Page 40 - August 2016 Life In Naples Magazine

Gina Hahn

by Sandra Lee Buxton Life in Naples | August • September • October 2016

P olitics. The word itself can evoke a visceral response and
at times, well let’s call it a spirited discussion. Now if you
want to talk politics then join friends for dinner, if you want
to learn about politics then talk to Gina Hahn. She is not
only a local legend but is known and well respected on the State and
National level. Her interest in the political process became apparent
as a young girl while watching her father’s involvement in local
government. She began her “political career” as a school girl assisting
her father with small tasks, learned quickly, developed her own style,
and found her niche. Her heavy duty involvement began during the
Barry Goldwater campaign for President in 1964 as she volunteered
for the Republican party and served as an active supporter during
his candidacy. Gina stayed busy with local politics and as a young
mother of five balanced her home responsibilities and community
service while running successful businesses with her now deceased
husband Richard.

Gina moved to Naples full time in 1978 and jumped head first
into the political white waters. A few of her accomplishments will
be shared but frankly the list is too extensive to name them all. She
has served as Editor of the Newsletter “Trunkline”, been President of
the Woman’s Republican Club of Naples Federated, Collier County
State Committeewoman, Republican National Convention Delegate,
and served on Presidential Campaigns for Goldwater, Reagan, Bush,
and Giuliani, and named Volunteer of the Year. Gina has attended
local celebrations for elected officials, Governor and Presidential
Ball(s), with an “S” since there have been many. Respected for her
professionalism, her commitment, knowledge and rock solid problem
solving, her skills have been sought after by those that most of us only
read about or see on TV.

So how did this petite soft spoken Lady (white gloves and all)
become who she is. Gina credits her parents who were excellent role
models providing a foundation on how to live life, and she mirrored
their work ethic. This Jersey girl, moved with her parents to her
father’s native Italy where she lived between the ages of 2-10.

Having an Italian father and a Swiss mother provided life
experiences and an expanded world view during formative years.
Living in the Italian countryside, with a culture where everyone is
family, developed her character as a positive person who sees the best
in others. She and her family left Italy to return stateside just before
War was declared in Europe. Since her father had not yet become an
American citizen the family was placed in an internment camp until
they were processed and then allowed to return to New Jersey. Her

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