Voter Guide

VOTER

GUIDE

2012

THE OBSERVERS: EAST COUNTY LONGBOAT SARASOTA & PELICAN PRESS

Do you really know where the manatee and Sarasota candidates stand on the issues?

Our Voter Guide will help you choose.

Oct. 18, 2012

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Table of Contents

TOWARD AN INFORMED ELECTORATE

Matt Walsh Editor

“Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.”

Thomas Jefferson Jan. 8, 1789 The above is Jefferson’s famous quote about the importance of having an informed electorate. Our Voter Guide is our contribution toward that end — to help enlighten you perhaps more than you are about the candidates who will be listed on your ballot.

In the following 26 pages, you’ll find a series of Q&As with 32 local candidates competing for office in areas covered by our newspapers in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

As they say at Fox News, it’s “fair and balanced” — it really is. We interviewed the candidates and asked each of them the same questions — in person and in

questionnaires. Each was allotted the same number of words in his or her response.

And in this swirl of 24/7 digital media, we added another dimension this year: online candidate videos.

As you peruse this section, you’ll see a colored box at the end of some of the candidates’ interviews. They indicate the candidate also has a video on our website at YourObserver.com/voterguide2012.

Let’s be clear: We gave the candidates the option to purchase these videos.

Here’s the thinking: Each candidate could have up to two minutes to make his or her pitch to voters, to say whatever he or she wanted.

This is a benefit to both — the candidates and voters. Even if the videos are only two minutes, in that time candidates can give voters a small sense of who they are. Likewise, voters who don’t know the candidates personally can get the same sense about the candidates.

This is valuable. Particularly in light of the recent vice presidential debate.

Many commentators said if you simply read the transcript of the Joe Biden-Paul Ryan debate, many voters likely would conclude Biden was the winner. But if you watch the debate, you saw a lot about Biden’s personal character that doesn’t come through in print. And we all know: Character matters. Nuance matters.

Having sat through the interviews over the past few weeks with our region’s candidates, we can tell you two things for sure: 1) We are indeed more enlightened about the candidates. Several of the interviews prompted us to rethink some preconceived ideas.

2) It was reassuring to see so much passion and patriotism; to see how all of the candidates are motivated to serve to make their community, their state and their country a better place to live.

U.S. Congress, DISTRICT 16....................3 Keith Fitzgerald, D Vern Buchanan, R

manatee commission, D-5................ 18 James Golden, D Vanessa Baugh, R

FLORIDA SENATE, DISTRICT 26..............4 Paula House, D Bill Galvano, R

manatee commission, D-1................ 19 Corie Holmes, D Larry Bustle, R

FLORIDA HOUSE, DISTRICT 71................6 Adam Tebrugge, D Jim Boyd, R

manatee clerk of courts.............. 20 Annamarie Reithmiller, WRI R.B. Chips Shore, R

FLORIDA HOUSE, DISTRICT 72................7 Liz Alpert, D Ray Pilon, R

man. supervisor of elections.... 22 Charles Williams, D Mike Bennett, R

FLORIDA HOUSE, DISTRICT 73................8 Bob McCann, NPA Greg Steube, R

manatee school board.................... 23 Dave ‘Watchdog’ Miner, NPA Robert Moates, NPA

STATE ATTORNEY....................................... 10 John Torraco, D Ed Brodsky, R

voter snapshot...................................... 24

SARASOTA COUNTY COMMISSION 11 Jennifer Cohen, D Christine Robinson, R sarasota hospital board.............. 12 Teresa Carafelli, D Alex Miller, R sarasota charter review............ 13 District 2 Donna Barcomb, R Alexandra Coe, Lib. District 5............................................................. 17 John Fellin, R Kevin Connelly, NPA

E. MANATEE FIRE COMMISSIONER 25 James D. Bon Ami Alison Breiter Center sample ballots....................................... 26 MY VIEW........................................................... 28 Joe Gruters Rita Ferrandino

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U.S. House of Representatives, District 16 Keith Fitzgerald, Democrat

Vern Buchanan, Republican

If you controlled Congress, what specific steps would you take to balance the annual federal budget?

The budget process in Congress needs to be redesigned. I support combining the Appropriations and Finance Committees together into a singular Budget Committee. Members of the Budget Committee should be responsible for meeting planned and justifiable budget targets.

We need to get control of health-care costs, one of the single, greatest drivers of the federal budget deficit. Furthermore, Congress must end porkbarrel spending, including pork-barrel spending in the military budget and permanently end earmark spending.

If you controlled Congress, what specific people to comply. The IRS says the aversteps would you take to balance the anage person spends more than 21 hours nual federal budget? to fill out the forms. Compliance costs Washington’s irresponsible pattern taxpayers billions of dollars every year. of borrowing and spending has put our I support a simpler, fairer, flatter tax country on a road to bankruptcy. That’s code that promotes economic growth. why the first bill I introduced in Congress in 2005 was a Balanced Budget AmendWill you support the repeal of Obamment to the Constitution. It simply acare? What, if any, proposals would you demands that the federal make instead? government stops spending I have voted to repeal more than it takes in.

Obamacare.

Forty-nine out of 50 states, Although I support proviincluding our home state sions that provide coverage for of Florida, have balancedpre-existing conditions and budget requirements. Why allow children to stay on their should Washington be any parents’ policies, Obamacare different? needs to be repealed and The time has come to put replaced with common-sense aside partisanship and make reforms that lower the cost the tough choices necessary of health care, including tort to balance the budget for reform, competition across taxpayers today and future state lines and association generations.

BIRTHPLACE: Inkster, health plans.

I also introduced legislaMich. tion to prevent members of What would you propose AGE: 61 Congress from getting a pay to make Medicare and Social FAMILY: Married, raise until they do their job Security solvent for future spouse: Sandy; two and balance the budget. generations? sons, 30 and 28.

Finally, it has been over We must keep our promise EDUCATION: Cleary three years since Congress to seniors by preserving and University, B.B.A.; has even passed a budget. protecting Social Security and Master’s Business That is why I co-sponsored Medicare for today’s retirees Administration, legislation that simply says and for future generations.

University of Detroit; no budget, no pay.

The Social Security trust Honorary Doctorate of fund, which will provide assisSeven tax rates are expect- Science in Business tance to more than 45 million Administration, Cleary ed to increase Jan. 1 unless people in 2012, will be unable University Congress acts. 1) If elected, under current trends to fulfill will you vote to stop those PROFESSIONAL its obligations in 2033, three increases. 2) Will you take the CAREER years earlier than projected HIGHLIGHTS: Americans for Tax Reform last year. pledge not to increase taxes if U.S. representative The Medicare trustees have you are elected or re-elected? 2007-present, House warned that Medicare, which Ways and Means If not, why not? will provide health insurance Committee 2011 The last thing Congress to more than 50 million elto present; founder, should do in an economic derly and disabled Americans Buchanan Enterprises; this year, is expected to start downturn is raise taxes. chairman, Florida But Americans in every tax operating in the red in its largChamber of Commerce est fund in 2024. bracket will be hit on Jan. 1 and Greater Sarasota with the largest tax increase We need to work in a bisince WWII if we don’t extend Chamber of Commerce; partisan effort to strengthen director, U.S. Chamber Social Security and Medicare current rates. of Commerce. Inducted in a manner that treats all We should let workinto the Tampa Bay ing families keep more of generations fairly.

Business Hall of Fame their money to invest in the The House budget approved in 2005. economy and help small in March allows private plans FUN FACT: I bicycle businesses grow, not punto compete alongside the 80 miles a week. ish them with job-killing tax traditional Medicare plan. increases.

Seniors can keep traditional My pledge to my constituMedicare or switch to a private ents is to oppose higher taxes on small plan that better meets their needs. businesses and working Americans.

The savings from private competition will drive down health costs and preserve If you are asked to raise the national the Medicare program for future generadebt ceiling, how will you vote? What tions. specific steps do you recommend to reduce the national debt?

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said an For too long, both parties have turned a expected $600 billion in defense cuts over blind eye to our government’s budgetary 10 years beginning in 2013 “will tear a mess. I voted last year for legislation to seam in the nation’s defense” and “lead to cut more than $2 trillion in spending and a hollow force incapable of sustaining the avoid the nation’s first default in history. missions it is assigned.” What is your posiI was disappointed that the super tion on this and defense spending? committee failed to do its job and report The most important role of the federal bipartisan legislation to cut an additional government is to protect our national $1.2 trillion. security. We need to provide our troops It is time to put an end to the irresponwith the resources necessary to defend sible spending policies that have created our country. a mountain of debt for our children and I believe these cuts should be replaced grandchildren. with targeted cuts, which is what I voted for earlier this year. There is waste in deThe federal tax code is 72,536 pages. fense we can cut. For example, I voted in 2011 to cut the second engine for the F-35.

What specific proposals would you make or endorse to change the federal tax code?

If Israel strikes Iran’s nuclear plants, We need comprehensive tax reform to what would you recommend the United get Americans working again and get our States’ response should be? economy back on track. That includes Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle lowering the top tax rates for both individuals and small businesses and eliminating East. I support Israel’s right to defend itself. loopholes that allow some businesses to pay little or no taxes.

Seven tax rates are expected to increase Jan. 1 unless Congress acts. If elected, will you vote to stop those increases; 2) will you take the Americans for Tax Reform pledge not to increase taxes if you are elected or re-elected?

If not, why not?

1) I would vote to maintain tax breaks for middle-class families and allow the Bush tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy to expire. 2) No. I will only make pledges directly to the people of Sarasota and Manatee counties.

companies. While hard-working families are paying high prices at the pump, oil companies are making record profits and still collecting billions in tax breaks.

• Prohibit tax deductions for companies that ship jobs overseas. Our tax code allows a tax deduction for companies to ship jobs overseas. This is wrong, and we cannot have a tax code that promotes the outsourcing of American jobs.

• Abolish loopholes benefiting the ultra-wealthy.

Currently, there are loopholes in our tax code for yacht owners, corporate jet purchases and race horses.

We must go through our tax code and eliminate these and other reckless budget-busting deductions.

BIRTHPLACE:

Springfield, Ohio AGE: 55 FAMILY: Married, Angela; two children (twins), age 12 EDUCATION:

B.A., University of Louisville; Ph.D. Indiana University PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

Political science professor, New College of Florida, 18 years FUN FACT:

What is your position on a national flat tax?

We need simple, modestly graduated income taxes. These should be transparent enough that everyone understands what everyone pays.

Will you support the repeal of Obamacare? What, if any, proposals would you make instead?

Oppose. Mitt Romney has said he wants to retain most of what is in the Affordable Care Act. There is much work to be done to improve the legislation that passed, and we should drop the posturing and get on with the job of improving our health-care policies.

If you are asked to raise University of the national debt ceilLouisville Cardinals ing, how will you vote?

What would you propose basketball fan What specific steps do you to make Medicare and Social recommend to reduce the Security solvent for future national debt? generations?

The debt ceiling is not the real issue.

We must honor the commitments we The real issue is that Congress has to have made to our senior citizens who become competent at budgeting. The have already paid into Social Security immediate crisis in the next session will and Medicare. I will fight to protect be to end the sequestration debacle.

Social Security and Medicare and make That means we need an immediate, fissure that all retirees receive their full cally responsible effort to make a sound benefits. budget.

The fundamental driver in the MediMembers of both parties must work care budget is cost inflation in health together to avoid another debt-ceiling care. We must tackle the rising cost of crisis that led to the downgrading our health care to make Medicare solvent nation’s credit rating. We must stop the for future generations. Social Security waste, special-interest manipulation of does not face budgetary issues that mithe tax code and rein in out -of-control nor adjustments cannot solve. spending in Washington and begin to reduce our national debt.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said We must reform our tax code to elimian expected $600 billion in defense cuts nate unnecessary tax loopholes that benover 10 years beginning in 2013 “will efit special interests and the ultra-wealthy tear a seam in the nation’s defense” and and stop government waste, fraud and “lead to a hollow force incapable of abuse that is costing us billions. sustaining the missions it is assigned.”

What is your position on this and deThe federal tax code is 72,536 pages. fense spending?

What specific proposals would you Our defense spending must match make or endorse to change the federal our defense strategy. As we wind down tax code? the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we It is crucial to drastically simplify the can reduce defense spending in a discitax code. It is unnecessarily complex and plined way to keep the United States the riddled with special-interest loopholes. strongest military in the world.

We must simplify our tax code because The Pentagon has suggested modregular hard-working Americans don’t est cutbacks in military spending that have the luxury or resources to hire would amount to significant savings insiders and lobbyists with access to and would strengthen, not weaken, our Congress. Even President Reagan agreed military force. that we should “close the unproductive tax loopholes that allow some of the truly If Israel strikes Iran’s nuclear plants, wealthy to avoid paying their fair share.” what would you recommend the United Here are a few ways we can simplify States’ response should be? our tax code: American intelligence agencies doubt • Introduce legislation to offset tax that Israel has the strike capability to loopholes and deductions. Congress eliminate Iran’s nuclear program in a should have to approve individually all single strike. If Israel were to unilaterdeductions based on their merit and ally strike, the task of the United States fairness and performance. would be to prevent Iran from rebuild• Eliminate tax breaks for big oil ing their nuclear program.

What is your position on a national flat tax?

As this questionnaire noted, the current tax code is more than 70,000 pages long.

It takes too much time and money for

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Florida Senate, District 26 Paula House, Democrat

BIRTHPLACE: Tuscola, Ill. AGE: 62 FAMILY: Widow; two sons,

ages 33 and 36, one grandson, age 1.

EDUCATION: B.S., Communications, University of Illinois; teacher certification, University of South Maine; J.D., University of Maine School of Law; certification in mediation, University of Maine and University of South Florida.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Public

school teacher, administrator 1978-1985; public prosecutor, 1987-1989; private law practice 1989-current, managing my own business for more than 20 years. Admitted to practice law before the U.S Supreme Court, 1st Circuit Court of Appeals, State Courts of Maine and Florida; certified Florida mediator.

FUN FACT: Former church organist and avid equestrian.

What is your position on Citizens Property Insurance Co.? What role should the state play in insuring private property?

I support public options for those affected by global warming and extreme weather events. A larger picture needs to be developed by the state in terms of how to respond, perhaps including mechanisms for restitution where rebuilding (and new building) should not occur because of environmental concerns and high risk.

The state needs to formulate an approach to the dislocations that are likely to occur because of weather extremes and should provide support so that impacts will be minimized on individuals and the Florida economy.

What is your position on the state of Florida regulating property insurance rate increases and pricing?

It is the proper role of the state to regulate commerce based on needs and circumstances within the state.

Why should the state control property insurance rates when we know that this policy has restricted competition and limited the number of companies willing to sell property insurance here?

It will keep property insurance rates down.

What is your position on: 1) School choice and school vouchers? 2) Teacher tenure — in K-12 and the college level?

I am against using taxpayer money to start and fund private (including religious) schools.

The state should not interfere in contracted rights between teachers and employers.

What, in your view, is the proper role of

state government in public education?

The state has a role to insure that funding structures are in place, to set standards and policies, but not micro-manage. Local school districts should have input into standards and policies, especially when those standards and policies may be coming from out-of-state organizations with agendas of their own that are in conflict with the requirement in Florida to provide quality public education under the Florida Constitution. I am referring to the American Legislative Exchange Council and other out-of-state and well-organized influences.

What is your position on the FCATs? The test is being misused and changing education in a bad way.

What is your position on the state providing corporate welfare to companies that either expand or move to Florida?

How and why are these subsidies morally acceptable?

I am against “trickle up” — that is use of taxpayer dollars to subsidize private business, with some exceptions. There are some circumstances where subsidies or investments may be justified, such as where long-term growth of industries impacting the public welfare are affected or where safeguards of public investments through partial public ownership and good return may occur.

If elected, will you take the Americans for Tax Reform pledge not to increase taxes if you are elected or re-elected? If not, why not?

No. I don’t believe in advance pledges.

Florida has a very regressive tax system based primarily on consumption and use taxes that disproportionately hurts the

poor and middle class. Florida needs a more predictable and sustainable revenue stream.

Medicaid costs are increasing at almost double-digit annual rates. How do you think Florida should handle the growth in Medicaid?

By fully implementing the Affordable Care Act Medicaid provisions. For modest sums, 1.6 million people who now have no access to health care will have access; another 1.8 million people will qualify for subsidies to obtain health insurance.

Florida has no plan or ability to care for these people without the funding from the Affordable Care Act, which will bring $40 billion in health-care dollars into this state.

What will be your top three priorities if elected?

1) Repeal laws and/or drop appeals of laws that have been found to be illegal in Florida and other states, such as voter suppression, women’s ultrasound, drug testing for the poor, teacher contract interference, union contract interference, doctor’s free speech, etc.

2) End the giveaway of public assets to private companies for their profits, including school vouchers (except in some circumstances), prisons, hospitals and Medicaid privatizations; 3) Review the tax structure to find more dependable and consistent revenue streams, including review of the ways certain categories of corporations are not taxed while others may be subsidized unnecessarily.

Watch Ms. House’s candidate video at yourobserver.com/ voterguide2012

Honest.Honest.

Independent.

Independent.

Fighting for jobs.

Fighting for jobs.

Honest.

Independent.

Fighting for jobs.

www.VernBuchanan.com Paid for by Vern Buchanan for Congress

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Florida Senate, District 26 BILL GALVANO, Republican

What is your position on the state of Florida regulating property insurance rate increases and pricing?

There should be limited state oversight to prevent abuses; however, the rates should ultimately be determined by the market.

