Mr. Richter. It is easier to stay onboard the Pequod steadfast attuned to their groupthink and misinformation. There is hope, not all in Lehigh possesses the contentious mindset, intent on destroying their target as they unknowingly destroy those that surround them and themselves eventually. It is simply the anonymous characteristic of the Internet platform that attracts the occasional “knuckle dragger.” There have been many insightful posts in the past here, although not everyone sees eye to eye. (My personal conspiracy theory is the NP paper foments the discord to generate ad revenue. For example, more articles from local writers such as Betty Parker and Don Ruane that increasingly lack follow questions thus opening the avenue for rumors to develop.) That said I am realistic that Mr. Richter run is an uphill battle to begin with (the incumbent usually “wins” 95 to 98% of the time). Mistakes and missteps are inevitable in all of our paths in life and this applies to politics as well. I’ve discovered one learns more and acquires better insight from a misstep in life than a success; time will reveal it. I am not impressed with Rep. Kreegel and argue that we should not be part of District 72. One positive thing has come from Mr. Richter’s run and that Kreegel’s office has added a second monthly visit to our area by an assistant. At least, it’s a start. However, my instincts tell me we will see more of Mr. Richter

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Richter lauches new campaign phone line 239-822-9300

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

http://www.lehighacrescitizen.com/Letters/articles.asp?articleID=5221

To the Editor,

I am Keith Richter’s dad and would like to recommend to your readers that they vote for him for the State House of Representatives Seat for District 72.

Keith is 39 and active in community events in Lehigh Acres. As an educator, he is a teacher at a Hodges University. He is active and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 94 in Lehigh and holds degrees of the University of South Florida and Canterbury University where he is currently working to get his doctorate. He is also a member of the American Legion Post 323.

Keith is a graduate of Riverdale High School and had the second highest rank in JROTC while there. He went on to serve in the U.S. Marines for six years. He is married to Maria, also a retired U.S. Marine, and they have three children. He owns Computer Solutions of Southwest Florida.

Our family ties are very strong among his brothers and a sister and his parents. We all spend major holidays together along with Keith’s nieces and nephews.

Our son wants to bring the old time leadership back to this office and has chosen slogans such as “leadership, not what it could be, but as it should be.” This will be a breath of fresh air to District 72.
Keith won’t be a politician, but a servant of the people and even if his opinions are different than the voters that will elect him, he will do what the majority of the people want, that is his pledge.

Joseph Richter

LaBelle

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Richter launches Campaign Website ....... www.Richterforflorida.com

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Richter adds YouTube link at bottom of this blog ............ Come listen to what he has to say!!!

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Keith Richter announced 8/24/07 two key campaign staff members, Rose Govanus, will be serving as campaign manager. And Joseph Richter will be serving as campaign treasurer.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Order your Richter Campaign T-Shirt today $25.00
Support Keith Richter

Leadership on a different scale
Contact Keith at KeithRichterCampaign08@gmail.com
http://www.cafepress.com/keithrichter08
Florida Campaign laws state no one person or corporation my donation more tha $500.00

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

The Richter campaign would like to thank the American Legion post 323 in Lehigh Acres for the use of their hall for the official announcement and meet & greet last night.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Richter to speak on key issues:

Smart Growth: Richter said he is a supporter of community planning through the Smart Growth initiative. He said he will combat urban sprawl by promoting greater density in urban areas. “We must grow in a smart and responsible manner.”

Building Consensus: Richter said he will build consensus throughout Lee, Charlotte and Desoto counties, while always fighting for the rights of our citizens and veterans.

Fiscal Responsibility: Richter said he will promote fiscal responsibility while seeking to protect and promote public safety and well-being for residents of District 72.

Preserving the Environment: Raised in Florida, Richter said he will be a good steward of the environment because he understands that economic and natural resources are at stake. He said he is committed to policies that preserve sensitive lands, protect water supplies and promote clean and fair growth. As a representative in the House, Richter said he will work with other local authorities to make sure these policies are carried out to preserve the area's natural charm for this and future generations.

Improve Transportation and Strengthen our Infrastructure: Richter said improving transportation must be done in a sensitive way to protect the local natural environment.

Supporting Law Enforcement and Public Safety: Richter said he will provide the necessary resources to support local law enforcement and public safety agencies, keeping families safe and secure.

Provide Support for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment: Richter said he will support increased funding to treat mental illness and substance abuse in area communities.

