Over the past few
weeks, I have received requests from a number of people seeking advice about
the upcoming elections. Rather than continue to respond individually, I have
decided to highlight a few key local races. I am staying away from the top of
the ticket races. If you are motivated enough to vote, you have probably
decided which candidates you are supporting in the governor’s race, cabinet
elections, and for congress. Also, if you are seeking my advice, you probably
have a pretty good idea of who I would recommend. But here are my thoughts
on some of the other races you will find on your ballot:
Sarasota County Commission, District Two: ALEXANDRA COE
I haven’t met Ms.
Coe but we have been in touch a couple of times. She is a New College alum,
business woman, organic gardener and a long time resident of Sarasota County.
Her campaign is stressing ethics, environmental protections and sustainable
development. While I don’t agree with her on everything I think she would bring
an important new voice to the commission and would be an approachable
representative. I had been supporting my friend Steve McAllister’s write-in
candidacy but he recently decided to support Ms. Coe. So do I. http://www.alexandracoe.com
Sarasota County Commission, District 4: RAY PORTER
I was on the
campaign trail in 2008 and so was Ray. We got to know one another a little and
have stayed in loose touch. Ray is a solid citizen and moderate in his vision. Over
the course of this campaign he has begun to find his voice. I have a lot of
confidence in Ray and think he would be a hard working and ethical
commissioner.
School Board Member District 1: KEN MARSH
I used to be
active in the Sarasota County Civic League, as was Ken. We would talk at
lunch and I was always amazed at how many projects he was involved with. We
have Ken to thank for much of the infrastructure improvements in our school
district over the past decade or so. Ken also has a true understanding of
budget issues. Ken Marsh is exactly the type of person we should want to serve
on the school board. He has earned this election. http://kenmarshforschoolboard.com
Second DCA Judicial Retention: YES on Judges ALTENBERND,
SILBERMAN and SLEET.
In Florida, our
appellate judges appear on the ballot every six years. This is an opportunity
for the voters to remove judges who are corrupt or incompetent. It would be
rare to recommend a No vote, even when I don’t like the judge. We really don’t
want to further politicize the judiciary and it is a slippery slope to
recommend a no vote against a judge because I disagree with their rulings.
Judge Sleet is a new judge and has earned the opportunity to serve a full term.
Judges Altenbernd and Silberman have served for a long time and I am a little
more hesitant to endorse them. I am
frustrated by the fact that the judges of the Second DCA only explain their
rulings in about one out of ten cases. But I can’t necessarily attribute this
policy solely to these judges. For more information, you can go here: http://www.floridabar.org/TheVotesInYourCourt
Constitutional Amendments:
In a perfect world,
or in a state with a functioning legislature, the constitution should provide
the framework for government and not specify policy. Unfortunately the Florida
Legislature does not respond to the needs of the people nor care about the future
of the state. Therefore, our constitution allows the people to pursue citizen
initiatives when the legislature fails to act.
Amendment One: YES
I was born in
Florida in 1961 and have watched large portions of the state disappear to
development. In recent years the pace of destruction has sped up. We are facing
an imminent water crisis. The legislature's response has been to defund
preservation programs and remove necessary regulations. Amendment One will
make preservation a priority by dedicating a portion of the excise document tax
to purchase land to put into trust. If you care at all about the future of this
state, this is an easy yes vote.
Amendment Two: YES
The main criticism
of Amendment Two is that somehow the standards for medical marijuana will be
too loose. Honestly I wish the Amendment went further than it does. However, I think allowing marijuana use under medical
supervision seems like a good starting point. The Colorado experience has already
demonstrated that the recreational use of marijuana can be taxed and
successfully regulated without any major problems. I am a major proponent of
criminal justice reform and don’t want to visit anyone else in jail who was
using marijuana for whatever reason.
Amendment Three: NO
This sneaky
little amendment will allow the outgoing governor to make Supreme Court and
other judicial appointments. This is just terrible public policy, no matter
your political preference. Of course it was the legislature who put this on the
ballot. Vote No.
Sarasota Charter Review Board:
District 1: VALERIE
BUCHAND – I know Valerie and she is a great voice for the people.
District 2: VICKI
NIGHSWANDER
District 3:
JENNIFER COHEN—Jennifer ran a good race for county commissioner a couple of
years ago. She is hard working and trustworthy.
District 4: SHAWNA
MACHADO—I got to know Shawna through my work with the Suncoast Partnership to
End Homelessness. Shawna was a homeless student at U.S.F. who overcame
adversity to become a community leader. She and I have given talks on homelessness
together. Quite simply, Shawna is one of the best people I know.
District 5: BRUCE
DILLON—Bruce is very active with the Nokomis Area Civic Association.
Sarasota Soil and Water Conservation District: MATT WOODALL
I know Matt and he
is a good guy and a hard worker.