Why should the state control property insurance rates when we know that this policy has restricted competition and limited the number of companies willing to sell property insurance here?

Agree, the state should not control the rates, but should have limited oversight.

What is your position on: 1) School choice and school vouchers? 2) teacher tenure — in K-12 and the college level?

I support school choice and vouchers. I do not support teacher tenure.

What, in your view, is the proper role of state government in public education?

The state should fund education as a priority. The state should focus on graduating students, not just college ready, but with skills necessary to be attractive to the workforce.

What is your position on the FCATs?

We must always measure our progress to insure we are accomplishing our education objectives. I do believe that as long as we are measuring achievement, the FCAT does not have to be the only “yardstick.” In addition, the state should make sure the FCAT is measuring skills needed by job creators.

What is your position on the state providing corporate welfare to companies that either expand or move to Florida? How and why are these subsidies morally acceptable?

I do not support government picking winners or losers in business. Instead, I support creating a business friendly environment with fewer taxes and less regulations that all businesses, especially existing Florida businesses, can benefit from.

If elected, will you take the Americans for Tax Reform pledge not to increase taxes? If not, why not?

While I believe in lower taxes for individuals and businesses, I will not sign a pledge that can be misconstrued.

Medicaid costs are increasing at almost double-digit annual rates. How do you think Florida should handle the growth in Medicaid?

I support a cost-controlled, managed-care model for Medicaid.

What will be your top three priorities if elected?

1. Repeal unnecessary government regulation; 2. Cut spending; and 3. Reduce taxes.

BIRTHPLACE: Liberty, N.Y. AGE: 46 FAMILY: Spouse: Julie Anne

Forrester, 19 years; three children, ages 16, 13, 8 EDUCATION: Associate’s Degree, Manatee Community College, 1986; Bachelor’s Degree, Political Science, University of Florida, 1989; Juris Doctorate, University of Miami, School of Law, 1992 PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Grimes Goebel

Grimes Hawkins Gladfelter & Galvano, P.L., 1984-present.

I began with the firm in 1984 as an errand boy and janitor while working my way through school and paying for my education. In 1992, I became an associate attorney. In 1997, I became a partner of the firm. I was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2002.

I served four terms. In 20082010, I chaired the House Rules and Calendar Council.

FUN FACT: I am named after the late William R. Mote, benefactor of Mote Marine Laboratory.

Paid Political Advertisement, paid for and approved by Ray Pilon, Republican, for State Representative, District 72

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What is your position on Citizens Property Insurance Co.? What role should the state play in insuring private property?

While presently necessary, Citizens is the wrong approach in the long run. The state should address wind/reinsurance costs for the entire industry in Florida because those issues drive the premium cost in Florida.

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Florida House, District 71 Jim Boyd, Republican

What is your position on Citizens Propended. erty Insurance Co.? What role should the state play in insuring private property?

Will you take the Americans for Tax Citizens had helped bring stability Reform pledge not to increase taxes if you to our insurance market. The efforts to are elected or re-elected? If not, why not? “depopulate” Citizens have been scandalNo. The only pledge I will take is to ous, if not criminal, particularly the recent represent the citizens of Manatee and “loan” giveaways.

Sarasota counties to the best of The ongoing re-inspecmy abilities. tions are a scam designed to increase rates. The present Medicaid costs are increasboard of Citizens is doing the ing at almost double-digit will of the Legislature but is annual rates. How do you not responsive to consumers. think Florida should handle The private insurance market the growth in Medicaid? has failed the people of this We should implement the state, and the reinsurance Affordable Health Care Act. market is all but unregulated.

According to the Center on It may be that the state Budget and Policy Priorities, will need to have Citizens “Massachusetts’ experience write all windstorm policies with its health reform efforts and have the private market BIRTHPLACE: offers strong evidence that Tampa handle all other property expanding coverage under a AGE: 50 coverage. comprehensive health-reform plan can lead to sizable reducFAMILY: Spouse: What is your position on tions in state costs for uncomRegina; two adult the state of Florida regulatpensated care.” children ing property insurance rate By sharply reducing the numEDUCATION: B.A., increases and pricing? ber without health insurance, New College of State regulation of the Florida; J.D., Florida the Medicaid expansion will property insurance market reduce state and local costs for State University is absolutely essential. We hospital care for the uninsured.

College of Law need better regulation of the PROFESSIONAL reinsurance market and of What will be your top three CAREER managing general agents. priorities if elected?

HIGHLIGHTS: I will work to reduce governAssistant pubWhy should the state mental corruption and increase lic defender in control property insurance transparency. We must increase Manatee and rates when we know that public access to information by Sarasota counties this policy has restricted for 23 years. Owner/ building an online database of competition and limited the operator Tebrugge all state and local tax incentives. number of companies willI will work to require better Legal since 2009. ing to sell property insurance Adjunct professor reporting of campaign contrihere? butions. I will be an advocate at Stetson College I disagree with the premise of Law. Chairman for the people and institutions of this question. We should of this area. I will be the most of the Suncoast have better regulation. accessible and responsive reprePartnership to End Homelessness, 2009- sentative this area has ever seen.

What is your position on: I will look for comprehensive 2012. Host and 1) School choice and school solutions to property insurance, Co-producer of the vouchers; 2) Teacher tenure the foreclosure crisis and hometelevision program, — in K-12 and the college “Law and Sarasota.” lessness. We cannot tolerate level? vacant properties when families FUN FACT: I am I am against the use of are homeless. The propertynot accepting PAC taxpayer-funded vouchers insurance market must be made money, and I am to support private schools. limiting contributions accountable to consumers.

At the college and university to $100 per levels, tenure is an important tool to guarantee academic freedom and research. At the K-12 level, I support job security for our teachers.

Multiyear contracts should be available.

What is your position on Citizens Prop1) School choice and school vouchers? 2) erty Insurance Co.? What role should the Teacher tenure — in K-12 and the college state play in insuring private property? level?

Citizens Property Insurance should reI support school choice and vouchers. turn to being the market of last resort. Until Competition makes everything better. we get Citizens stable, it is unlikely more I also believe in public education. I’m insurers will come back to the market here. a product of public education. Still, the I am advocating for admore competition you have, equate rate increases being the better things will be. That’s charged at Citizens by area, critical for the education but our area should not be process. charge unnecessarily high As for tenure, we [the Legrates to make up for what is islature] eliminated tenure needed, say, in Miami-Dade, at the K-12 level, and I bewhere they need higher rate lieve that was a good thing. I increases to cover their expohave heard from parents and sure adequately. teachers over and over again Ultimately, property ought how hard it is to get rid of bad to be insured in the private teachers. If I do a bad job, then market. One possibility to I should be fired. get closer to that is to have As for eliminating tenure BIRTHPLACE: Citizens go back to what it at the college level, I haven’t Bradenton started out as — a wind storm studied that. I would like to AGE: 55 pool. study it more. But it’s the same FAMILY: Spouse: as with K-12, if someone is Sandy; daughter, 27; What is your position on not getting the job done, there son, 25 the state of Florida regulatshould be a mechanism to ing property insurance rate move that person out.

EDUCATION: B.S., increases and pricing? business/psycholConsumers need to under- ogy, Florida State What, in your view, is the stand that if property insurproper role of state governUniversity ance is more market-based, ment in public education?

PROFESSIONAL they would still be protected. CAREER I don’t support a big state The state Department of organization that dictates HIGHLIGHTS: Joined Insurance should oversee the the family insurance controls over the local schools. industry so that it maintains agency out of college. I want as much control as we its solvency, and then ultican being given to the districts.

Acquired with a partmately the market should set ner the business from the rates.

What is your position on the my uncle and later FCATs? started a commercial Why should the state We’re kind of phasing FCATs real estate brokerage. control property insurance In 1998, helped found out. I do support some type rates when we know that this Manatee River Bank, of end-of-course testing, but I policy has restricted competi- which merged with don’t know FCATs are the best tion and limited the number First America Bank. way to capture that.

Currently serve as of companies willing to sell vice chairman of First property insurance here?

What is your position on the America.

There is a reason for state state providing corporate welinvolvement in insurance fare to companies that either FUN FACT: In 1989, — the solvency and stabilexpand or move to Florida? while serving as ity of the companies insurHow and why are these subsithe vice mayor of ing property owners. But it dies morally acceptable?

Palmetto, I became shouldn’t be oppressive with mayor for two months I speak as an elected official regulations. to fill the vacancy left and as a business owner. I by the outgoing mayor. believe there is a place for What is your position on: incentives, but there needs to be strong accountability and measurement attached to them.

What is your position on the FCATs? We should not directly tie teacher compensation to FCAT results without considering other factors. Parents, teachers and the Legislature should work together to improve the FCATs and ensure that students receive a well-rounded education.

What is your position on the state providing corporate welfare to companies that either expand or move to Florida?

How and why are these subsidies morally acceptable?

I am dead set against this practice.

One of my top priorities will be to expose this welfare to the light of day so that it is Watch Mr. Tebrugge’s candidate video at yourobserver.com/ voterguide2012

James

Will you take the Americans for Tax Reform pledge not to increase taxes if you are elected or re-elected? If not, why not?

I’m a conservative businessman. My goal in Tallahassee is to reduce taxes, reduce the government burden on businesses and the individual. I would never say I wouldn’t increase taxes, but it would take something of major significance for me to raise taxes.

Bon Ami

Medicaid costs are increasing at almost double-digit annual rates. How do you think Florida should handle the growth in Medicaid?

Two years ago, we moved a portion of Medicaid in a pilot program toward a managed care model. We haven’t seen the full effects of that yet, but if we can generate savings there, then we’ll have more money to spread coverage over more people.

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What will be your top three priorities if elected?

Jobs, economy, education.

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What, in your view, is the proper role of state government in public education?

State government should ensure that local school districts are properly funded to accomplish the mission of public education. There should be broad overall goals for capital improvements, teacher retention and student opportunity. The state should not micromanage. Many policy decisions regarding education are best made at the local level.

V o te

adam tebrugge, Democrat

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Florida House, District 72 Liz Alpert, Democrat

ray pilon, Republican

What is your position on Citizens Property Insurance Co.? What role should the state play in insuring private property?

Citizen’s Property Insurance Co. plays an important role as the insurer of last resort for homeowners. For many years, it was the only way that some property owners could get insurance when private insurance companies declined to write policies in Florida.

The state should have a mechanism in place for property owners to be able to buy affordable insurance on their property.

What is your position on Citizens Property Insurance Co.? What role should the state play in insuring private property?

Citizens should be returned to its original role of insurance-of-last resort.

Perhaps the state should consider Citizens for wind insurance only.

What is your position on the state providing corporate welfare to companies that either expand or move to Florida?

How and why are these subsidies morally acceptable?

Unfortunately, all states provide incentives for companies. Therefore, to compete for these companies, Florida must do the same. When the state is deciding on whether to provide incentives or, as you What is your position on call it, corporate welfare to the state of Florida regulatcompanies that either expand ing property insurance rate or move to Florida, the quesincreases and pricing? tion should be whether that The state has a role to company is going to add value protect consumers to ensure to our economy and/or spur fair and reasonable insureconomic growth. If it will, ance prices. then it makes sense to provide BIRTHPLACE: those incentives.

Alton, Ill. Why should the state However, a mechanism AGE: 63 control property insurance should be in place to recover FAMILY: Three adult rates when we know that those incentives should the exchildren, ages 45, this policy has restricted panded or relocated company 30, 29 competition and limited the not live up to the promised EDUCATION: B.A., number of companies willbenefit. ing to sell property insurance University of South Florida, summa cum here?

Will you take the Americans laude, 1995; J.D., Insurance regulation has for Tax Reform pledge not to Stetson University not restricted competition increase taxes if you are elected College of Law, 2005 or re-elected? If not, why not? nor limited the number of PROFESSIONAL companies willing to sell I would not take the AmeriCAREER property insurance here. cans for Tax Reform pledge. The After the 1992 hurricane sea- HIGHLIGHTS: people elect their representaCurrently practicing son and then after the 2004 tives to make prudent decisions and 2005 hurricane seasons, marital and family related to governing. Taking a some companies decided not law with Tannenbaum pledge never ever to do someto write insurance in Florida, Scro Hannewich & thing, no matter what it is, does but not because of insurance Alpert, P.L. ; memnot make good sense and limits ber of the city of regulation. It was due to the the solutions available to the Sarasota General perception of increased risk representative for solving probPersonnel/Civil Service lems facing the state. and the inability of some of Board; other memthese companies to stay in business because of the costs berships: Florida Medicaid costs are increasing Bar Association; of that catastrophic year. at almost double-digit annual These companies are com- Sarasota County rates. How do you think Florida Bar Association; ing back now that there has should handle the growth in Hillsborough County been a lull in major hurriMedicaid?

Bar Association; canes in Florida. That is why One of the reasons Medicaid Florida Bar Family they are fighting so hard to costs are increasing is because Law Section Support get the homeowners who are of the lack of jobs. It goes back Issues Committee; currently insured by Citizens Sarasota County Bar to education and opportunity Property Insurance. and growing the economy. We Association Family Law Section; Tiger Bay have young people leaving our What is your position on: state because of the lack of Club.

1) School choice and school opportunity here to pursue a vouchers? 2) Teacher tenure FUN FACT: Moved career. to Sarasota in 1974. in K-12 and the college People don’t want to be on My first job was in level?

Medicaid. If we create policies the Sarasota Clerk of I do not support school that will grow our economy, Courts Small Claims vouchers, which take funds then individuals can afford to division. When I startfrom our public schools take care of themselves and ed the job, I didn’t and give it to private cortheir family, which could slow know the difference porations that can operate or even reverse Medicaid exbetween a “plaintiff” schools without any acpansion. and a “defendant.” countability.

In addition, preventive Now I am an attorney.

Teacher tenure is a means medicine and encouragement of encouraging people to of a healthy lifestyle should be choose teaching as a profession. A stable promoted. and secure job is a trade-off for choosing a profession that pays less than other What will be your top three priorities if professions for the same education level elected? and skills.

Investing in public schools; early childHowever, this does not mean that hood education; making higher educateachers who obtain tenure have a job tion affordable; preparing students with for life. There are mechanisms that allow the skills to fill the types of jobs available; teachers to be evaluated, so that underadequately funding public education. performing teachers can be eliminated.

Create jobs and protect the middle As in the private sector, teachers should class. Growing our economy by investing be required to maintain certain perforin small business; investing in infrastrucmance standards. ture; and encouraging the expansion of smart, efficient, green jobs.

What, in your view, is the proper role of Defend women’s health care. Protectstate government in public education? ing women’s rights to make their own State government should be an integral health-care decisions, not Rick Scott and part of public education from funding Tallahassee politicians. to oversight, to establishing educational standards.

What is your position on the FCATs? I believe too much emphasis is placed on the FCATs. Valuable teaching time is being expended to teach to the test. There

Watch Ms. Alpert’s candidate video at yourobserver.com/ voterguide2012.

What is your position on the state of Florida regulating property insurance rate increases and pricing?

The free market should govern rates generally to allow for competition. The state’s regulatory role should be limited to those regulations geared to protecting consumers.

Why should the state control property insurance rates when we know that this policy has restricted competition and limited the number of companies willing to sell property insurance here?

See answer to previous question.

What is your position on: 1) School choice and school vouchers? 2) Teacher tenure in K-12 and the college level?

I favor parental school choice. Alternatives to vouchers might be a rebate of property tax dollars to those who send their children to private schools.

I voted to eliminate K-12 tenure for new teachers while preserving tenure for those who already have it.

It is now law. College-level tenure is still being debated, and I have not formed an official opinion.

viding corporate welfare to companies that either expand or move to Florida?

How and why are these subsidies morally acceptable?

I don’t believe in corporate welfare; however, any taxpayer dollar incentives should be in the form of lower corporate income tax, tax rebates and strict accountability for performance for any Enterprise Florida dollars allocated. I favor some sort of assurance bonding by those receiving grant dollars to protect the citizens should the company not meet its goals.

BIRTHPLACE:

Pontiac, Mich.

AGE: 67 FAMILY: Spouse, Casey; two adult sons, ages 38 and 36 EDUCATION: B.S., Northern Michigan University

Will you take the Americans for Tax Reform pledge not to increase taxes if you are elected or re-elected? If not, why not?

No, because we never know what the future may bring or what the people may want. However, I believe in less taxation, not more, and if the future dictates any type of tax increase due to circumstances, there should be a comparable reduction in other taxes to make it fiscally neutral.

Medicaid costs are increasing at almost doubledigit annual rates. How do law enforcement you think Florida should officer 23 years; handle the growth in Medexecutive vice presiicaid? dent, Storer Gibraltar The upcoming November Protection; elected election will indicate to us Sarasota County com- if we have further options missioner, 1996; for Florida not dictated by elected member of the federal government. the Florida House Currently we are requesting of Representatives, Medicaid waivers to allow 2010. us to administer health care FUN FACT: Trombone with increased flexibility. I player am also in favor of the federal government allocating its portion of Medicaid dollars to the state in the form of block grants.

What, in your view, is the proper role of state government in public educaWhat will be your top three priorities tion? if elected?

The constitution requires equal fundContinue to place the needs of my ing for every student. Allow local school constituents first in my decision-makboards flexibility while promoting higher ing process. Continue to improve the learning standards. To act as a resource economic environment. Continue to for local school systems. improve our educational system.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Career

What is your position on the FCATs? We should not teach to the test. I do believe in standardized achievement goals, however.

