advertisement

SSN on Facebook SSN on Twitter SSN on YouTube RSS Feed

Politics

RPOF Chairman Dave Bitner Praised for Courage, Professionalism

September 7, 2011 - 6:00pm

Statements of praise and condolence poured in from longtime allies and even political foes Thursday as word spread that Republican Party of Florida Chairman and veteran of Florida politics David Bitner has passed away after a months-long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

He was 63.

The former state representative died at his Monticello home a week after he announced he would be stepping down at the upcoming Presidency 5 summit.

RPOF Vice Chairman Lenny Curry announced the news in a statement Thursday morning.

"With sadness and a heavy heart, I must report that Florida has lost a great leader and public servant," Curry wrote.

Asking "all Floridians to join me in offering our thoughts and prayers for Dave and his remarkable wife Wendy," Curry wrote, "I watched as Wendy was the embodiment of love and compassion. I pray that Dave enjoy the peace that comes from our God, and that Wendy feel Gods love and strength in this time of grief."

As for the state Republican Party, Curry said it has been "the honor of a lifetime to work by Chairman Bitners side," since the two were elected at the party's annual meeting last winter.

"Not only was Dave a born leader, he was an exemplary man in every sense. In honor of his example, I am committed to ensure that the Republican Party of Florida continues its tradition of service to our beloved state," Curry said.

Others saluted Bitner's professionalism and courage in battling the illness, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, stated: Today our thoughts and prayers are with Wendy, Jennifer and the entire Bitner family as they mourn this great loss.

Chairman Bitner led our party with great distinction. His courage in the face of tremendous personal pain and suffering is the mark of a man of great character and the embodiment of a heart of service to a cause greater than self.

Chairman Bitner touched the lives of so many Floridians during his many years of public service in the Florida House as well as during his tenure as the leader of our party. While we all share in this loss, we can take comfort in our faith that a loving God has ended Daves suffering and called him home to rest in peace.

Senate Majority Leader Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando: The impact of Dave Bitners life will remain in the hearts and minds of the countless people he touched in his lifetime. Ive admired Dave since meeting him in the Legislature when I served as a young aide. He was a true friend and has always been a man of great character and integrity.

As his health declined, Daves dedication to his role as party chairman took remarkable courage and resolve. His loss leaves a hole in our hearts, and I pray that his family finds strength and comfort at this time. I feel blessed to have known him and will miss him deeply.

Doug Guetzloe, a longtime Republican Party activist and consultant: "I join my Republican colleagues in saluting the courage and integrity of Dave Bitner. His battle was a profile in courage and an inspiration to anyone who has faced similar challenges.

"Godspeed, Dave Bitner."

Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith: Throughout his entire career, Chairman Bitner was a tireless advocate for the people of Florida and the state and party he dearly loved. His strength of character and dedication were respected by all who knew and worked with him, even those of us on the opposing side. His memory will not be forgotten. With a heavy heart, we send our thoughts and prayers to his family.

Born in Hagerstown, Md., Bitner grew up on a farm and graduated from North Hagerstown High School. Even late into his life, Bitner prided himself on keeping farm hours by reporting to work early and staying late.

Bitner relocated to Southwest Florida and served for many years as the general manager of the Port Charlotte-based Charlotte Sun-Herald.

Dave came to work with the free weekly when we had only four employees, said Derek Dunn-Rankin, chairman of the Suncoast Media Group.He was the key player in building it into a significant daily newspaper.

In 1990, Bitner sold his interest in the newspaper and joined Wendy in starting Sun Specialties, a provider of company promotional products and business gifts. In 1992, he was elected as a state representative from District 71.

As a lawmaker, Bitner helped pass tort reform bills, stricter penalties for criminals, and tax cuts.

One of his key legislative accomplishments was sponsoring Floridas name change law, ensuring the record of prisoners incarcerated under one name and released under another reflected their complete criminal record.

In Charlotte County, Bitner remained active as president of the Charlotte County Cultural Center, president of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Charlotte County chapter of Big Brothers & Big Sisters and the YMCA. He was also involved in local high school booster programs.

During his first two terms in the Florida House, Bitner served in the minority, but helped the Republican Party gain the majority in the Florida House in his third and fourth terms under Speakers Daniel Webster and John Thrasher.

In 1994, Bitner was honored by the Florida Homebuilders Association as Legislator of the Year. The Florida Economic Development Council followed suit, naming him "Legislator of the Year" in 1997.

He was also recognized by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges as an Outstanding Legislator and by the University of Florida for his Dedication, Leadership and Support of Higher Education.

In 2000, Bitner was asked by then-Gov. Jeb Bush to travel the state and campaign for "George W. Bush for President." Throughout the campaign, Bitner traveled across Florida to knock on doors, attend rallies and make phone calls, playing a critical role as a liaison between the Bush campaign and the 67 Republican Executive Committee members throughout Florida.

Following his tenure as a state representative, Bitner, joined by Wendy, relocated to the Tallahassee area and founded the government consulting firm Bitner & Associates.

While Bitners love for politics drove him to serve as a lawmaker, baseball was his second passion. While at Bitner & Associates, he represented major league teams, including his beloved Baltimore Orioles.

Bitner is credited with helping keep several major league baseball teams in Florida for spring training and also helping to lure the Tampa Bay Rays to his former home of Port Charlotte for spring training in 2008.

Since leaving the statehouse, Bitner remained active in Republican Party politics as a Jefferson County precinct committeeman and a member of the Jefferson County Republican Executive Committee.

During his brief tenure as RPOF chairman, Bitner traveled the state extensively, meeting with local Republican clubs and helping to unify the party. He also worked to honor Floridas nearly 250,000 military veterans through the Greatest Generation Tour across Florida.

In addition to Wendy, his wife of 20 years, he is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Blackburn of North Port; three sisters, Debbie Poff of Sarasota, Darlene Muse of Winter Haven and Dawn Lewis of Hagerstown; a brother, Don Bitner of Tallahassee; mother-in-law, Sandie Checchia of Port Charlotte and father-in-law, Damian (Lisa) Wojdula of Englewood; brother-in-law, Steven Wojdula of Venice; grandchildren, Kelly Plueger, Dylan Hixson, Amanda Blackburn and Bob Blackburn; and a great grandson, Phoenix Plueger.

Service is pending.?In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to JOY (Jefferson Outreach for?Youth Inc.),P.O. Box 206, Lloyd, FL 32337. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.comto sign the memory book and extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.

Contact Kenric Ward at kward@sunshinestatenews.com or (772) 801-5341.

Comments are now closed.

politics
advertisement
advertisement
Live streaming of WBOB Talk Radio, a Sunshine State News Radio Partner.

advertisement