Campaign Blog site: http://www.richterfordist72.us/
For more information see http://www.richterforflorida.com/
or call Keith Richter’s campaign staff at 239-822-9300
Email keithrichtercampaign08@gmail.com

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Keith Richter extends an invitation to witness a special announcement at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 29 at the American Legion Post #323, 1124 Ashlar Ave., Lehigh Acres. (Behind the Burger King). Come and meet Keith Richter and learn about his platform in finding practical solutions that make sense to all citizens.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Keith Richter announces of two key campaign staff members, Rose Govanus, will be serving as campaign manager. And Joseph Richter will be serving as campaign treasurer.

Richter is married to Maria for more than 20 years. The couple has three children: David, (18); Cynthanie Rose, (14) and Elric Phalen, (10). He served in the U.S. Marine Corp for six years and is a disabled veteran. Richter also served a term on the Lee County Board of Veteran Affairs from 1994-1998. He is currently a member of American Legion Post 323, and an active life member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 94.

Richter owns Computer Solutions of Southwest Florida Inc. As a businessman, he said he understands the continuing challenges that face all Florida businesses, especially the ones here, in District 72. As a father of school-age children, Richter said he knows all too well that education is the foundation for a bright future – not just for the children educated, but for the community as well. “After talking with my wife and kids, we decided this is something I should do.” He said he believes leadership on a different scale is the key to this race for the citizens in District 72. With growth, taxation and insurance issues evident in all media coverage in Florida constantly, Richter said he believes he can work with the other elected officials, local or statewide, civic leaders and other citizen groups to identify problems and find practical solutions that make sense to all citizens.

Richter, as a former public school teacher in Lee, Glades, and Hendry counties has stated, “We must continue the struggle providing a first-class education for our children not only because they deserve it, but also because the communities in which they will live and serve will prosper from this.” Richter said education is a key element for continued success through the district. He said he will be a staunch supporter providing a strong voice to compel the Florida legislature to make education a number one priority. Richter said, as an educator, he is extremely familiar with the challenges and opportunities education provides. He said a well educated present student population will become an asset for the community in the future. He is a graduate from Riverdale High School in Fort Myers (1986); received a BA form University of South Florida; a masters in mathematics from Canterbury University (2006) and is currently working on his PHD from Canterbury University. Richter also presently is teaching at Hodges University in Fort Myers.

Richter is a former operations supervisor for a large civil/geo engineering firm, spending years learning about the development and construction methods for various forms of road building in Southwest Florida, key knowledge for understanding growth issues in the area.

Richter’s civic experience includes a term on the Lee County Board of Veteran Affairs from 1994-1998; a board member of the Lehigh Spring Festival since 1995 and on the Lehigh Community Planning Corporation since 2005.

Some key campaign points held by Richter include:

Smart Growth: Richter said he is a supporter of community planning through the Smart Growth initiative. He said he will combat urban sprawl by promoting greater density in urban areas. “We must grow in a smart and responsible manner.”

Building Consensus: Richter said he will build consensus throughout Lee, Charlotte and Desoto counties, while always fighting for the rights of our citizens and veterans.

Fiscal Responsibility: Richter said he will promote fiscal responsibility while seeking to protect and promote public safety and well-being for residents of District 72.

Preserving the Environment: Raised in Florida, Richter said he will be a good steward of the environment because he understands that economic and natural resources are at stake. He said he is committed to policies that preserve sensitive lands, protect water supplies and promote clean and fair growth. As a representative in the House, Richter said he will work with other local authorities to make sure these policies are carried out to preserve the area's natural charm for this and future generations.

Improve Transportation and Strengthen our Infrastructure: Richter said improving transportation must be done in a sensitive way to protect the local natural environment.
Supporting Law Enforcement and Public Safety: Richter said he will provide the necessary resources to support local law enforcement and public safety agencies, keeping families safe and secure.

Provide Support for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment: Richter said he will support increased funding to treat mental illness and substance abuse in area communities.

Campaign Blog site: http://www.richterfordist72.us/

For more information see http://www.richterforflorida.com/

or call Keith Richter’s campaign staff at 239-634-6667

Email keithrichtercampaign08@gmail.com

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

News Press

By Betty Parker Originally published on August 25, 2007
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070825/COLUMNISTS01/708250413/1017/COLUMNISTS

Kreegel has a challenger

A Lehigh Acres man, Keith Richter, is challenging Rep. Paige Kreegel, R-Punta Gorda, for the Charlotte County-dominated House district 72 that includes parts of Lehigh Acres.Richter owns Computer Solutions of Southwest Florida, Inc., and has also worked as a public school teacher.