Watch Mr. Pilon’s candidate video at yourobserver.com/ voterguide2012

What is your position on the state pro-

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Florida House, District 73 Robert McCann, No Party Affiliation

BIRTHPLACE: Chicago AGE: 55 FAMILY: Spouse:

Rosemarie

EDUCATION: D.O., Emergency Medicine Physician, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine; J.D., Florida Coastal School of Law, Jacksonville.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: FAA-

designated medical examiner; former chairman, Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine; honorably discharged, U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman; commercial pilot; rescue diver.

What is your position on Citizens Property Insurance Co.? What role should the state play in insuring private property?

It is a government agency out of control, giving loans; has a $6 billion profit; and raising rates in Manatee County 10% to 22% again this year.

Private markets wait for Citizens to drop coverage or raise premiums, then follow suit. For being the insurer of last resort, it is setting the trends and driving up property insurance.

The state should play no role in insuring private property. Florida should only have a catastrophe fund, not play in the insurance market.

What is your position on the state of Florida regulating property insurance rate increases and pricing?

See answer above. Less but appropriate regulation to protect consumers is necessary. Coverage, such as wind, water, property should be included, but the state should neither compete in the market nor over-regulate the industry.

Why should the state control property insurance rates when we know that this policy has restricted competition and limited the number of companies willing to sell property insurance here?

See the two answers above. Only appropriate regulation to protect consumers and allow fair-market competition should be the state’s role.

What is your position on: 1) School choice and school vouchers? 2) Teacher tenure — in K-12 and the college level?

Public funds must be used for public education. School choice was readily available when I was a child. If you went to a public school, it was covered by taxes. If you went to a private school, your parents paid out-of-pocket and still paid taxes.

The problem with using public funds for private schools is the system weakens the education of both entities and does not fully fund either under its current plan.

I don’t believe in tenure, but I do believe that teacher pay is way too low and below the national average. Teachers need a raise, and they are not the problem with education. Merit pay should be above base salary and used to attract new quality teachers and retain the quality teachers that we have in the system.

What, in your view, is the proper role of state government in public education?

All education should be local, and the state should be a facilitator of education and ensure proper funding is available.

What is your position on the FCATs? Teach the four Rs — reading, “riting,” “rithmetic” and respect. Stop teaching for standardized test. Ask a teacher, involve a parent. We have too many administrators and waste in the current system.

What is your position on the state providing corporate welfare to companies that either expand or move to Florida?

How and why are these subsidies morally acceptable?

Tax incentives should only be used for companies that have already hired Floridians. The state is now wasting money on

“

business already here or that pledge to come here that does not add to the job market.

In fact, some take the state dollars and then release employees to increase their profit margin.

These subsidies are not morally acceptable.

Will you take the Americans for Tax Reform pledge not to increase taxes if you are elected or re-elected?

Yes. Medicaid costs are increasing at almost double-digit annual rates. How do you think Florida should handle the growth in Medicaid?

Rebuild the public health system. Manatee Rural Health is a model for a publicprivate enterprise. Medicaid can be seen at these facilities, and so can indigent care based on ability to pay (sliding scale). Get the people off the ambulance and out of the emergency room (the most expensive place for care, symptomatic treatment and no follow-up or continuity).

What will be your top three priorities if elected?

Economy (jobs); education (including veteran’s issues); health care (including Medicaid expansion).

Watch Mr. McCann’s candidate video at yourobserver.com/ voterguide2012.

John is committed to increasing public safety for all the people of Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto Counties by aggressively prosecuting those who break our laws, while reducing the cost and waste of tax payer’s money. John has unique, broad and impressive legal experiences that will allow him to prosecute all crime in an effective, efficient and ethical manner.

– Rod Smith, former State Attorney, 8th Judicial Circuit, Florida

“

”

We are convinced that with John Torraco’s extensive professional background and experience, he will bring the kind of commitment to this office that will raise the conviction rate for DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties, reversing the seven-year trend that has seen conviction rates steadily drop under the current State Attorney.

”

– Sam A. Cabral, International President, International Union of Police Associations

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Florida House, District 73 Greg Steube, Republican What is your position on Citizens Property Insurance Co.? What role should the state play in insuring private property?

The state needs to ensure that Florida has a free-market-based property insurance structure to promote competitiveness and to enable Floridians to have the most cost-effective property insurance rates available for their specific location.

What is your position on the state of Florida regulating property insurance rate increases and pricing?

I support less regulation and more free-market competition.

Why should the state control property insurance rates when we know that this policy has restricted competition and limited the number of companies willing to sell property insurance here?

The state needs to lessen regulations so we do not restrict competition and more companies will return to Florida to write property insurance policies.

What is your position on: School choice and school vouchers?

Support.

Teacher tenure?

In K-12 and the college level? Do not support.

What, in your view, is the proper role of state government in public education?

The role of state government in education should be limited and more power pushed to the individual county school districts to make the best decisions for their specific county.

What is your position on the FCATs? The state of Florida needs some form of measurement for our student achievement to establish goals for both our students and our teachers.

Currently the FCAT is that measurement. If there are other proposals for measuring student achievement then I would be happy to look at those proposals.

What is your position on the state providing corporate welfare to companies that either expand or move to Florida? How and why are these subsidies morally acceptable?

I do not support “corporate welfare.”

I think through our tax structure and regulatory environment we can make Florida the best place in the country to start or expand your business. Due to the reforms we passed in the last two years, Florida is now ranked second in the country for the best business climate and we need to continue down that path so we can recover from this economic downturn.

Will you take the Americans for Tax Reform pledge not to increase taxes if you are elected or re-elected? If not, why not?

I have already signed the pledge, and in my two years as state representative I have never supported a tax increase. In fact, I have voted to reduce taxes every year I have been in the Legislature to lessen the burden of taxes on our small businesses and families.

Medicaid costs are increasing at almost double-digit annual rates. How do you think Florida should handle the growth in Medicaid?

Medicaid is tied to federal health care policy and Obamacare. Unfortunately, the federal government dictates most health care policy decisions and ties it to matching funds for Medicaid.

I believe that Florida should be able to decide what is best for Florida’s Medicaid program and not the federal government.

What will be your top three priorities if elected?

Job creation, economic development and making Florida the best place in the county to live, work and raise a family.

Watch Mr. Steube’s candidate video at yourobserver.com/ voterguide2012.

BIRTHPLACE: Bradenton AGE: 34 FAMILY: Wife, Jennifer Steube; son

Ethan Gregory, 2 EDUCATION: J.D., University of Florida, 2003; Bachelor of Animal Science with honors, emphasis in beef cattle science, minor in agricultural law, University of Florida, 2000 PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: University of Florida

Hall of Fame; U.S. House of Representatives, intern, 2000; United States Army, captain, active duty 20042008; Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, 2006-2007; Army Commendation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Army Service ribbon; Overseas Service Bar; Parachutist Badge; U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps, 2005-2008; Chief of Detainee Operations 25th Infantry Division, Tikrit, Iraq; lead trial counsel, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, Fort Shafter, Hawaii. Elected to Florida House of Representatives 2010, serves on the Energy and Utilities Subcommittee, Finance and Tax Committee, Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee, Justice Appropriations Subcommittee and Select Committee on Water Policy. See a complete list of sponsored bills at www.myfloridahouse. gov; attorney, Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., a complete bio is located at www.becker-poliakoff.com.

FUN FACT: Competitive surfer and certified PADI dive instructor.

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12th Circuit State Attorney JOHN TORRACO, Democrat

Ed Brodsky, Republican

What specific attributes do you bring to Foremost, we must drastically improve this office that make you the best candithe current conviction rate in the state date to lead the state attorney’s office? attorney’s office, which is among the My work ethic, independence and inlowest in the state of Florida. The state tegrity are all attributes I will bring to this attorney’s office must regain the trust and position. My allegiance is to the law, the faith of the people of Sarasota, Manatee Florida Constitution and the U.S. Constiand Desoto counties that it serves through tution. I will honor the responsibility of transparency and efficiency. We need to this position, which is to seek true justice, increase prosecutorial focus on violent as I am beholden only to the crimes in order to enhance people of Sarasota, Manatee public safety, while reducing and Desoto counties that the costly recidivism rate and I may have the privilege to eliminating the waste of taxrepresent. I was appointed payers’ money. All budgetary to serve in the White House expenditures will be transparOffice of Legal Counsel; ent and posted online. All United States Department of prosecutors and staff will be Justice; and as a law clerk to held to the highest ethical and two federal judges. Having professional standards. We will worked outside the Florida efficiently seek prompt adjustate courts and in the federal dication through enhanced courts, I am the only canditraining, mentoring and indate who has the firsthand court supervision.

BIRTHPLACE: experience to compare and Westwood, N.J. contrast the most effective, What do you believe is the efficient and ethical prosecu- AGE: 41 best approach for prosecuttions with ones that are not.

FAMILY: I am grateful ing individuals arrested for My actions as state attorney possession and use of illegal that I was raised by will end government waste drugs? parents who instilled and bring true accountability a strong work ethic, People who possess drugs and efficiency to the state for the sole purpose of distrimorality, and fiscal attorney’s office. bution and trafficking must be responsibility — they punished accordingly. On the also taught me that Please describe how you there is no higher call- other hand, people who have would focus your time as the ing than serving the a substance-abuse issue and top executive of an operation public good. My moth- who are non-violent offendwith 170 employees and a ers must be dealt with in an er has been a nurse $9.5 million annual budget? and hospital chaplain effective and cost-efficient Create a positive work manner. The incarcerationfor more than 50 environment that reduces years, while my father only approach to substance the current high rate of costly has been a certified abuse is neither effective nor prosecutor turnover. Propublic accountant for cost efficient. The use of drug more than 50 years. I courts, which are currently vide all prosecutors with the have three siblings. support to allow them the grossly underutilized, and autonomy to make indepen- Not married, no chilpre-existing alternatives must dren. dent case decisions. Begin be maximized. These alternaa true open-door policy tives are not suitable for every EDUCATION: with opposing counsel to person, but neither is jail and Bachelor of Arts in facilitate just and expediprison. psychology with a tious case resolution that minor in accountwould dramatically reduce How would you describe the ing; law degree from taxpayers’ expense. The office Georgetown University proper relationship between will start conducting evaluLaw Center. the region’s law-enforcement ations for all employees on departments and the state atPROFESSIONAL a semiannual basis that will torney’s office?

CAREER be posted online. Further, The relationship would be HIGHLIGHTS: with offices encompassing one of professional boundarServing a president the large geographical areas ies, mutual respect and above of the United States, of Sarasota, Manatee and all, objectivity and indepenthe United States Desoto counties, it is crucial Department of Justice, dence. We must maintain that the offices be technolog- two United States consistent channels of comically current, connected and judges, and being munication; however currying integrated. Implementation selected to a program favor with law-enforcement agencies can only serve to diof inexpensive, modern and with United States readily available technologies Supreme Court Justice minish independence and objectivity in the state attorney’s Kennedy. will not only be cost effecoffice, which would create an tive and save money, but will FUN FACT: I drive environment of conflicting eliminate critical errors that a pickup truck with interests and injustice. have been especially costly 347,000 miles on it. to crime victims and have What is your philosophy reduced the overall public toward seeking plea bargains or going to safety. trial?

Plea bargains are a necessary part of If elected, how would you change, if at the criminal-justice system. However, all, the allocation of the state attorney’s the current use of plea bargains as a tool annual budget and personnel? to punish defendants for exercising their Roughly a dozen employees make up constitutional right to go to trial must end.

20% of the $8.5 million salary budget.

All prosecutors will be well prepared to go Further, these dozen employees are not to trial when scheduled and all cases will assigned a criminal case load, nor do be ethically and effectively prosecuted, as they regularly appear in court and try well as evidence-driven. criminal cases. This is not an acceptable use of taxpayers’ money. If elected, these What is your vision for the state attoremployees, as well as myself, will be assigned our own caseload and will regularly ney’s office?

For the taxpayers to have more cost try criminal cases. In addition, the first efficiency, for all crime victims to have the budget cut will start with my position — I greatest prosecution effectiveness and will eliminate the current $38,000 annual for the state attorney’s office for Sarasota, state attorney automobile expenditure.

Manatee and DeSoto counties to serve as The state attorney’s office will have the the model for the rest of Florida. same accountability and efficiency as a private-sector law firm. The people, voters and taxpayers of Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto counties will get the maximum Watch Mr. Torraco’s value for their hard-earned money. candidate video at

What specific attributes do you bring to of-life crimes that bring down our quality this office that make you the best candiof life, such as battling the prescription pill date to lead the state attorney’s office? epidemic and the scourge of metal theft I am a career-long prosecutor having recyclers. In Sarasota, I believe Newtown spent 20 years with the State Attorney’s must be a priority.

Office learning all aspects of the office. I began my career handling misdemeanor, What do you believe is the best approach criminal traffic and juvenile offenses. I for prosecuting individuals arrested for was then promoted to felonies. I was then possession and use of illegal drugs? promoted to the Child Sex I support identifying nonCrimes/Major Crimes diviviolent, low-risk offenders for sion, concentrating on prosplacement into substanceecuting sex crimes involving abuse treatments such as the children 11 years or younger. I program we operate through have supervised a felony trial the courts, or Drug Court. If we division, our Manatee County can treat an addict, we return office and now all four of our to our community and to their offices in the three counties. family, a crime-free and proI also have served on the ductive member of our society.

Public Safety Coordinating Council, and I currently serve How would you describe the on the Sarasota Criminal proper relationship between Justice Commission, working the region’s law-enforcement every day on the policies and BIRTHPLACE: departments and the state atToledo, Ohio procedures being impletorney’s office? mented in our community, The state attorney’s office AGE: 47 courts and judicial system. shares with law enforcement a FAMILY: Wife, Kim I believe my experience as common purpose of serving and Brodsky; Two children, an administrator and as a protecting our community. We Evan, 14, and Alexa, prosecutor in the courtrooms 11 serve law enforcement and vicdistinguishes me from my tims of crimes by making their EDUCATION: opponent. voice heard in the courtroom. It Associate of Arts is critical that our offices have a in criminal justice, Please describe how you mutual respect and understandSt. Petersburg Jr. would focus your time as the ing of each other’s respective College; Bachelor top executive of an operation of Arts in criminolroles in the criminal-justice with 170 employees and a system. ogy, University of $9.5 million annual budget? South Florida; and a To serve our community, What is your philosophy Juris Doctorate, Nova we must work collectively as a University Law School toward seeking plea bargains or team to provide the very best going to trial? level of service to law enforce- PROFESSIONAL In all cases, a defendant is CAREER ment, victims of crime and advised of the sentence the HIGHLIGHTS: the public. Ensuring that state attorney’s office is seekCurrently serving as our prosecutors are highly ing in a criminal case pending the chief assistant trained, capable, responsive, state attorney oversee- against a defendant. In many dedicated, and operating instances, the state is able to ing our four offices with the highest standards of in the three counties reach a sentencing resolution professional conduct are par- we serve, Manatee, that is amicable to our office, the amount to me. As the elected DeSoto, and Sarasota victim and/or law enforcement state attorney, I pledge to and which allows the defendant counties. Formerly remain constant in my efforts served as the chief an opportunity to resolve his to be responsive to the needs assistant overseeing or her case without the necesof our community and to law our Manatee County sity of a trial. Jury trials usually enforcement so that we may result due to a lack of agreement office and have also provide only the highest level served as a felony divi- between the parties on an apof service. propriate sentence or the desire sion chief overseeing a felony trial division. of a defendant to exercise his If elected, how would you or her right to a jury trial. If all Also have previously change, if at all, the allocaparties concerned are satisfied served as a child sex tion of the state attorney’s an- crimes/major crimes with an agreed-upon resolution nual budget and personnel? prosecutor. I am board of a criminal case, then a plea Our prosecutors battling certified by the Florida should be acceptable. Howcrime in the courtrooms and Bar in criminal trial ever, in instances of a violent or working side-by-side with our and currently serve on serious crime, or a case against the Sarasota Criminal a defendant with a lengthy law enforcement partners Justice Commission. are our greatest asset. So, I criminal history, often an agreebelieve it’s vital we do everyFUN FACT: I’m a big ment cannot be reached due to thing to protect our number the length of sentence the state dog lover, and I have of prosecutors, and increase is seeking. Likewise, a defendant a Weimaraner named the number and not allow it may decline to entertain any Mason to diminish. To achieve that, plea offer, opting instead to have support services and staff a jury trial. must be examined, along with a re-examination of all areas of our budget. We curWhat is your vision for the state attorrently operate on 2007 funding levels, and I ney’s office? remain committed to providing maximum My vision is to make the state attorney’s benefit to our community and being good office the very best that it can be. That stewards of your tax dollars. we do everything we can to ensure the enjoyment and quality of life in Sarasota, If elected, what will you make the top Manatee and DeSoto counties. I believe it’s priorities of the state attorney’s office? important that we aggressively prosecute To strengthen our gang prosecution, I’ll and demonstrate zero tolerance for those continue to partner with the Statewide who commit crimes of violence involving Prosecutor’s office. We must increase the firearms or any other dangerous weapons. number of prosecutors who specialize in I would also like to see highly trained gang prosecution so that we eradicate all attorneys litigating our cases in the courtgang-related crimes. room; we owe it to our communities, our I also believe it’s important to specialvictims and law enforcement to put the ize in white-collar crime and exploitation best prosecutors in the courtrooms fightof the elderly cases. It’s important to have ing for justice. highly skilled prosecutors tackling those cases. I will also ensure that career criminal, habitual offenders and violent offendWatch Mr. Brodsky’s candidate video at ers are prosecuted to the fullest extent. yourobserver.com/ We must also be committed to being revoterguide2012 sponsive to the needs of law enforcement and the community to address all quality-

If elected, what will you make the top priorities of the state attorney’s office?

