Veronica Shoemaker is a hybrid, both businesswoman and politician.

It's not that the respective skill sets in each field of endeavor exist separately but equally in her. No, they are merged so closely into one skill set that sometimes you think she's talking about business when she's really talking about politics, or you think she's talking politics and she isn't ... or is she? And she'll ask you, "Do you know what I mean?" and you'll nod, "yes," although the depth of her meaning may not become apparent for days.

Take, for example, her essential business observations. She is a florist, the founder and owner of the 25-year-old Veronica Shoemaker Florist and Gift Shop at 3510 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Fort Myers. She tells of providing similar floral arrangements for two different people. "Same price, same designer, same beauty, but they may look at it differently and ask 'Why are yours so beautiful and mine so different?'" she says. "There is a negativeness and a positiveness put on what you say and do."

Then Shoemaker, the powerful, vocal member of the Fort Myers City Council, continues, "Make decisions you can feel comfortable with. You can't please everybody." She lowers her voice. "I don't let anyone sway me in a council vote, and I don't compromise."

Then, earnestly, she asks, "Do you know what I mean?"

A Growing Business

In 1974, when Shoemaker opened her florist shop, things were a mess. Government price freezes were a recent memory. Inflation was devaluing cash so fast it made the 20 percent interest some banks were ramping up to seem reasonable. And Fort Myers was smaller, poorer and more remote -- seemingly the last link in coastal Florida's tourism food chain. "A very challenging time for finances, getting set-up and getting established, " Shoemaker recalls. "Just getting the necessities took a lot."

The building, for one, was not properly equipped. "We had to remodel that building to comply with a florist's needs, with walk-in coolers, and all the things it takes to take care of flowers."

Even information from networking or operational models was sparse. "It was a very secretive business," she says. "No one would share that information. You had to get it on your own, or you didn't get it."

Shoemaker applied common sense rules to her business-building efforts. "Courtesy," she points out, "You must have it.

"And count everything, every item. You pay for them one by one. Each must be costed out, and priced out."

For a number of years, Shoemaker leased her building, but 12 years ago, she decided to build her own. "A most important part," she boasts. "We always wanted our own building that says we are successful [and] we are able to build." The building was specially constructed, following guidelines from FTD, the floral industry association. "It was the proper way."

At the time, in 1987, networked computers used as comprehensive point-of-sale terminals were not widely accepted by florists. Shoemaker, however, wanted to be sure her building would age well, to avoid the expensive retro fitting that she knew would plague other mature retailers. "We had our electricians put computer lines in, at the time not knowing for sure that computers would come in. Very modern," she chuckles.

Many others weren't so foresighted. "When we first opened, a lot of shops then were booming downtown," she says. "A lot of them have gone out of business since I've been here. But we prevailed."

Seeding A Future

Shoemaker has also prevailed in evolving her neighborhood through civic activism. She currently holds membership in 26 organizations including the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, the Palm City Senior Citizens Homes and even the Dunbar Little League. Of course, she is also a very visible member of Fort Myers City Council, the first African-American woman ever to be elected to that body.

And maybe, just maybe, Veronica Shoemaker could be the city's next mayor.

"I'm looking at it very closely. I have about six months," she says.

"Name recognition is always a great benefit, and your years of service to a community has a lot to do with it." She lists some accomplishments: the redevelopment of Dunbar, the revitalization of downtown Fort Myers and the new US Federal Building. "It's more than just sitting and talking, the changes we have brought about," she says.

Being active -- and sometimes controversial -- in her community is not always good for business. First, there are the time constraints. As a small business owner, sometimes, if you don't do the work, it doesn't get done. "It can take a great effect on what you're doing, especially if your are involved in employing yourself with a full-time business," she says. "Being active, you can't always be here."

And there is always the politics. "A lot of stands and decisions we take may not be popular."

Having two simultaneous careers can be tough. "Sometimes it can help, sometimes it can hurt."

Shoemaker maintains that the philosophical contrast between herself and the current mayor is not the reason behind her possible run for the office. "I'm not running against anyone," she says. "My position would be [that] I am seeking the position of mayor. You try to keep it as clean as possible. When you go running 'against,' you get to slinging mud.

"My political principles are very simple." She lists, "Keep yourself clean, make no compromise, stand firm on what you believe, and don't give in to anyone. The people placed you in office because they trust you. You must continue to keep that trust.

"Yes, my mind, my goals still continue to focus on seeking the mayorship."

Optimism Reigns

Predictably, Shoemaker is high on the future of her neighborhood and of Fort Myers. She is optimistic about the imminent widening of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and a new shopping center. She says downtown Fort Myers is expanding very well.

"It [expansion] has a way of letting me know more people," she says. "A lot of the businesses that are coming in -- the growth -- is going to be good for the redevelopment of the city and Lee County as a whole.

"From where I sit, I see nothing but good coming to our community.

She pauses, and adds, "New developments are coming." Again, is she talking about business or politics?

"I see nothing but the very best," she says.

"Do you know what I mean?"