He was out of town and unavailable for comment, but Lehigh activist Robert "Bob" Anderson said he's helping with the campaign.

While it's difficult to get official party support for anyone challenging an incumbent, Anderson said they've already picked up backers in the community, and the campaign will help bring attention to Richter and to the entire community of Lehigh.

Richter supports Lehigh incorporation, Anderson said, although he's still developing details about the best way to go about that.

Kreegel angered some lobbyists and professional consultants three years ago when he filed a lawsuit over campaign fliers attacking him with what he said were false allegations. While candidates are almost always the subject of last-minute mailings that stretch the truth to the virtual breaking point, few have the wherewithal to take legal action.

Kreegel, a doctor, did. That earned him the enmity of the involved professionals, along with vows to make him regret it when he had opposition, regardless of who the opponent might be.

Anderson said they've had no contact that he knows of with those people, and Richter is acting on his own, with help from community people.

Kreegel also said he has no reason to think Richter was "put up" by those he angered, but he's taking a wait-and-see approach as to whether Richter will be used for payback."There's a lot of time between now and the election," Kreegel said. "We'll just have to see how it all works out."

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Order your Richter Campaign T-Shirt today

$25.00

Support Keith Richter

Leadership on a different scale

Contact Keith at KeithRichterCampaign08@gmail.com

http://www.cafepress.com/keithrichter08

Florida Campaign laws state no one person or corporation my donation more tha $500.00

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

08/24/07

Candidates file for state House primaries

Two new candidates have filed for the 71st and 72nd House District seats now held by Republican incumbents Mike Grant and Paige Kreegel.

Dr. Christopher Constance, a Punta Gorda plastic and reconstructive surgeon, filed as a Republican candidate for the 71st District Seat now held by Grant, according to Florida Division of Elections records. The district includes parts of Lee, Sarasota, and Charlotte counties, including Port Charlotte.

Meanwhile, Keith Richter, a computer professional from Lehigh Acres, has filed as a Republican challenger to Kreegel for the 72nd District seat. The district includes all of DeSoto County plus portions of Lee and Charlotte counties, including Punta Gorda.

Constance is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He received his MD from the State University of New York at Stonybrook in 1987, then trained in plastic surgery at Pennsylvania State University from 1992 to 1994.

Neither candidate could be reached for comment Wednesday. However, Richter is being represented by his campaign treasurer, who also happens to be his father, Joseph, who lives in LaBelle.

Joseph Richter said that his son is 39, a former Marine, and has run his own computer sales and service business for several years. He added that a formal candidacy announcement will be made next week at the American Legion post in Lehigh Acres.

The Richter candidacy is very much a family affair at this point. Joseph Richter said that Keith's sister, Rose Govanus, will be campaign manager, her duties for a Lee County radiology service permitting.

Both incumbents ran unopposed in the 2006 general elections. But in March, Grant announced that he would seek the District 23 Senate seat now held by Lisa Carlton, who is retiring upon reaching her term limit.

Now, Grant will square off in the January primary against an old House colleague, Nancy Detert, who represented District 70, including Venice and other parts of Sarasota County.
This left Grant's District 71 seat without an incumbent. Port Charlotte funeral director Ken Roberson, runner-up to Kreegel in the 2004 Republican primary, filed in May for Grant's House seat.

You can e-mail Bob Fliss at bfliss@sun-herald.com.
http://www.sun-herald.com/DSNewsstory.cfm?pubdate=082407&story=tp2de2.htm&folder=NewsArchive4

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Lehigh planner seeks state House By news-press.com Staff Originally posted on August 23, 2007

Lehigh Acres resident Keith Richter — a member of the Lehigh Community Planning Corporation — announced his candidacy late Tuesday for the state House of Representatives, District 72 seat.

Richter, a Republican, owns Computer Solutions of Southwest Florida Inc. and is a former public school teacher in Lee, Glades, and Hendry counties. He is teaching at Hodges University in Fort Myers.

Paige Kreegle, also a Republican, from Punta Gorda, now represents the district. It includes parts of Lee and Charlotte counties.Richter, who is married and has three children, said he made his decision to run for the seat after talking it over with his family.

With growth, taxation and insurance issues on people's minds, Richter said he believes he can work with the other elected officials to find practical solutions that make sense.Richter is a graduate of Riverdale High School in east Fort Myers and received a bachelor of arts degree from the University of South Florida and a master's degree in mathematics from Canterbury University.