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Sarasota County Commission, District 3 Jennifer Cohen, Democrat

Christine Robinson, Republican

What is your position on spending tax government? dollars to subsidize private business?

We want to purchase land for preservaSubsidizing private business is not out tion but we do not want to be landowners, of the question. When private and public leasors or developers. Land ownership is sectors develop a win/win relationship, important to a county giving us the right everyone benefits. For example, indepento refuse builders and developers. We are dent stores, restaurants and boutiques that not and should never be in the business of line the main streets in Venice and Sarasota selling or leasing land. have made each downtown a “destination” spot. However, in Sarasota What is your view of populaspecifically, increases in rent tion growth and its effects on have pushed out independent the county’s economy and qualretailers. ity of life?

Some think that is great, If the population grows so believing that upscale anchor does the tax base; this will distores can pull in additional rectly impact long-term issues retailers and customers. like zoning, concurrency, and However, if the trend continmaintaining a viable balanced ues Main Street could face community. People economics two problems. First, if the is what we must consider; what only retailers that can afford draws the people to Sarasota. high rent are chain stores, We need to make sure we sell downtown will begin comthe aspects that satisfy our peting with area shopping county for all ages.

BIRTHPLACE: malls. Secondly, downtowns Orlando become ghost towns when Where do you think county AGE: 52 the percentage of vacangovernment could become more FAMILY: Mother, cies outranks the number of efficient and save tax dollars? father, sister and two retailers and restaurants. In Common sense, bring all of the brothers those instances, the commiscities together for the new year EDUCATION: sion might consider offering and discuss what is needed and Doctorate of a low-interest loan to small what we don’t need. Duplication Business, information of services needs to be rebusinesses and retailers. systems,North Central searched, discussed and consoliUniversity, Arizona, Explain how giving some dated where it makes good sense.

2014; Doctorate businesses tax breaks and County Administrator Randall of Educational money in exchange for job Reid recently attributed the Leadership, Argosy creation is morally justified purchasing scandal to privatizwhen many longtime, taxpay- University - 26 ing.What is your position on the credit hours, 2012; ing Sarasota County busicounty privatizing services?

Master of Science, nesses have never received I agree with Administrainformation systems any government funding? tor Reid, but I add that strong management, Hodges I understand the question governance and employment University, Fort Myers, alludes to the heartbreak policies should direct employees 2005; Bachelor of many families and individuaway from some of the procureScience, information als have endured when their ment and purchasing issues technology, Hodges personal dreams go up in we experienced. Ethics training University, 2003 smoke. But, as a county comand better controls on financial FUN FACT: I really missioner, I have to begin purchasing credit must be put where we are, right now, 2012. enjoy being outside in place with full transparency We have lost a lot of business with friends and my to the public. The people pay recreation activities in the downturn; we have to for our services and we should includes swimming, focus on the future and buildmake sure they are able to see fishing and boating, ing our economic stability. where their dollars are spent at cycling. any time. We need a systematic What steps would you approach with safeguards to recommend to improve the economic and avoid any further negative financial issues. business climate in Sarasota County?

Strengthen from within through infill is What is your position on renovating my recommendation as much as possible Siesta Key beach — borrow millions now where viable. We also need to look at busiwhile interest rates are low or stay on track nesses that provide high-wage jobs with to complete the project over several years? good benefits and that will attract young What residents like about Siesta Key is professionals. We have a lot to offer busiits natural state. The current commissionnesses and their employees in Sarasota. ers chose to remove trash containers on the beach and in parks. On medians and What is your philosophy on the role of roads the county and city public works the Sarasota County Commission and are unsure who is responsible for what Sarasota County government? services. Some areas may be going without We must be fair, ethical, transparent, services and some duplicated, we should and foster an environment of strong know where our money is going and how it governance and policies. Transparency will is being spent on service. Yes we know that make all commissioners and staff account- bonds are available at a very low rate at this able to the people. The people of course time; we need to make sure we exhaust all pay our salaries. We have to get out from efforts for raising the funds through new the desk and in with the people. Together revenue streams before requesting adwe will build a strong county! ditional bonds.

What is your position on spending tax dollars to subsidize private business?

I support business incentives to expand local businesses and to lure industry to the county.

What is your philosophy on taxation?

Are you willing to take the pledge of the Americans for Tax Reform not to increase taxes if you are elected?

If the people have a choice between decreases in county services to lower taxes or an increase in services raising taxes, together with the people we must make the hard decisions. I prefer to never raise taxes, and to accomplish this we must find alternative revenue streams. We also have to look at every service systematically to find redundancy and remove or consolidate.

Sarasota County over the past decade has purchased thousands of acres of land for preservation. Will you support purchasing more land in the future, and if so, why is being Sarasota County’s largest landowner a proper role for county

What is your vision for Sarasota County?

A connected county from north to south, sharing ideas and assets, working together as a team (cities and county) to build the strongest regional activity center in Florida. My vision is utilizing the talent we have in Sarasota County today and training the future generations through educational excellence. We must focus on preservation of our environment and move forward into the technological age providing cleaner, more efficient services. We must hold the line on tax increases and create new revenue streams. We must fill our vacancies to produce more tax base. Finally, we must attract corporations paying high wages to our local areas that provide long-term employment with benefits while creating a competitive environment for entrepreneurs.

properly caring for the lands. I would not support the purchase of new large tracts as we do not have the finances to maintain what we have now in the most responsible way.

Explain how giving some businesses What is your view of population growth tax breaks and money in exchange for job and its effects on the county’s economy creation is morally justified when many and quality of life? longtime, taxpaying Sarasota I believe that proper planCounty businesses have never ning can cause population received any government growth to have a good effect funding? on the county’s economy and Sarasota County has a wellquality of life. Benefits include earned, decades-old reputabroadening our tax base and tion of being anti-business in diversifying our economy. local and statewide business Preparing the infrastructure arenas. When local busiwith connective roads and nesses are seeking to expand county services will remain and need to move, or when vital to making sure populanew businesses are seeking tion growth is an asset. to relocate, we have a difficult time getting a seat at the table Where do you think county BIRTHPLACE: for even a discussion about government could become Lewiston, N.Y. (Buffalo/ more efficient and save tax staying or relocating here. In Niagara Falls area) the short term, these incendollars? tives get us that seat while we AGE: 38 I believe that we could make change the way we do busimore efforts to collaborate FAMILY: Married to ness in Sarasota County. with other government entities husband Eric for 11 According to the 2011 and consolidate functions. We years; three children, Sarasota County Citizen’s just began discussions with the ages 8, 7, and 4 Survey conducted by the USF school board to collaborate on EDUCATION: Juris Florida Institute of Governopening its playgrounds and ment, 73% of citizens support Doctor, University facilities after school hours to of Miami; Bachelor business incentives and tax the public instead of building of Science, Niagara breaks to create jobs, diversify new ones. W began discusUniversity our industry, and broaden sions on fleet maintenance our tax base. Business incen- PROFESSIONAL and repair as well. October 1 tives help us to overcome our CAREER marked the beginning of joint anti-business reputation and HIGHLIGHTS: Former fleet maintenance with the give us the ability to compete prosecutor, law pracTown of Longboat Key. These tice in small business with other counties. While discussions need to continue. and family law, forstreamlining our regulations mer county planning is necessary for a long-term County Administrator Rancommissioner, former solution, in the short term, dall Reid recently attributed trustee with MCC/State incentives help us to attract the purchasing scandal to College of Florida, businesses who would ignore privatizing. What is your posivarious boards and nonus for our anti-business tion on the county privatizing profit volunteering. reputation. services?

FUN FACT: I can mix I am for privatization of mud (mortar). While What steps would you services done in a responsible growing up, I would recommend to improve the way. I do not believe it was the occasionally be a economic and business cliprivatizing that caused the laborer for my family’s mate in Sarasota County? purchasing problems, it was masonry construction I will continue to actively the way in which it was done business. engage business and indusand administrated. try organizations in policy decisions while at the same time watch What is your position on renovating for burdensome regulations that do little Siesta Key beach — borrow millions now to improve quality of life. I will continue while interest rates are low or stay on to look for opportunities to use incentives track to complete the project over several instead of regulation to achieve goals. years?

I do not believe that we should be What is your philosophy on the role of encumbering surtax dollars with borrowthe Sarasota County Commission and ing until we resolve the way we pay for the Sarasota County government?

Emergency Operations Center and the Overall, I believe that the Sarasota emergency radio communications system.

If we borrow, safety should be the priorCounty Commission and county government should meet its obligations pursuant ity. I also believe that the Siesta Key Beach project renovations should be prioritized. to the Florida Constitution, Florida statThose amenities that are least necessary utes and the county charter, but it should should wait until we have the funding for give priority to protecting its citizens. It them. should plan well, but exercise restraint in regulation. Most of all, county government If elected, what do you see as your top should treat its people with respect. three priorities?

1) Capitalize on the improvement of the What is your philosophy on taxation? economy and encourage the creation of Are you willing to take the pledge of the jobs; Americans for Tax Reform not to increase 2) Improve the business climate by taxes if you are elected?

This pledge was designed and written to decreasing bureaucracy and streamlining government; apply to Congress. My philosophy is well 3) Continue to exercise restraint in budknown that I am strongly opposed to tax geting and spending. increases.

Sarasota County over the past decade has purchased thousands of acres of land for preservation. Will you support purchasing more land in the future, and if so, why is being Sarasota County’s largest landowner a proper role for county government?

I support purchasing very, very small parcels or donut holes to complete the connectivity of what we have, but my concern remains in the ability to be good stewards of the lands we own. We should not just be prioritizing needs, but actually

What is your vision for Sarasota County?

Thirty years from now, I want to be surrounded by my grandchildren. I want my kids to love Sarasota County enough to come back and live and raise their families after college. But more important I am striving for an environment where they never leave to begin with. I want Sarasota County to have the jobs they want, the financial stability to maintain a great quality of life, and an environment that will make their businesses flourish.

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YourObserver.com

VOTERGUIDE2012

Observer-PELICAN PRESS VOTER GUIDE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

Sarasota County Hospital Board Teresa Carafelli, Democrat

Alex Miller, Republican

What qualifies you more than your provide care to the uninsured and the opponent to be a member of the Hospiunderinsured in the most cost-effective tal Board? location and cost-effective way possible.

Registered nurse employed at Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System for 30 Sarasota Memorial operates a health years — all levels of responsibility from care center in Heritage Harbour in staff nurse to management, including Manatee County. Given that Sarasota patient care, scheduling coordinator, Memorial collects 1 mill in property materials management, capital purchas- taxes from Sarasota County property es and budgetary process. owners, what is your view on I have been a hospital where Sarasota Memorial board member for four should operate facilities? years, promoting a safe, Should it limit itself only to healthy environment for paSarasota County? Why or tients, staff and physicians; why not?

I am passionate about our The historical data (75,000 hospital, determined and cases) indicate that Manatee fearless in my approach to residents often choose SMH issues concerning SMH and as a primary-care facility — our community’s health and having an outpatient facility well being. makes their continuum of I adhere to the ANA Code care convenient and timely. of Ethics: “The nurse’s None of our tax dollars leaves BIRTHPLACE: primary commitment is our county.

Michigan to the patient, whether an individual, family, group or AGE: 61 Sarasota Memorial regucommunity.” larly receives high ratings for FAMILY: Husband, its quality of care and operaFred; golden retriever, Name three top challenges “Dixie” tions. No one is perfect; for that you expect the Hospital what changes and improveEDUCATION: Henry Board to confront over the ments would you advocate Ford Hospital School next two to three years, and as a member of the board? of Nursing how, specifically, should the As chairman of the board’s PROFESSIONAL board address them?

Quality Committee for the CAREER 1) Continue providing last three years, I can asHIGHLIGHTS: Elected sure you that the board and top-quality and cost-effecto the Sarasota tive care; administration are relentless Hospital Board in 2) Health-care reform; in their pursuit of constantly 2008; current firstand improving our quality — it’s 3) State changes and chal- vice chairman; chairwhat we stand for. This past lenges in Medicaid funding man of the Quality year, I recommended board Committee last three and programs. observational experiences in years; registered nurse SMHCS has been living clinical areas throughout the since 1972; endorsed with health-care reform year. The board gets a firstby the Suncoast for sometime now, but as hand look at our operations Firefighters & the law continues to go Paramedics; supported and views our staff delivering into effect, we will face by the Sarasota County the excellent care for which it more challenges with our is known.

Medical Society delivery of health care and FUN FACT: Came for the treatment of a growing Taxpayers contributed $48 a vacation in 1977 number of patients. We are million and $43 million in deeply concerned about the and never left! cash in 2010 and 2011 to the uncertainty of Florida’s parhospital board, respectively, ticipation in the Medicaid via property taxes. Without expansion program; we treat more than those contributions, the hospital board 90% of the county’s Medicaid cases and still would have shown $14 million and have already seen a 30% cut in funding $15 million annual surpluses. What in the last few years. And even before will be your position on the board on these cuts, Medicaid only paid 50% of whether to raise or lower the hospital’s the cost to care for our patients. The tax rate? board has made numerous trips to visit We have decreased our reliance on our state and federal representatives taxes each year since 2008; it is only 6% regarding these cuts and the financial of our revenue. We have seen a 27% reand personal impact to our community. duction in the last few years, and we are But no matter the outcome in Novemnot recommending an increase for 2013. ber, SMHCS will continue to do what we Our tax dollars stay in our community, do best: focusing on improving quality, not to shareholders, and we continually increasing efficiency, reducing costs re-invest in our people, our technology, and working with health-care providers and our infrastructure. to improve people’s access to essential services.

Advocates of other hospitals in Sarasota County contend that the hospiSarasota Memorial wrote off $68 tal’s property tax collections should be million in uncollectible debt in fiscal shared among all county hospitals for 2010-2011 and through nine months the reimbursement of indigent care. had written off another $50 million What is your opinion of that?

These privately owned hospitals do — which accounts for care to indigent not provide the same 24/7 compreand poor who are unable to pay. What hensive services that SMH, your public is your position on the way the board county hospital, does. So it’s not a level and management has handled uncompensated care? What, if anything, would playing field for care — why should it be for taxes? Our tax dollars stay in our you advocate to be changed if elected? community and are reinvested in our Despite all of our accomplishments, services. we have not lost sight of our mission as a public hospital and our dedication to Why do you want to be elected? providing care for the uninsured and Faced with a changing health-care underinsured who rely on us. We are picture over the next several years, due the only ones in the region providing to reforms and federal budget reducmaternal care, including pre- and posttions, we will need a strong, informed partum and labor and delivery, a level board that will enable SMH to continue 3 NICU, a behavioral-health program, and emergency rooms in North Port and to provide safe, efficient, quality health care to our community. Decisions by the Sarasota that have 24-hour coverage of board affect the health and well being all specialties. We are working, in conof EVERY citizen in Sarasota County. It’s junction, and with the help of a grant from the Patterson Foundation, with the not about politics; it’s about having the best health-care system, and I am comSarasota Health Department and the mitted to this goal.

Senior Friendship Centers to ensure we

What qualifies you more than your accountable for their own operational opponent to be a member of the Hospital budgets. While Manatee County may Board? not like the competition, SMHS received Hospitals today need to find the legislative approval to operate there as balance between compassionate and long as no Sarasota tax dollars are used quality health care and maintaining for its operations, and none is from my profitability. As a business owner of a understanding and research. I support health-care company I understand this any outpatient facility that is self supimportant balance, and the key role the porting and can lend to greater profitboard plays in overseeing ability and patient care for and guiding it, not microthe overall system. If a profit managing it. Someone who center exists, it is my belief has worked in the healththat it is in the system’s best care system for 30-plus interest to seize it. years, like my opponent, would more often than Sarasota Memorial regunot find it difficult to be larly receives high ratings for impartial and not seek the its quality of care and operabest interest of his or her tions. No one is perfect; for peers instead of seeking the what changes and improvebest interest of the overall ments would you advocate as system’s ability to function a member of the board? profitably for the next 30The system should be comBIRTHPLACE: plus years. mended for its outstanding Garden City (Long performance. As you state, it Name three top challenges Island), NY has received high ratings from that you expect the Hospital AGE: 39 impartial quality and outcome Board to confront over the audits and grading organizaFAMILY: Divorced; next two to three years, and two sons, ages 9 and tions. I would encourage them how, specifically, should the 10 to continue to stay the course board address them? but have each department EDUCATION: The most pressing isidentify specific areas it feels University of Rhode sues facing SMHS revolve could be strengthened. As we Island, B.A. in psyaround state and federal all know, there is always room chology, and M.B.A., regulations, and reductions for improvement.

