City of Punta Gorda, FL
03/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/28/2024 13:18
Mayor Lynne R. Matthews Honored with 2024 Home Rule Hero Award
Mayor Lynne R. Matthews Honored with 2024 Home Rule Hero Award
City of Punta Gorda official recognized for advocacy efforts during the 2024 Legislative Session
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Melissa Reichert
[email protected] (941) 575-3394
City of Punta Gorda, FL - The Florida League of Cities (FLC), the united voice for Florida's municipal governments, recently recognized Punta Gorda Mayor, Lynne R. Matthews with a 2024 Home Rule Hero Award for their hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2024 Legislative Session. Matthews worked tirelessly throughout session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the Home Rule powers of Florida's municipalities and advance the League's legislative agenda.
"The dedication and effort of these local officials who tirelessly advocated for local decision-making was a difference-maker this legislative session," said FLC Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. "On behalf of the League and its legislative team, we're proud to recognize each of them and thank them for their service."
Home Rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently responded to the League's request to reach out to members of the Legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue.
Mayor Matthews expresses, "It is very important that cities in the State remain vigilant throughout the legislative session, so that elected officials can engage with the State legislature representatives. It is especially important that the elected City officials convey their support and/or opposition to various bills that could impact revenue streams, legislative authority or reductions in Home Rule jurisdiction. I am truly humbled for being selected for the FLC Home Rule Hero award"
Now serving her fourth term as an elected Council member, this year serving as Mayor, she is an active member of the Punta Gorda Chamber, Charlotte County Chamber, Economic Development Partnership, Florida League of Cities, Peace River Women's Forum and Punta Gorda Boaters Alliance. She is also a voting member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Southwest Florida League of Cities.