He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps for six years and is a disabled veteran. He served a term on the Lee County Board of Veterans Affairs from 1994-98. He is a member of American Legion Post 323, and an active life member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 94.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

News Star 8/22/07 http://www.lehighnewsstar.com/

Lehigh resident announces candidacy for State House seatBy MARK S. KRZOS mkrzos@news-press.com Originally posted on August 22, 2007

Lehigh Acres resident Keith Richter — a member of the Lehigh Community Planning Corporation — announced his candidacy late Tuesday for the State House of Representatives, District 72 seat.

Richter owns Computer Solutions of Southwest Florida Inc. and is a former public school teacher in Lee, Glades, and Hendry counties and is currently teaching at Hodges University in Fort Myers.Richter, who is married and has three children, said he made his decision to run for the seat after talking it over with his family.With growth, taxation and insurance issues on people's minds, Richter said he believes he can work with the other elected officials to find practical solutions that make sense to all citizens.

Richter is a graduate from Riverdale High School in Fort Myers and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida He also served in the U.S. Marine Corp for six years and is a disabled veteran. He served a term on the Lee County Board of Veteran Affairs from 1994-1998. He is currently a member of American Legion Post 323, and an active life member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 94.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

Lehigh Acres Citizen 8/22/07 www.lehighacrescitizen.com

Resident throws hat in race for District 72 House race

Lehigh Acres resident Keith Richter announced today his candidacy for State House of Representatives, District 72. Paige Kreegel currently is the current representative.

Richter, a 1986 graduate of Riverdale High School, is active in the community as a member of the Lehigh Acres Community Planning Corp. and the Lehigh Spring Festival committee. He received a Bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida.

Richter also presently is teaching at Hodges University in Fort Myers.He served in the U.S. Marine Corp for six years and is a disabled veteran. Richter also served a term on the Lee County Board of Veteran Affairs from 1994 to 1998. He is a member of American Legion Post 323, and an active life member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 94.

Richter owns Computer Solutions of Southwest Florida Inc.,and as a businessman, he said he understands the continuing challenges that face all Florida businesses, especially the ones in District 72. See Wednesday's Citizen for more about Richter and his campaign.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72

The Lehigh Acres resident Keith Richter is announcing his candidacy for State House of Representatives, District 72.

Richter is married to Maria for more than 20 years. The couple has three children: David, (18); Cynthanie Rose, (14) and Elric Phalen, (10). He served in the U.S. Marine Corp for six years and is a disabled veteran. Richter also served a term on the Lee County Board of Veteran Affairs from 1994-1998. He is currently a member of American Legion Post 323, and an active life member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 94.

Richter owns Computer Solutions of Southwest Florida Inc. As a businessman, he said he understands the continuing challenges that face all Florida businesses, especially the ones here, in District 72. As a father of school-age children, Richter said he knows all too well that education is the foundation for a bright future – not just for the children educated, but for the community as well. “After talking with my wife and kids, we decided this is something I should do.” He said he believes leadership on a different scale is the key to this race for the citizens in District 72. With growth, taxation and insurance issues evident in all media coverage in Florida constantly, Richter said he believes he can work with the other elected officials, local or statewide, civic leaders and other citizen groups to identify problems and find practical solutions that make sense to all citizens.

Richter, as a former public school teacher in Lee, Glades, and Hendry counties has stated, “We must continue the struggle providing a first-class education for our children not only because they deserve it, but also because the communities in which they will live and serve will prosper from this.” Richter said education is a key element for continued success through the district. He said he will be a staunch supporter providing a strong voice to compel the Florida legislature to make education a number one priority. Richter said, as an educator, he is extremely familiar with the challenges and opportunities education provides. He said a well educated present student population will become an asset for the community in the future. He is a graduate from Riverdale High School in Fort Myers (1986); received a BA form University of South Florida; also presently is teaching at Hodges University in Fort Myers.

Richter is a former operations supervisor for a large civil/geo engineering firm, spending years learning about the development and construction methods for various forms of road building in Southwest Florida, key knowledge for understanding growth issues in the area.

Richter’s civic experience includes a term on the Lee County Board of Veteran Affairs from 1994-1998; a board member of the Lehigh Spring Festival since 1995 and on the Lehigh Community Planning Corporation since 2005.

For more information see http://www.richterforflorida.com/ (coming soon)
or call Keith Richter’s campaign staff at 239-634-6667

Email keithrichtercampaign08@gmail.com

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72