Johns Hopkins in Medicare and Medicaid University, Carey reimbursement that will Taxpayers contributed $48 School of Business only intensify with Obama’s million and $43 million in Affordable Care Act. Luckily PROFESSIONAL cash in 2010 and 2011 to the CAREER for our community and as hospital board, respectively, taxpayers, SMHS is extreme- HIGHLIGHTS: 18 via property taxes. Without ly well managed and is more years’ experience in those contributions, the hosefficient and cost conscious medical supply chain pital board still would have management. CEO of than it has ever been. We shown $14 million and $15 Mercedes Medical, will have to be diligent and million annual surpluses. a family-owned, Inc. strategic in continuing this What will be your position on 500 award-winning path and come up with the board on whether to raise national supplier of more unique and patientor lower the hospital’s tax laboratory equipcentric ways to increase the ment and supplies to rate? revenue stream while main- physician offices and The system only received taining patient safety and $40 million in 2012, and the hospitals across the positive outcomes. Expand- US. Recipient of vari- millage rate has not been ing outpatient facilities, ous awards including, changed in three years, which partnerships and staying of course translates into less “Forty under Forty,” on top of technology will all “People to Watch,” tax revenues because of declinbe important topics for this “Best Bosses,” and ing property values. To remain new health-care era. a financially viable hospital consistently among the national statistics indicate the top 20 in “Top Sarasota Memorial wrote Florida Women-Led that you should have at least off $68 million in uncollect- Businesses.” I also a 3% return on operations. ible debt in fiscal 2010-2011 have extensive nonThis would not be possible and through nine months without the tax levy; 2012 will profit community had written off another $50 board experience. end up just more than a 4% million — which accounts FUN FACT: I’m a cer- return from what I understand. for care to indigent and I would not support changing tified yoga instructor poor who are unable to pay. and have most recent- the millage rate.

What is your position on the ly become enthralled way the board and manage- by the frustratingly Advocates of other hospitals ment has handled uncomin Sarasota County contend beautiful game of pensated care? What, if any- golf. that the hospital’s property tax thing, would you advocate collections should be shared to be changed if elected? among all county hospitals Although the issue of uncollectible for the reimbursement of indigent care. debt for those unable to pay can be frusWhat is your opinion of that? trating to many taxpayers who believe SMHS is the only county hospital that they are the ones having to pay for their treats inpatient psychiatric care and is neighbors’ health care, this is the misthe only level 3 intensive care nursery sion of SMHS, as the only public hospital in this four-county region. When the system in Sarasota County. As I explain local for-profit hospital systems take on further below, the collected monies from these challenges, as well as many others the millage rate as a part of property that SMHS takes on solely, then I might taxes only constitutes 5% to 6% of the reconsider, but I do not support it at this operational budget, or about 26 days. I time. would however not support additional millage rate increases.

Why do you want to be elected?

I want to contribute to my community Sarasota Memorial operates a health in a meaningful way, and with my health care center in Heritage Harbour in Man- care and business background I feel this atee County. Given that Sarasota Memo- is the perfect fit for my experience and rial collects 1 mill in property taxes from expertise.

Sarasota County property owners, what is your view on where Sarasota Memorial should operate facilities? Should it Watch Ms. Miller’s limit itself only to Sarasota County? Why candidate video at or why not? yourobserver.com/ All the outpatient centers, not just voterguide2012 Heritage Harbor, are operated by SMHS as standalone entities that are held

Observer-PELICAN PRESS VOTER GUIDE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

VOTERGUIDE2012

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13

Sarasota County Charter Review Board District 2 Donna Barcomb, M.S. P.T., Republican Alexandra Coe, Libertarian Why do you want to be elected to the Charter Review Board?

I have 12 years’ experience as an elected official on the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System Board and have achieved an accomplished record as a qualified, effective, prepared, responsible, thoughtful, sensible, civil board member and feel that my skill sets will be an asset to the Charter Review BIRTHPLACE: Board.

Rockville Center, N.Y. How would you describe the AGE: 56 role and responsibilities of the FAMILY: Husband, Charter Review Board?

Craig. Five kids: Sarasota’s first Home Rule Gunnar, 25, Steele, Charter was adopted in 1971. 23, Hunter, 18, Stone, That included 15 appoint- 15, and step-daughter ed members and was later Andrea, 32 changed in 1984 to 10 elected members. The Sarasota EDUCATION: B.S. County Charter establishes a kinesiology, U.C.L.A; commission/county admin- M.S. physical therapy, Boston University istrator form of government and allows the county to freely PROFESSIONAL pass laws and ordinances as CAREER it sees fit to further its opera- HIGHLIGHTS: tion within the bounds of state Licensed physical and federal constitutions. The therapist for 32 years, Charter Review Board was Sarasota small busiformed specifically to review ness owner 22 years — and recommend changes to Professional Physical the county charter on behalf of Therapy Center its citizens, for improvement of FUN FACT: I was a the county government. Mem- solo baton twirler durbers should be knowledgeable ing high school and of the extent of their role, and twirled double fire remain within the confines of batons during football games. such role.

What is your position on whether the board should consist of elected or appointed members? Why elected?

Or, why appointed?

Sarasota County is the only charter county in the state of Florida that has an elected charter review board; all others have appointed boards. While one could make a logical argument for either, I believe that the constituents of Sarasota County should have input as to the composition of the board, so my position is an elected board.

What criticisms, if any, do you have of the previous board, and for what changes will you advocate if you are elected?

I have no criticisms and do not bring any specific agenda or amendments to introduce if elected.

What makes you a better candidate for the Charter Review Board than your opponent?

I am unable to compare myself to an opponent that I have only met once and can only commend her willingness to commit her time and talents to such an endeavor.

I believe my formal education and years of leadership experiences have provided me with skill sets to include communicating and working effectively and efficiently with a group.

As an elected official and member of the Sarasota County Hospital Board from 1996-2008, and chairman for two terms, I have learned to work and formulate strategies in a civil and thoughtful manner with eight other board members to achieve a focused direction on behalf of the citizens of Sarasota County.

I have been a small business owner for more than 20 years in Sarasota, president of the Junior League of Sarasota Inc., PTA president of Southside School, and am a committed and trained volunteer.

In addition to my proven record as a leader and elected official, I have the ability to maintain an open mind, and am committed to civil discourse. If I am elected, I will bring the above skills, a thoughtful, responsible and educated approach, and 100% engagement to all matters brought to the CRB table. I believe in the sanctity of the charter and have a clear understanding of the charter and the defined role of its members.

I therefore believe that I am the optimal choice for the Charter Review Board.

Why do you want to be elected to the Charter Review Board?

To help the people of Sarasota truly have a democratic process through the updating and review of our current charter and by educating people about the charter and the power it gives them to determine how they want to be governed.

BIRTHPLACE: Centerville, Ill. AGE: 49 FAMILY: recently divorced; two sons: Morgen, 19, and Ryan, 17 EDUCATION:

Master’s in cultural sustainability, Goucher College Graduate Student; Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and botany, New College Honors College of Florida; Elyria Catholic High School (Ohio) —top science student of my graduating class PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

1996-2001, The Art of Being, woman selfesteem and beauty workshops and summer camp programs for girls; 2000-2004, attended New College; 2006 – present, Gentle Storm Productions; 2009 – present, Livable Planet Consulting FUN FACT: I raise chickens, goats and turkeys in the middle of Sarasota.

How would you describe the role and responsibilities of the Charter Review Board?

To ensure the charter is reflective of the needs and desires of the people and not special interests of people who seek to profit by making changes to the charter that are not in the interest of the people.

What is your position on whether the board should consist of elected or appointed members? Why elected?

Or, why appointed?

Always remain elected.

What criticisms, if any, do you have of the previous board, and for what changes will you advocate if you are elected?

No criticisms specifically, I have just heard rumors that motivated me to run for this office in an attempt to preserve the intention of the charter and ensure it serves the people of Sarasota.

What makes you a better candidate for the Charter Review Board than your opponent?

My opponent is not interested in being an activist for the people of Sarasota. She is more interested in keeping the charter as it is. I think many items in the charter are outdated and do not serve the sustainable future of our county and its people.

What is your vision for the Charter Review Board?

That in the next election, people really know what the Charter Review Board does and how important it is to the quality of the life we all share and envision for Sarasota County.

What is your vision for the Charter Review Board?

I do not believe that the intended role of the Charter Review Board should be changed or expanded in any way. Although I have always supported public access and engagement, I do not feel that the citizens of Sarasota County need to pay for unnecessary, non-productive expensive meetings just for meetings’ sake.

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Observer-PELICAN PRESS VOTER GUIDE

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

Observer-PELICAN PRESS VOTER GUIDE

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1. Because he was not the one we were waiting for.

2. “Forward.”

3. Because Julia needs to get off her lazy, federally subsidized butt, get a real job, and pay for her own damned birth-control pills.

4. Because lots of people fail at their first real job.

5. Because “Winning the Future” was not a very good slogan back in 2005 when it was Newt’s.

6. Because the country is ready for its first African-American former president.

7. To give him the free time to write his third memoir.

8. Because he’ll have even more “flexibility” after November if he’s back in Chicago.

9. Joe Biden.

10. So that dissent will once again be the highest form of patriotism.

11. Because he didn’t quite get the message in 2010.

12. For claiming that he would cut the deficit in half.

13. And then adding more than $5 trillion in new debt.

14. To remind him that debt used to be, in his own words, “unpatriotic.”

15. Because the buck never stops.

16. For blaming President Bush.

17. For blaming headwinds.

18. For blaming Japanese earthquakes.

19. For blaming ATMs. 20. He can’t get the vice president to stop calling him “Barack” in public.

21. Gabby Giffords shooting commemorative T-shirts and pep rally.

22. Because he listened to the Reverend Wright’s crackpot racist diatribes for years and then gave us a lecture on racism.

23. For ignoring his own deficit commission.

24. Because of an $800 billion stimulus bill.

25. “Shovel-ready” projects.

26. The non-existence of shovel-ready projects.

27. For joking about the non-existence of shovel-ready projects.

28. Because “jobs created or saved” is Enron accounting.

29. Because there were stimulus grants in imaginary ZIP codes.

30. For proposing a $53 billion highspeed-rail project while Amtrak is still losing hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

31. For repeatedly citing the 2007 Minnesota bridge collapse as evidence of the need for expanded infrastructure spending when federal investigators ruled that bad design, not disrepair, caused the collapse.

32. For 613 new federal regulations in the first 33 months of his presidency.

33. And because 129 of those regulations will each cost the economy more than $100 million a year.

34. Because the Small Business Administration estimates the price of current regulations at $1.75 trillion annually — a bigger burden than the corporate income tax.

35. Because his neck must be hurting from keeping his chin up in the air for nearly four years.

36. Because Cass Sunstein boasted about an “unprecedentedly ambitious government-wide review” of regulation that saved only $2 billion per year, or 0.1 percent of the cost of regulatory compliance.

37. “The private sector is doing fine.”

38. Because the private sector isn’t doing fine.

39. Because his administration predicted the stimulus would keep unemployment below 8 percent.

40. February 9, 2009: “If we get things right, then starting next year, we can start seeing some significant improvement” on the employment front.

41. Because now we have a 24 percent unemployment rate for people 16 to 19 years old.

42. Because the lowest the unemployment rate was during the Obama administration was 8.1 percent.

43. Because the current unemployment rate is 8.3 percent.

44. Because 4 million Americans have been out of work for more than a year.

45. Because the black unemployment rate is 14.4 percent.

46. And the Hispanic unemployment rate is 10.3 percent.

47. And because the real unemployment rate — including those who have

abandoned the job hunt — is even higher.

48. Because the percentage of workingage Americans who are employed has dropped from 61 percent to 58 percent — and stayed there.

49. Because, in his own words, his “first job is to make sure the economy is growing, that we’re creating jobs out there.” You said it, not us.

50. Because he spent all of 2007 and 2008 imploring us to send him to Washington and, now that he has the job, he can’t stop whining about how much he hates it there.

51. Because Nicholas Thompson, the vice president of polling firm The Tarrance Group, while discussing public views of Obama, said that “there’s a lot of people who feel sorry for him.” We should help them out.

52. Because when unemployment hit 10.2 percent, he extolled the economy’s “core strengths.”

53. Because in a fundraising e-mail of September 1, 2011, he demanded that Republicans “take action on” a jobs plan that he had not yet released.

54. Revising his tune on the recovery in December 2011, he said: “It’s going to take more than two years.

It’s going to take more than one term. It probably takes more than one president.” We agree with that last part.

55. Because he promised to “ban all earmarks.”

56. But he didn’t ban earmarks.

57. And he promised to go “line by line” through legislation.

58. But of course he didn’t go line by line through legislation, and in the case of Obamacare apparently didn’t go through it at all.

59. “Let me be perfectly clear.”

60. Because corpsmen deserve a president who can pronounce “corpsman.”

61. Because Jay Carney is the least credible press secretary since Dee Dee Myers had to stand there pretending that she didn’t know what she knew about Bill Clinton.

62. Because Americans deserve the opportunity to see which White House pet will ride atop the Romney presidential limousine.

63. So you’ll be able to criticize the president again without being called a racist.

64. Because there are 46 million people on food stamps.

65. And spending on food stamps doubled from $39 billion in 2008 to $81 billion in 2012.

66. For the existence of food-stamp parties.

67. And the proliferation of food-stamp advertisements.

68. Because he launched the most harebrained foreclosure scheme imaginable.

69. And because there were a record 2.8 million foreclosures in 2009.

70. And then a record 2.9 million foreclosures in 2010.

71. Recovery Summer.

72. Recovery Summer II. 73. Recovery Summer III. 74. Because America cannot handle any more Recovery Summer sequels.

75. To affirm that 50 states are enough.

76. Because he values Jon Corzine’s advice.

77. Because he values Joe Biden’s advice.

78. The fact that the stimulus spent $9.38 million to renovate a train depot that has been closed for 30 years.

79. And $762,000 to develop YouTube– like dance software.

80. And invested $2.5 million in dead people.

81. And sent $11 million to Microsoft to build a bridge at its campus.

82. Not to mention millions of stimulus dollars spent advertising the stimulus.

83. And $300,000 to study yoga’s impact on menopause.

84. As well as $30 million to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies to build a training complex.

85. And $200,000 to help Siberians lobby their legislators.

86. And $700,000 to help crab fishermen to recover their crab pots.

87. And more to get monkeys high on cocaine.

88. For that vice-presidential salute to “the people building smart toasters . . . this is real stuff.”

89. Because the stimulus included an earmark for a Los Angeles–Las Vegas Maglev railway.

90. And there is not going to be a Los Angeles–Las Vegas Maglev railway.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

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689 Reasons to Defeat Barack Obama From the Editors of the National Review

91. Because he didn’t let a crisis go to waste.

92. Because he demonizes Wall Street bankers.

93. Except his first chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel of Wasserstein Perella.

94. And his successor, Bill Daley of JP Morgan.

95. And his successor, Jacob Lew of Citigroup.

96. Because we wouldn’t mind seeing Goldman Sachs take a loss on this particular investment.

97. Because since he took office, real median household income is down $4,300.

98. Because he can’t distinguish between conservatism and anarchism.

99. Because his “jobs czar” praised Germany for the fact that “government and business [work] as a pack.”

100. He revived the old “social Darwinism” canard.

101. “Top-down economics.”

102. Because taxation for seniors making less than $50,000 did not end as promised.

103. “You know, I actually believe my own bulls**t.”

104. Yeah, we know.

105. We need a president accustomed to signing the front, not the back, of checks.

106. Because he promised to rely on public financing for his campaign, then reneged.

107. For railing against money in politics while spending record amounts.

108. Trump could really use a big draw for the next Celebrity Apprentice.

109. It would lower Touré’s blood pressure.

110. MSNBC could use the ratings help.

111. He could spend some more time with the perpendicular pronoun.

112. He could spend more time with his beloved straw men, who are no doubt dating his composite girlfriends.

113. For Obamacare.

114. Because he thinks health care is a “right.”

115. For passing it to see what’s in it.

116. Because he’s on the same team as Nancy Pelosi.

117. Because America is not full of doctors who amputate healthy feet for profit.

118. “Deem and pass.”

119. He promised to televise deliberations over Obamacare.

120. Because he made 58 speeches to sell Obamacare, not one of them honest.

121. For claiming “special interests” were opposed to Obamacare.

122. While making a secret deal with Big Pharma.

123. And another secret deal with the doctors.

124. And one more secret deal with the hospitals.

125. It’s racist to say “Obamacare.”

126. Except when he says it.

127. To undo his ban on construction of physician-owned hospitals.

128. And the 2.3 percent excise tax on select medical devices.

129. Not to mention the 3.8 percent Medicare surtax on investment income.

130. A 0.9 percent Medicare payroll tax hike.

131. A $2,500 annual cap on contributions to HSAs. 132. A 10 percent excise tax on tanning salons.

133. A $716 billion raid of Medicare.

134. And a 40 percent excise tax on “Cadillac” health-insurance plans.

135. The fact that we still own Cadillac.

136. Eliminating the “deduction for expenses allocable to Medicare Part D” will cost beneficiaries $4.5 billion.

137. The president’s health-care bill wasn’t going to add “one dime” to the deficit.

138. It will add 10 million tons of dimes to the deficit.

139. Because 15 percent of Part A hospital providers will become

15

unprofitable over the next ten years.

140. For 1,200 Obamacare waivers.

141. Because labor unions are the primary recipients of those waivers.

142. Medicare’s chief actuary found that Obamacare will triple the growth rate of net insurance costs.

143. And because 83 percent of physicians say they will consider quitting by the time Obamacare comes into effect.

144. So he can get a job as one of those thousands of new IRS employees.

145. The CLASS Act. 146. IPAB. 147. Because states like Maryland already are discussing tax increases in 2015 to pay for the “healthbenefit exchanges” required under Obamacare.

148. For musing that his grandmother shouldn’t have received end-of-life care.

149. “I happen to be a proponent of single-payer universal healthcare coverage. . . . That’s what I’d like to see.” But it would be awkward for him to move to Canada while serving as president of the United States.

150. Increasing the penalty on early withdrawals from HSAs for spending on non-medical expenses from 10 to 20 percent.

151. Because HSA funds can no longer be used to purchase over-the-counter medicines.

152. Itemized deductions will only be allowed for health-care expenses above 10 percent of adjusted gross income, up from 7.5 percent.

153. “If you like your health-care plan, you can keep your health-care plan.” McKinsey estimates around 30 percent of employers will drop employee health plans in the years after 2014.

154. Another 17 million people will be pushed into Medicaid.

155. For claiming Obamacare would cause health-insurance premiums to decline by “3,000 percent,” whatever that means, while in fact healthinsurance premiums are continuing to rise.

156. For attacking Hillary for the individual mandate, then imposing one himself.

157. Because the individual mandate is not a tax.

158. Because the individual mandate is a tax.

159. Attacking McCain for taxing health benefits, then doing it himself.

160. Using the National Endowment for the Arts to sell Obamacare.

161. Breaking promises about medical marijuana.

162. Record spending on the War on Drugs.

163. Increasing S-CHIP spending.

164. The Race to the Top gimmick.

165. Increasing spending on Head Start.

166. Increasing education spending across the board.

167. Because none of those has had any measurable positive impact on education.

168. Firing Obama would make wedding registries safe again.

169. So the kids will know again that it’s okay to succeed.

170. So “Chicago values” can once again be safe, legal, and rare.

171. The hijacking of Abraham Lincoln.

172. The hijacking of Ronald Reagan.

173. Because the United States now owes more in net unfunded liabilities than the combined net worth of the planet.

174. For claiming that taxing the rich would solve the entitlements crisis.

175. Because President Obama’s proposed budget will run deficits larger than $600 billion in nine of the next ten years.

176. In 2010, the federal government ran a $1.293 trillion budget deficit.

177. In 2011, the federal government ran a $1.3 trillion budget deficit.

178. In 2012, the federal government ran a $1.327 trillion budget deficit.

179. In 2013, the federal government

March 2012: Barack Obama and then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will run a $901 billion budget deficit.

180. And under President Obama’s long-term fiscal plan, the budget will never balance. Ever.

181. President Obama’s proposed budget received no votes in 2011.

182. President Obama’s proposed budget received no votes in 2012.

183. Because there has been no Senate budget for three years running.

184. For blaming deficits on Bush tax cuts for “the rich.”

185. The average annual deficit: $1.3 trillion. Revenues from repealing Bush tax cuts for the rich: about $40 billion. Math is hard.

186. Because he claimed $22,215 in foreign tax credits for income earned overseas while blasting tax credits as unpatriotic.

187. Because he doesn’t have a plan, but he knows he doesn’t like yours.

188. “At a certain point, you’ve made enough money.” But not under his watch, you didn’t.

189. For inviting Paul Ryan to sit in the front row at his budget speech and then sandbagging him.

190. And sandbagging John Boehner by demanding more last-minute taxes in the “grand bargain” negotiations.

191. That bicycle helmet.

192. Under President Obama’s proposed budget, the top bracket will go from 35 percent to 39.6 percent.

193. The death-tax top rate would increase to 45 percent.

194. The gift-tax top rate would increase to 45 percent.

195. The capital-gains rate would rise to 20 percent.

196. Because he wants to jump off the fiscal cliff.

197. Because we are not lemmings.

198. A proposed $9.50-per-hour minimum wage.

199. Because the average American works until July 15 to pay off the cost of government.

200. To commemorate the S&P downgrade.

201. “No matter what some agency may say, we’ve always been and always will be a triple-A country.”

202. America’s Global Competitiveness ranking is down from first place to fifth.

203. And we’re behind Canada on the Index of Economic Freedom.

204. The Buffett Rule.

205. Warren Buffett’s secretary.

206. Warren Buffett.

207. Separation of powers.

208. Dodd.

209. Frank.

210. Dodd-Frank.

211. Because Dodd-Frank doesn’t end “too big to fail.”

212. But Dodd-Frank does provide for 398 new rules to be written.

213. And deadlines for 221 of the new Dodd-Frank rules have been missed.

214. “Disparate impact” lawsuits against banks.

215. Restrictions of employers’ ability to consider criminal arrest and conviction records of employees because it might have a “disparate impact” on racial minorities.

216. A Coordinated Government-wide Initiative to Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Federal Workforce.

217. False claims about declining mobility.

218. False claims about the effects of inequality.

219. David Axelrod.

220. David Axelrod’s mustache.

221. For pretending to be against outsourcing.

222. For not knowing the difference between outsourcing and offshoring.

223. The rule of law.

224. Impersonating Teddy Roosevelt in Osawatomie, Kan. 225. Forcing the Fed to increase its number of minority economists.

226. The Middle Class Task Force.

227. The Jobs Council.

228. The 2010 federal pay freeze that did not freeze pay.

229. Because the Open Government Initiative was a lie.

230. Arguing that Bain Capital is the problem with America.

231. While taking Bain Capital’s campaign contributions.

232. A 35 percent tariff on the importation of Chinese tires.

233. Richard Cordray.

234. Because just as his campaign sent out an e-mail declaring that “our President and First Lady are, when it comes down to it, regular people like us,” the first family departed for a $4 million, 17-day Christmas vacation.

235. Joe Biden.

236. He reads Andrew Sullivan.

237. He thinks the government created the Internet.

238. He thinks government is what makes us great.

239. For pretending his name has been an electoral liability.

240. Because the IRS audit of Harry Reid is long overdue.

241. The Constitution.

242. Bailing out Chrysler and giving it to an Italian car company.

243. Because Fisker Automotive is offshoring (Mitt can explain) its manufacturing to Finland after Obama “invested” our money in it.

244. The auto bailout initially cost $14 billion but eventually will cost taxpayers $25.1 billion.

245. Because we believe him when he says: “The American auto industry has come roaring back. Now I want to do the same thing with manufacturing jobs, not just in the auto industry, but in every industry.”

246. GM’s share price is tanking.

247. GM’s market share is tanking.

248. We’re not hearing the roar.

249. The auto bailout saved union benefits, but employees of parts supplier Delphi saw up to 70 percent of their pensions yanked away.

250. Shortchanging private bondholders to preserve UAW contracts.

Paid for by the Republican Party of Sarasota County and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. www.sarasotagop.com

251. Attacking the bondholders for “hold[ing] out for the prospect of an unjustified taxpayer-funded bailout.”

252. Elena Kagan.

253. Kagan’s declaration that the Constitution is “defective.”

254. The Wise Latina™.

255. Number of justices older than 75: three.

256. So Antonin Scalia can retire in peace.

257. He values “empathy” over “abstract legal theory,” a.k.a. the law.

258. He considers the Warren Court to have been a failure because it did not achieve “redistribution of wealth.”

259. And because “it didn’t break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the Founding Fathers in the Constitution,” a.k.a. the Constitution.

260. Alleging that a decision overturning Obamacare would be “unprecedented.”

261. Falsely claiming that Citizens United allows “foreign countries and companies bankrolling national campaigns.”

262. Describing Citizens United as “a major victory for Big Oil, Wall Street banks, health-insurance companies.”

263. Gracelessly attacking members of the Supreme Court at the 2010 State of the Union speech.

264. Attorney General Eric Holder.

265. Supreme Court Justice Eric Holder.

266. Celebrating his birthday for a week.

267. “Anyone can grow up to be president,” but we didn’t need someone to prove it.

268. Mocking Nancy Reagan at a news conference.

269. Every ambitious state senator in the country with no accomplishments is now thinking, “I could be president within four years.”

270. Even Entertainment Weekly thinks it is time for the president to stop doing fluff interviews.

271. Because we are not “a nation of cowards.”

272. Dropping prosecution of the New Black Panthers.

273. His Justice and Education departments issued a report encouraging post-secondary institutions to evade restrictions on racial preferences.

274. Attempting to try KSM in New York City.

275. Dumping the Defense of Marriage Act, despite an obligation to defend it.

276. Opposing voter ID. 277. The Obama DOJ does not consider putting a GPS tracker on your car a “search.” The Supreme Court disagrees, 9–0.

278. Because we like religious liberty.

279. In Hosanna-Tabor v. EEOC, the administration argued that federal “discrimination” laws applied to religious organizations’ selection of their leaders. The Supreme Court disagrees, 9–0.

280. President Obama’s DOJ sued the State of Florida because it attempted to purge state voting rolls of foreigners and deceased citizens.

281. The DOJ blocked a voter-ID law in South Carolina, even though the state provided free voter IDs. 282. Former Justice attorney Christopher Coates says that there is a “hostile atmosphere . . . against race-neutral enforcement of the Voting Rights Act.” 283. Suing Arizona in federal court for enforcing federal immigration law.

284. Arguing that the IRS takes priority over other creditors when farmers in bankruptcy sell their farms.

285. Joe Biden.

286. Fast and Furious.

287. Lying about Fast and Furious.

288. Dishonestly denying that ATF allowed guns to “walk” as part of Fast and Furious.

289. The death of Brian Terry because of Fast and Furious.

290. Eric Holder’s stonewalling about Fast and Furious.

291. Bogus claims of executive privilege in re: Fast and Furious.

292. Obama’s ambassador to London said that “all key issues must run through Europe.”

293. “In America, there’s a failure to appreciate Europe’s leading role in the world,” said the alleged leader of the free world.

294. Giving the Russians information on Britain’s nuclear deterrent to persuade them to sign a treaty.

295. David Plouffe.

296. Joe Biden.

297. Falsely claiming that 90 percent of Mexican crime guns come from the United States.

298. Working to make that lie a reality.

299. Wanting to reinstate the assaultweapons ban.

300. Expressing support for Washington’s handgun ban and claiming that it was constitutional.

301. Opposing concealed-carry laws and supporting a national law that prohibits the practice.

302. Supporting the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (the “small-arms treaty”).

303. An “F” rating from the NRA. 304. We rather liked Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.

305. “I am president. I am not king. I can’t do these things just by myself.”

306. The DREAM Act executive order.

307. Gutting the 1996 Welfare Reform Act. 308. 29 recess appointments, some of them without an actual recess.

309. War Powers Act? Who needs it?

310. “We’re not going to use signing statements as a way of doing an end run around Congress.”

311. He has used signing statements 21 times so far.

312. Cynical gay-marriage flip-flop.

313. Cynical Gitmo flip-flop.

314. The possibility of gay marriages in Gitmo.

315. Obama’s first presidential decision: Joe Biden.

316. Biden will finally be free to say whatever he wants.

317. “Middle Class Joe.” 318. “Barack America.”

319. The “first mainstream African American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy.”

320. “Big f***ing deal.”

321. “They gonna put y’all back in chains.”

322. Biden has a lousy fake black accent.

323. Biden wanted us to avoid “confined spaces” because of swine flu, a panic-inducing recommendation completely contradictory to CDC instructions.

324. Biden called tea-party Republicans in Congress “terrorists.”

325. Biden was asked by the manager of a custard shop outside of Milwaukee if he was going to lower taxes. He called the man a “smartass.”

326. Biden: “We have to go spend money to keep from going bankrupt.”

327. Biden: “Jobs” is a “three-letter word.”

328. Biden: The bin Laden hit was the most “audacious plan” in 500 years.

329. Biden considers Brussels to be the “capital of the free world.”

330. Giving Joe a head start on “Biden 2016.”

331. “The war on women.”

332. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. 333. Favoring reintroduction of the Equal Rights Amendment.

334. Saying that there is a crisis in “access to contraception,” when Walmart sells the contraceptive pill for $9 per month.

335. The HHS mandate.

336. We rather liked the First Amendment.

337. Calling up Sandra Fluke.

338. The fee for violating the HHS mandate is $100 per day, per employee.

339. The question of when life begins is “above [the president’s] pay grade.”

340. But proclaiming, “Abortions should be legally available in accordance withRoe v. Wade.”

341. And opposing all parentalnotification laws.

342. And describing becoming pregnant as being “punished with a baby.”

343. While claiming abortion is “health care.”

344. He advocates nullification of almost all federal and state limitations on abortion.

345. He opposes the partial-birthabortion ban.

346. He overturned the Dornan amendment, which had outlawed taxpayer-funded abortions in Washington, D.C., for 13 years.

347. A 100 percent pro-abortion rating from both NARAL and Planned Parenthood.

348. A 0 percent rating from National Right to Life.

349. Overturning the Mexico City Policy.

350. Opposing the Hyde Amendment.

351. Supporting public funding for Planned Parenthood.

352. $487 million to Planned Parenthood in 2010.

353. Federal funding for embryonicstem-cell research.

354. “Science czar” John Holdren, who wrote a book advocating forced abortion and sterilization while arguing for a one-world government.

355. His first deputy secretary of state, James B. Steinberg, told the Senate that taxpayers should be forced to fund abortions.

356. $50 million in funds to the United Nations Population Fund, which supports China’s “One Child” policy.

357. Joe Biden telling the Chinese that he “fully understands” their draconian one-child policy.

358. Joe Biden.

359. Canada today seems well governed in comparison.

360. Speaking at the DNC in front of Greco-Roman columns.

361. We’ll get to watch Chris Matthews cry.

362. We’ll get to watch Chris Matthews lose his tingle.

363. We’ll get to watch Ed Schultz go crazy. Crazier. Whatever.

364. Because he’s nicer to Harvard professors than to Cambridge cops.

365. “A teachable moment.”

366. “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon.”

367. Personally pitching Chicago as an Olympics host in Copenhagen.

368. Failing spectacularly while pitching Chicago as an Olympics host in Copenhagen.

369. With Michelle, using some form of “I” 70 times in 89 sentences in Copenhagen.

370. To Hispanics: “We’re gonna punish our enemies, and we’re gonna reward our friends who stand with us on issues that are important to us.”

371. The apology tour.

372. The Nobel Peace Prize? Really?

373. Bowing before the king of Saudi Arabia.

374. Bowing before Chinese Communist leader Hu Jintao.

375. Bowing before the emperor of Japan.

376. Bowing before the president of Mexico.

377. Bowing before the mayor of Tampa.

378. Bowing before every union boss in the known universe.

379. Because then maybe the Dalai Lama won’t have to leave the White House by a back door, next to piledup garbage.

380. Listening calmly for 50 minutes while Daniel Ortega issued a diatribe against the United States at the OAS. 381. Wanting to relax travel restrictions to Cuba.

382. Shaking Hugo Chávez’s hand.

383. Because a new president will respect Honduran democracy.

384. Giving the Queen of England an iPod containing his speeches.

385. Making a speech during the British national anthem while visiting Buckingham Palace.

386. Michelle Obama hugged the Queen.

387. For sending back the Churchill bust.

388. For lying about sending back the Churchill bust.

389. For refusing to admit lying about sending back the Churchill bust.

390. Prime Minister Gordon Brown presented Obama with a penholder

made from the timbers of the 19thcentury British warship HMS Gannet.

President Obama gave Gordon Brown 25 DVDs that didn’t play on British DVD players.

391. “The Maldives.”

392. Calling France our strongest friend and ally.

393. Fort Hood was “workplace violence.”

394. “Man-caused disasters.”

395. So we can reopen Guantanamo Bay! Oh, wait . . .

396. “Overseas contingency operations.”

397. So the State Department will no longer apologize to Chinese Communists for Arizona’s immigration laws.

398. Janet Napolitano’s “the system worked.”

399. “A failure to connect the dots.”

400. “We can absorb a terrorist attack.”

401. NASA trying to make Muslims “feel good about their historic contribution to science, math, and engineering.”

402. Pool report, December 28, 2009: “A half-hour after President Obama vowed to catch the terrorists behind a plot to blow up a plane on Christmas, he arrived at 10:40 a.m. at the Luana Hills Country Club.” Perhaps he suspected a caddy was involved?

403. “Reset.”

404. Due to a translation error, the “Reset” button actually said “Overloaded.”

405. The New START treaty, by which America gives and Russia gets.

406. Ignoring Russia’s tactical-nuclearweapons advantage.

407. North Korea has 2,000 uraniumenrichment centrifuges and is constructing a 100-megawatt lightwater reactor.

408. So he can finally see Israel.

409. Because “Israel is a strong friend of Israel’s.”

410. “The Middle East is obviously an issue that has plagued the region for centuries.”

411. Humiliating Benjamin Netanyahu.

412. No more bitching about Israeli prime ministers to French presidents.

413. Insisting on the settlement freeze.

414. Because the Israeli capital is Jerusalem.

415. “Leading from behind.”

416. Canceling the missile-defense program in Poland and the Czech Republic.

417. “A Polish death camp.”

418. Abandoning Iraq.

419. The Afghan deadline.

420. Never saying “victory.”

421. Assad the reformer.

422. Naïve outreach to Iran.

423. His blatant bad faith on stopping the Iranian nuclear program.

424. Sending a team of dolphins to the Strait of Hormuz.

425. When a drone crashed in Iran: “We’ve asked for it back. We’ll see how the Iranians respond.”

426. Negotiating with the Taliban.

427. Expanding combat roles for women.

428. Using Israel’s pre-1967 borders as a debate “starting point.”

429. Inviting the Muslim Brotherhood to Washington, D.C. 430. Because the Muslim Brotherhood is not largely “secular.”

431. Shrinking the Marine Corps by 10 percent.

432. The Navy’s shipbuilding budget will continue to fall behind the rate at which ships are being retired.

433. Global Zero.

434. “No one nation can or should try to dominate another nation.”

435. The Cairo speech.

436. Lending legitimacy to the atrocious U.N. Human Rights Council.

437. Failing to support the Green Revolution in Iran.

438. Referring to Iran as “the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

439. New Year’s greetings to “the people and leaders of Iran.”

440. Politically correct taboos against use of the term “radical Islam.”

441. Leaking Stuxnet.

442. Leaking about the bin Laden raid.

443. Leaking about the drone program.

444. Leaking about the Yemeni double agent.

445. Because Tom Donilon finally might shut the f*** up.

446. Because by 2020 the interest

Continued on Page 16

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

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689 Reasons to defeat Obama Continued from Page 15 payments on the debt will be bigger than the entire military budget.

447. By 2015, the interest on the national debt will finance the Chinese army in its entirety.

448. Railing against waterboarding but blowing up over 2,000 suspected terrorists.

449. Van Jones.

450. The word “um” needs a break.

451. The Mexicans prefer Cinco de Mayo to Cinco de Cuatro.

452. Even Maureen Dowd has lost faith.

453. And David Brooks is wavering.

454. He’s lost “Obama Girl.”

455. He hasn’t lost Joe Biden.

456. The next time a candidate runs under the banner of “Yes We Can!” the American people might ask: “What, precisely?”

457. “Cap and trade.”

458. “Electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket.”

459. The war on coal.

460. Opposing the Sacramento–San Joaquin Water Reliability Act. 461. Solyndra.

462. Biden on Solyndra: The “jobs are going to be permanent jobs. These are the jobs of the future. These are the green jobs. These are the jobs that won’t be exported. These are the jobs that are going to define the 21st century and the jobs that are going to allow America to compete and to lead like we did in the 20th century.”

463. George Kaiser, the billionaire Obama fundraiser who held the biggest stake in Solyndra.

464. Refusing to hand over internal White House documents about Solyndra.

465. 71 percent of energy grants and loans were given to Democratic donors, bundlers, or members of Obama’s National Finance Committee.

466. Raser Technology of Utah received a $33 million grant. It filed for bankruptcy in 2011.

467. Sun Power received $1.2 billion in taxpayer guarantees. Today, it owes more than it’s worth.

468. Aptera liquidated itself in 2011. It had received a $150 million conditional loan from the federal government.

469. Pressuring an Air Force general to change his testimony to favor LightSquared, a wireless company, run by major Democratic donor Sanjiv Ahuja.

470. Ener1 received a $118.5 million grant from the Department of Energy. It went bankrupt in January.

471. BrightSource received $1.6 billion in guarantees and turned it into a $177 million loss.

472. Beacon Power received $43 million in loan guarantees. It’s now bankrupt.

473. ECOtality received $126.2 million of taxpayers’ money. It posted $45 million in losses and will never be profitable.

474. Abound Solar received $400 million in loan guarantees to build photovoltaicpanel factories. The company has filed for bankruptcy and laid off all 305 of its employees.

475. Nevada Geothermal received a $98.5 million guarantee in 2010. The company is failing.

476. Stretching CAFE standards beyond all reasonable limits.

477. “British Petroleum.”

478. Taking lots of campaign schmundo from “British Petroleum.”

479. Instructing BP to create a $20 billion escrow fund to be distributed by the government.

480. Hilda Solis, the AFL-CIO’s “humble servant.”

481. Steven “The Public Needs to Be Educated” Chu. 482. Because we only needed to be told once that Chu won a Nobel Prize.

483. The country deserves an energy secretary who owns a car.

484. Because Thomas Edison must be avenged.

485. The Chevy Volt.

486. The Korean batteries in the Chevy Volt.

487. The recall of every Chevy Volt ever built.

488. EPA regulation of carbon.

489. The EPA running free of congressional oversight.

490. Classifying carbon dioxide and methane, two products of the human body, as “dangerous” to human health.

491. Bypassing Congress to regulate emissions through the United Nations

Environment Program.

492. “We can’t drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times.”

493. The War on the Suburbs.

494. Because of whatshisname, who runs HUD. 495. Blocking the Keystone pipeline.

496. Installing wind turbines that kill bald eagles.

497. “Cash for Clunkers.”

498. Purchasing 450,000 gallons of biofuel for Navy ships at a cost of $15 per gallon. The standard JP-5 fuel costs $4 a gallon.

499. Some of that biofuel came from Solazyme, which the administration awarded a $22 million stimulus grant.

500. Gas prices up 100 percent since Inauguration Day. 501. A six-month ban on offshore drilling in Louisiana . . .

502. . . . while applauding increased drilling off the coast of Brazil.

503. Lying about his panel of experts’ recommending an offshore-drilling ban.

504. Rejecting “sound science” to close Yucca Mountain because Harry Reid told him to.

505. The Communist party endorsed him.

506. Desire to “fundamentally transform” America.

507. Praising Malcom X’s “repeated acts of self-creation.”

508. “I want you to argue with them [your neighbors] and get in their face.”

509. “Hostage takers.”

510. One day after telling debt-ceilingnegotiation participants to “leave our political rhetoric at the door,” Obama says at a town hall that Republicans are treating the debt ceiling as “a gun against the heads of the American people to extract tax breaks for corporate-jet owners.”

511. He hates corporate jets.

512. One great American manufacturing success story: corporate jets.

513. He said Occupy Wall Street “expresses the frustrations that the American people feel.”

514. Telling Occupiers, “you’re the reason I ran for office.”

515. Being “unaware of the tea parties.”

516. “Teabaggers!”

517. “When you spread the wealth around it’s good for everybody.”

518. “We’re not going to run around doing negative ads. We’re going to keep it positive, we’re going to talk about the issues.”

519. Americans are “bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment.”

520. The “smartest president ever” wrote only one article for the Harvard Law Review . . .

521. . . . and that article was a paean to abortion.

522. “Citizen of the world.”

523. Because he campaigned in Berlin.

524. Because he never stopped campaigning.

525. Thinking there’s an Austrian language.

526. “Greek exceptionalism.”

527. At this rate, Greece might not be so exceptional . . .

528. “There’s nothing special about Britain. You’re just the same as the other 190 countries in the world. You shouldn’t expect special treatment.”

529. It’s time for an administration more interested in building pipelines than narratives.

530. The Salahis need some turnover in White House Protocol staffers to get their groove back.

531. The Obama–Clinton primary fight was so much fun, this way we can do it again in 2016.

532. He makes Bill Clinton look like a statesman.

533. We need a president who knows the proper usage of “enormity.”

534. And a vice president who knows what “literally” means.

535. Because he was born in Asia — at least, that’s where he seems to think Hawaii is.

536. Good time for the Obamas to transition, with nothing in season during January in the White House kitchen garden.

537. 392 speeches in 2009.

538. 491speeches in 2010.

539. Thinking his mistake was failure “to

tell a story to the American people.”

540. “I believe all the choices we’ve made have been the right ones.”

541. “We can’t wait!”

542. Because “there is no secret, brilliant strategy. This White House is in a bubble.” So said former MSNBC host Cenk Uygur, September 1, 2011.

543. For holding more fundraisers than the last five presidents combined.

544. MSNBC’s Chris Matthews characterized the change in Obama’s political approach as “going from hope and change to dig-up-and-destroy.”

545. Being afraid of press conferences.

546. Within weeks of becoming president, Obama appointed 17 lobbyists, after having promised to eliminate their influence.

547. Meeting with lobbyists across from the White House in coffee shops in order to avoid producing Secret Service logs.

548. Giving his first official television interview to Al-Arabiya.

549. “I won.”

550. Saying Jessica Simpson is in a “weight battle.”

551. Mocking the Special Olympics.

552. We can’t survive more than three Hilary Rosens.

553. Awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Harvey Milk.

554. Awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Mary Robinson.

555. Awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dolores Huerta.

556. Hiring a former ACORN associate to run his 2012 “Project Vote” campaign.

557. For the sheer joy of sticking it to Colin Powell, Jim Leach, Ken Adelman, and the Obamacon community.

558. For mocking Scott Brown’s truck.

559. Appointing a La Raza lobbyist to direct his Domestic Policy Council.

560. Bypassing the Senate to appoint Steven Rattner, who was under SEC investigation for kickbacks and pensions fraud.

561. Believing the United Nations has prevented a Third World War. 562. For this little nugget from Jodi Kantor’s The Obamas, page 156: “There were many times the president seemed to be giving up on the public.”

563. For inserting himself into the biographies of other presidents on whitehouse.gov.

564. Stephanie Cutter.

565. Attack Watch.

566. Truth Team.

567. Everything he does is touted as “unprecedented” and “daring” — even locating his reelection headquarters in Chicago.

568. Teleprompter speeches to schoolchildren.

569. Joe Biden.

570. Raúl Castro’s daughter endorsed him while in the United States . . .

571. . . . and she was here because the Obama administration gave her a visa.

572. Isn’t it time for the oceans to rise again?

573. Repeatedly saying the federal government must codify in law the idea that we are “my brother’s keeper, my sister’s keeper,” while his own brother lives in a shack.

574. Daring to besmirch the reputation of Rutherford B. Hayes.

575. “Some billionaires have a tax rate as low as 1 percent.”

576. The TSA touches our junk.

577. We need a Treasury Secretary who hasn’t been caught taking illegal deductions on his taxes.

578. Getting contradicted by Caterpillar’s CEO. 579. Asking Americans, and blacks specifically, to “have his back.”

580. Saying Americans should “rise and fall as one unit.”

581. Because his authenticity is rooted in condescension.

582. Because he’s a post-partisan poseur.

583. If he could have “any superpower” it would be to speak a foreign language.

584. Because the vaunted intellectual speaks fewer foreign languages than George W. Bush.

585. Misattributing a quotation on the Oval Office carpet.

586. The czars.

587. The fundraisers.

588. Because he hates Eric Cantor.

589. Endorsed by the NEA. 590. Endorsed by AFL-CIO.

591. Endorsed by SEIU. 592. Taking $60 million from the SEIU. 593. Telling the SEIU: “We look after each other!” True enough.

594. “I’ve been fighting with ACORN, alongside ACORN, on issues you care about, my entire career.”

595. We need a vice president who is hated by Tom Morello.

596. Janeane Garofalo is adorable when she weeps.

597. He’d “appreciate a little break and some Tuscan sun.”

598. Because he doesn’t know more about Judaism than any other president.

599. For his runaway narcissism, e.g.

December 20, 2011: “I would put our legislative and foreign-policy accomplishments in our first two years against any president — with the possible exceptions of Johnson, FDR, and Lincoln.”

600. Free Cory Booker!

601. Panthers Stadium.

602. Have we mentioned Joe Biden?

603. Comparing himself to Martin Luther King.

604. Because not all of our foreign allies can “punch above their weight.”

605. He needs more time to hang out with celebrities.

606. Accepting Harry Reid’s lies about Romney’s tax returns.

607. “I’m LeBron, baby.”

608. Because since becoming president, Obama has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Show with David Letterman, taped a questionand-answer promoting Conan O’Brien’s transition to The Tonight Show, taped a promotion for George Lopez, and taped a video for The Colbert Report.

609. He has also taped a prime-time special with Oprah, been the subject of an NBC News prime-time special, been the subject of an HBO documentary, and grilled with Food Network star Bobby Flay.

610. And he has popped up in commercials during Thanksgiving football, and filled out his NCAA basketball tournament picks on ESPN; and now he is appearing on American Idol. (Again.)

611. Because we don’t want to eat our vegetables.

612. So Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas can once again enjoy an Egg McMuffin in peace.

613. Believing reducing “obesity” will save $1 trillion per year.

614. Lying about Romney’s position on abortion.

615. Borrowing arguments from Elizabeth Warren.

616. Being on the same team as Elizabeth Warren.

617. Because the Constitution was not “put to paper more than 20 centuries ago.”

618. Because encouraging Americans to buy “thingamajigs” is not an economic plan.

619. We can’t survive Obama’s dealing with foreign leaders for “the next eight to ten years.”

620. Because Georgia isn’t in Russia.

621. We rather like the words “created,” “Creator,” and “Life” in the Declaration of Independence.

622. Accusing Mitt Romney of killing a woman.

623. Because his main opponent is not “cynicism.”

624. Government is most definitely not “cool again.”

625. Demagoguing the PATRIOT Act and then quietly signing an extension.

626. Because Obama’s parents were supposedly inspired to get married by “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Ala., which happened four years after their actual wedding.

627. For $40,000-a-plate fundraising dinners in Hollywood.

628. “A lot of people in this room have seen directly the damage that’s been done as a consequence of this recession,” said President Obama, speaking at a $38,500-per-plate fundraiser held at the home of Ralph Schlosstein, CEO of Evercore Partners, the investment bank that advised General Motors during its bankruptcy and subsequent bailout.

629. The GSA spent $823,000 on a conference for 300 employees at a luxury Las Vegas hotel.

630. Airfare and lodging for the planning trips alone cost $147,000.

Paid for by the Republican Party of Sarasota County and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. www.sarasotagop.com

631. The GSA spent $3,200 on a mind reader.

632. The GSA spent $6,300 on commemorative coins.

633. The GSA spent $75,000 on a training exercise to build a bicycle.

634. The GSA treated 120 interns to a conference at a Palm Springs resort.

635. Richard Trumka is a frequent White House guest.

636. e. christi cunningham 637. Persecuting Boeing for expanding operations in a right-to-work state.

638. Card check.

639. Appointing Sharon Block and Richard Griffin to the National Labor Relations Board . . .

640. . . . as recess appointments.

641. The DISCLOSE Act. 642. Nationalizing the student-loan industry.

643. Using the loan market to push young people into the “helping” professions.

644. Because his wife’s last job paid in the middle six figures but she advised a roomful of working women to abjure financial gain to engage in public service.

645. Trying to end the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program.

646. And doing so while sending his daughters to Sidwell Friends.

647. Joe Biden.

648. Filing briefs in support of affirmative action and race-based quotas in public universities.

649. A new federal office specifically dedicated to educational efforts for African Americans.

650. Race-based quotas for school discipline.

651. “I am a strong supporter of affirmative action.”

652. Because he wants to squeeze the fruit again.

653. We don’t need a “civilian nationalsecurity force.”

654. We don’t need an Internet kill switch.

655. The FCC’s attempting to impose “net neutrality.”

656. “Nobody accused Mr. Romney of being a felon” (except Obama’s deputy campaign manager).

657. Trying to move the census from the Department of Commerce to the White House.

658. Valerie Jarrett.

659. He tried to appoint Tom Daschle.

660. “I don’t think you or anybody who’s been watching the campaign would say yes, that in any way we have tried to divide the country. We’ve always tried to bring the country together.”

661. Mom jeans.

662. Eating dog.

663. He picked his dog from the same litter as Ted Kennedy.

664. To give salmon regulators a break.

665. To shut up the Birthers . . .

666. . . . especially Trump . . .

667. . . . until Rubio runs.

668. So he can blame it on Bush.

669. It’s time for a Choom Gang reunion.

670. For governing “Present.”

671. If you’re going to fill your autobiography with fake women, you could at least make them more appealing.

672. That Jimmy Fallon appearance.

673. “Cominskey.”

674. Do it for Andrew Breitbart.

675. He throws like a girl.

676. He bowls like a four-and-a-half-yearold.

677. He wore a White Sox hat with a Nationals jersey to throw out his first pitch.

678. Roman Genn is really good at drawing Romney and Ryan.

679. We can’t take any more cowbell.

680. The presidency is really starting to eat into his golf game.

681. Comedians will be able to joke about the president again.

682. Bill Clinton needs this.

683. We need change we can believe in.

684. Recovery November.

685. The president can hook up again with Bill Ayers, “a guy who lives in [his] neighborhood.”

686. He’ll be able to spend more time with his family.

687. Because that first public cigarette will be smooooooth.

688. Because the post-election National Review cruise can’t stock enough liquor if it goes the other way.

689. Because you built that.

Copyright 2012

by National Review, Inc. Reprinted by permission.

Observer-PELICAN PRESS VOTER GUIDE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

VOTERGUIDE2012

YourObserver.com

17

Sarasota County Charter Review Board Kevin Connelly, No Party Affiliation

John Fellin, Republican

Why do you want to be elected to the Charter Review Board?

To ensure that the charter meets the needs of our citizens.

Why do you want to be elected to the Charter Review Board?

I am running for a seat on the Charter Review Board to allow me to assist in preserving the integrity of the County Charter and also to help steer the Charter Review Board to its original role as intended by the enabling language in the charter.

This is not to say that I am strictly opposed to any charter amendment(s); the charter is a living document that must accommodate the changing environment of the community. But since 1980, when the original charter was repealed and replaced by a new charter, the charter has had 79 amendments.

Governance by trial and error is not only unwise, but can indeed be dangerous.

What is your position on whether the board should consist of elected or appointed members? Why elected? Or, why appointed?

It should be an elected board to ensure broad public access with full public input. It minimizes special-interest domination.

What criticisms, if any, do you have of the previous board, and for what changes will you advocate if you are elected?

No criticism.

What makes you a better candidate for the Charter Review Board than your opponent?

My experience draws from government, military and private enterprise. I have seen what works and what does not work.

What is your vision for the Charter Review Board?

The first issue I would like the board to consider is changing the requirements for Supervisor of Elections from a partisan to a non-partisan position. The office of Supervisor of Elections should be no-party affiliation (NPA).

BIRTHPLACE:

Elmhurst, N.Y. AGE: 72 FAMILY: Spouse, Judith EDUCATION: BBA, marketing, University of Notre Dame PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

Lieutenant colonel, U.S. Army-Retired; combat veteran, Vietnam; U.S. Department of State, foreign service officer; director of Industrial Development Agency, New York; president, Apollo Sunguard Systems Inc., Sarasota.

FUN FACT: Working on captain’s license.

What criticisms, if any, do you have of the previous board, and for what changes Louis will you advocate if you are AGE: 61 elected?

FAMILY: Divorced No criticism or complaints EDUCATION: Forest regarding the sitting board.

Park Community I would like to see the board College, St. Louis; post- continue on its properly asgraduate study from the signed task as stated in the School of Hard Knocks. charter.

BIRTHPLACE: St.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

What makes you a better candidate for the Charter President, Digital Review Board than your opElectronic Systems, How would you describe ponent?

Inc., Englewood. the role and responsibilities I am not familiar with my of the Charter Review Board? opponent. I feel that my expeExactly as stated in the charter: “On be- rience with many community organizahalf of the citizens of Sarasota County, the tions, along with a well-documented dediCharter Review Board shall review and rec- cated service on several county advisory ommend changes to the County Charter councils (totaling in excess of 36 years) for improvement of county government.” including 12 years on the Sarasota County I would emphasize the final passage Planning Commission, gives me a sound from this description: for the improve- understanding of the structure and funcment of county government. tion of county government.

What is your position on whether the board should consist of elected or appointed members? Why elected? Or, why appointed?

What is your vision for the Charter Review Board?

Again, to stick strictly with its mission as provided in the county charter.

93331

How would you describe the role and responsibilities of the Charter Review Board?

To ensure sound governance for the efficient functioning of local government to meet the needs of its citizens.

Of the 20 charter counties in Florida, Sarasota is the only county with an elected charter review board. While much has been made recently over this issue, I believe that the performance of the board is far more important than how its members are seated. I have no agenda or intention of changing this aspect of the board.

18

YourObserver.com

VOTERGUIDE2012

Observer-PELICAN PRESS VOTER GUIDE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

Manatee County Commission, District 5 James Golden, Democrat

vanessa baugh, Republican

Manatee County has committed $5.1 size-fits-all” philosophy. million through 2018 to subsidize ex pected new-job creation among ManaWhat is your philosophy on taxatee businesses. What is your position tion? on spending tax dollars to subsidize Government must only collect private business? enough taxes to meet the collective My position would be dependent needs of the governed as determined upon the proposed size of the subsidy, by listening to all the governed to gain the projected number of new jobs an informed understanding of what expected from investing those collective needs are. the subsidy and the time If the collective needs are required to realize a return more than the collected to the taxpayer from the taxes, then a decision must new tax revenues generbe made by government to ated from the subsidy prioritize those collective investment. needs or alternatively to

seek additional revenues to Explain how giving some meet them. businesses tax breaks and

money in exchange for job Are you willing to take the creation is morally justipledge of the Americans for fied when many longtime, Tax Reform not to increase taxpaying Manatee County taxes if you are elected? businesses have never No. BIRTHPLACE: received any government

Jacksonville funding?

What is your view of popuAGE: 64 In these challenging lation growth and its effects FAMILY: Married, times when we are expeon the county’s economy and Mildred; six children, riencing unemployment quality of life? ages 28 to 41; 14 levels never seen before I would use the same grandchildren. locally, statewide and analytical process I described nationally, in my opinion it EDUCATION: above re: improving the ecoBachelor of Business nomic and business climate would be morally unjustiAdministration, fied not to consider any in the county, to develop an reasonable effort to reduce Stetson University; answer to this question.

J.D., University of unemployment solely on

Florida; Master of the grounds that we have Where do you think county Divinity, Atlanta never tried a particular government could become University. solution before now. more efficient and save tax PROFESSIONAL

dollars?

CAREER What steps would you An answer to this quesrecommend to improve the HIGHLIGHTS: U.S. tion would require the same economic and business cli- Army veteran. Florida analytical process I described Bar member since mate in Manatee County? above re: improving the eco1975. Ordained Before I would propose nomic and business climate Methodist minister recommendations for imin the county. since 1980. Served provement, I would want

to have objective proof that two four-year terms What is your position on on Bradenton City improvement is necessary the Tara Bridge?

Council. Former and agreement that imI am opposed to the present Tampa Bay Regional provement is possible plans for construction of the through recommendations Planning Council Tara Bridge. secretary/treasurer. from the county commis Board member of sion.

If elected, what do you see Manatee Glens Second, I would want to as your top three priorities?

Hospital. Former have a full understanding 1) Promoting economic Board member of what has been done by development; of Just For Girls the county commission so and Meals On 2) improving the quality far to cause improveand quantity of our work force Wheels. First Africanment and what level of suc- American Democratic both public and private; and cess has been achieved.

3) infrastructure revitalizaParty nominee in Third, I would want to tion.

2010 for 13th be aware of what has been Congressional District

rejected by the county What is your vision for race. commission as proposed Manatee County?

FUN FACT: Entered solutions for improvement 1) To be a strong voice on college at the age of and whether the ratiothe county commission by 14 after completing nale adopted then is still representing the vision for the 10th grade. applicable.

Manatee County as expressed

and articulated collectively What is your philosoby the constituents of the phy on the role of the Manatee County district; Commission and Manatee County 2) To be a seasoned voice on the government? county commission as we cooperativeAny philosophy on the “role of govly seek to meet our county’s challenges; ernment” must encompass an appreand ciation of the uniqueness of the issue 3) To be a part of civil and collegial under consideration. For example, discussions on the county commission solving a human resources challenge, about how we can continue to improve accepting a capital improvement recthe quality of life for all of our citizens. ommendation, approving an eminent domain taking, adopting a budget, setting the millage rate, approving a plan Watch Mr. Golden’s for growth management, handling an candidate video at yourobserver.com/ unfunded mandate from the state, advoterguide2012 vancing intergovernmental relations all require approaches that defy a “one-

Manatee County has committed $5.1 Raising taxes is not something that you million through 2018 to subsidize exshould ever want to do. I have already pected new-job creation among Manataken the pledge of Americans for Tax tee businesses. What is your position on Reform. I can tell you from my experispending tax dollars to subsidize private ence as a private citizen and business business? owner that I don’t want to see taxes I do not believe in government being increased. It would be wonderful if there involved in business decisions. Governwas another way to pay for services in ment should get out of the way and this county. However, I know the comlet entrepreneurs do their mission is looking at ways to thing. pay for items that we don’t That being said, with so have the money for with the many people out of work, budget we now have. We are and business owners trying going to have to go line by to hold on and keep their line and prioritize items by business open, if we can importance and make those assist business to expand or tough decisions. come to Manatee and create jobs, it is a win-win for What is your view of popueveryone. lation growth and its effects One of the most imporon the county’s economy and tant issues right now is quality of life? getting people back to work, I am in District 5 where but we must get a return on Born: Norfolk, Va. we know we are going to our investment. continue to grow. If we plan Age: 58 growth intelligently, as we Family: Spouse: Don, Explain how giving some have in East Manatee, growth more than 20 years; businesses tax breaks and can be a wonderful thing that four children, ages 38, money in exchange for job will help keep our taxes down, 37, 25 and 23; 10 creation is morally justified and we will have wonderful grandchildren when many longtime, taxamenities for our residents paying Manatee County busi- Education: and enjoy a wonderful quality Attended Tidewater nesses have never received of life. We also need to work Community College any government funding? on the inner core of ManaProfessional This incentive is available tee and make sure that all of career highto qualified applicants in Manatee is all it can be. lights: Opened Manatee that are creating new high-wage jobs ($39,750 Vanessa Fine Jewelry Where do you think county or higher) and capital invest- in 1999 and testigovernment could become fied before Congress ments, either by expandmore efficient and save tax in 2008 on behalf of ing an existing business in dollars? small business.

Manatee or by bringing a For the financial times new business to the county.

Fun fact: I love to that we are in I believe we Again, this is available to go fishing. need to look at all programs existing companies already and ask ourselves which in Manatee or new business. programs do we have to By increasing jobs in the county you have right now. We need to make sure help all business. These new employees we are financing programs that are will have money to spend. They buy necessary today. We must have long homes, groceries, newspapers, etc., so it term plans however, what can we wait is good for all. We must realize that times another three to five years for. These are different than when many older are very hard decisions because either businesses opened. way, some people are not going to be happy and hence the politics are at What steps would you recommend play. We also need to have every deto improve the economic and business partment in county government make climate in Manatee County? sure there is no duplication.

We can improve the economic and business climate in Manatee County What is your position on the Tara by getting people back to work. As the Bridge? unemployment rate decreases, we will I am against the Tara bridge for several start to see people spending money reasons: again. This will help business owners to A. Tara Boulevard was not built has a expand in all areas. collector road. It is too curving and narAlso, we need to make sure that we row to handle the increase of traffic that do not hinder this by having unnecesmight use it. sary regulations and expenses. In other B. The intersection of S.R. 70 and Tara words, let’s have local government help to Boulevard is already one of the most get us back on our feet and then get out dangerous intersections in Manatee. of the way. This country has been built C. The county DOES NOT have the on blood, sweat and tears. Most entremoney. preneurs don’t want a handout. We have experienced the most difficult financial If elected, what do you see as your top times of our lifetime and we should all three priorities? work together to get through this.

My top three priorities are: job creation, economic development and fiscal What is your philosophy on the role of responsibility. the Manatee County Commission and Manatee County government?

What is your vision for Manatee I believe the Manatee County ComCounty? mission is a very important governing I see Manatee as a beautiful place body. It basically is responsible for any and to live, with many different types of all policies involving the health, welfare, communities, and different types of safety and quality of life for our citizens. amenities. We will have many different It is important to find that medium advanced educational institutions and where you govern but still allow people a flourishing business community that will help to keep young people here to make decisions on their own. when they graduate and ready to start I don’t think that politics should be their adult lives. We will have the best involved in the commission. To me it medical facilities available and will truly should be a non partisan commission be a county that we can be proud of. where politics never play a role.

What is your philosophy on taxation?

Are you willing to take the pledge of the Americans for Tax Reform not to increase taxes if you are elected?

My philosophy on taxes is simple, keep them as low as you possibly can.

Watch Mrs. Baugh’s candidate video at yourobserver.com/ voterguide2012

Observer-PELICAN PRESS VOTER GUIDE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

VOTERGUIDE2012

YourObserver.com

19

Manatee County Commission, District 1 Corie Holmes, Democrat

LARRY BUSTLE, Republican

Manatee County has committed $5.1 leveling out next year and rebounding million through 2018 to subsidize expected thereafter. I sure hope that their projecnew-job creation among Manatee busitions are correct, or we will be faced with nesses. What is your position on spending an enormous shortfall in five years, and tax dollars to subsidize private business? would need to raise taxes or drastically cut The problem I see is that: services.

1) Many local companies do not know What is troublesome is these two gentlethese incentives exist. men who control our finances are in the 2) The qualified, targeted industries are DROP program, and they will be retiring not inclusive of all compain two years. I hope that they nies. are steering us in the right 3) It takes time, money direction, as the majority of the and manpower to continucurrent BOCC has bought into ally monitor all companies this game plan. to determine if they are in I do not want to make a compliance and performing pledge as we need to take as projected. things as they come and make To date, we have allocated sound decisions based on fact. incentives usually for fiveyear plans, and many of the What is your view of popucompanies have not been lation growth and its effects able to fulfill their obligaon the county’s economy and tions. We need to explore quality of life? other industries and ocAs we see the developers BIRTHPLACE: cupations and enlarge our building farther and farther east, Manatee County pool of partners in this tough AGE: 35 we are forced to bring the infraeconomy. structure and level of service farFAMILY: My mother ther away from the urban core, is a resident of the Explain how giving some and the growth does not pay for city of Palmetto and businesses tax breaks and itself. We need to offer incentives longtime resident of money in exchange for job to redevelop and revitalize the north Palmetto area. creation is morally justified urban core and shift the growing My father was also when many longtime, taxpay- a longtime resident population closer to goods and ing Manatee County busiservices already in existence. of north Palmetto nesses have never received area. He now resides any government funding?

Where do you think county in South Carolina. I As I mentioned above, we government could become more have five siblings: an have a system that provides efficient and save tax dollars? older brother, older incentives for certain indusWe need to evaluate all desister, and three tries and excludes others. But younger sisters. partments and determine what we need to focus our attenis functioning and evaluate all EDUCATION: I tion on all companies that will employees and determine who received a degree pay at or above certain levels is performing. We need to deterfrom the Law within different categories. mine if all the levels of manageEnforcement We really need to focus our ment are necessary. There must Police Academy energies on trying different be more accountability. at Hillsborough techniques to determine a Community College. different outcome. All options What is your position on the PROFESSIONAL should be on the table!

Tara Bridge?

CAREER This bridge has been put on HIGHLIGHTS: I What steps would you recthe back burner, with no fundommend to improve the eco- have 17 years of ing on the horizon. The quescombined criminal nomic and business climate tion should be the Fort Hamer justice experience to in Manatee County?

Bridge, which is needed for include: corrections, There is no magic bullet. mobility. However, they are law enforcement, and The BOCC has kept the millcriminal/civil investi- putting the cart before the age down for several years horse. The roadways leading to gator. now, and taxes have gone and away from the proposed FUN FACT: I like down, making the climate bridge need to be reworked to better for businesses. We have running, camping, allow for the high-speed traffic adjusted impact fees, making and hunting as well as bicycle and pedestrian them fair and appropriate. paths that need to be in place for We have adjusted permits the public safety. This bridge will and fees to make things easier for our be impacting the current owners, and this citizens. The county has been responsive bridge should have been built before the to the needs of the citizens all the while neighborhoods. keeping the level of services constant.

If elected, what do you see as your top What is your philosophy on the role of three priorities? the Manatee County Commission and With the economy not showing sigManatee County government? nificant improvement, we need to rein in This is a very business-friendly comunnecessary programs and retain as much mission and county. We want to make of the reserves as possible. The current sure the services received are paid for by county administrator and BOCC chairman the particular consumer, but not gouge care less about the people then they do the residents and businesses. In the area about the developers they are beholden to. of code enforcement and compliance, we The county’s reserves funds continue to want to bring properties into compliance, diminish, along with the jobs and services. again, not by charging excessive fees and fines, but by working with the owners to What is your vision for Manatee comply with our rules. It is the philosophy County? to have people live in peace and harmony I want to focus on returning the quality with their neighbors and their environof life to District 1 and the county. The curment. rent policy is focused on quantity. I want

to bring credibility back to the district by What is your philosophy on taxation? cutting out false promises that have curAre you willing to take the pledge of the rent residents paying but never getting. I’m Americans for Tax Reform not to increase your neighbor and your friend, and I want taxes if you are elected? to be the one who never fails to represent The BOCC has kept the millage down each and every person who resides in over the past few years, all the while Manatee County. I will not allow special income was falling. We are forced to dip interests to get favors while the public into the precious few remaining reserves, picks up the tab. I will not just rubber just to balance the budget. Any new or stamp what comes before me or dodge the unforeseen expenses this coming year will Sunshine Law. If we keep doing what we’re need to be taken from reserves, or existing been doing, we’re going to keep getting programs will need to be adjusted. what we’ve been getting: fewer services, They are “banking” on the economy fewer opportunities, and less means.

Manatee County has committed $5.1 million through 2018 to subsidize expected new-job creation among Manatee businesses. What is your position on spending tax dollars to subsidize private business?

Our board unanimously adopted that jobs would be our No. 1 priority. It costs money to do that, but we fashion incentives for qualified, targeted industries that have to pay 10% to 15% above the average wage in the county.

Explain how giving some businesses tax breaks and money in exchange for job creation is morally justified when many longtime, taxpaying Manatee County businesses have never received any government funding?

It’s not the purpose of government to fund business.

But we’re primarily trying to attract out-of-state companies, not companies from Sarasota or Pinellas counties. If an existing company can create new jobs, then there is an opportunity for them as well.

I think it’s a worthwhile return on investment. At this time, we’re approaching 5,000 new jobs.

increase taxes if you are elected?

I would not take the pledge. It’s a difficult question: How do you pay for government? Public safety is not free. You can’t operate a business, for instance, without a source of revenue. I’m in favor of looking for ways that are more stable (than sales and property taxes), such as fees on some services.

What is your view of population growth and its effects on the county’s economy and quality of life?

Growth is good. It’s in keeping with a fundamental rule of nature — if things don’t grow, they’ll die.

We’re going to have growth.

Our challenge is how do you accommodate it? I have long been a fan of smart growth.

Where do you think county government could become more efficient and save tax dollars?

In the past five years, we’ve cut $130 million in spending from the budget and eliminated 280 positions. We have done what you have to do in times of recession.

EDUCATION: If we could truly look at the Bachelor’s, genopportunity at Port Manaeral engineering, U.S. tee, we could have a revenue Naval Academy; mas- stream that might allow us to ter’s in astronautical reduce taxes. That can create engineering, Air Force momentum so there will be What steps would you recommend to improve the Institute of Technology more and more jobs created economic and business cli- PROFESSIONAL at the port and in turn more CAREER mate in Manatee County? revenue for the port.

HIGHLIGHTS: Served We’ve gone a long way 27 years in the Air toward trying to make it What is your position on easier to do business, to get Force as a fighter and the Tara Bridge? test pilot, retiring as permits and eliminate the Bridges are designed to ada colonel in 1984; micro-managing in county dress a problem. With a new flew 130 combat mis- bridge, you will decrease regovernment. sions in Vietnam, 68 We’re also concentrating sponse times for emergency of them over North on Port Manatee, for which services. We need the opporVietnam; worked 10 I am serving my third term tunity to increase mobility in as chairman of the Manatee years in marketing the county without having to and sales for defense Port Authority. go over the interstate. companies; served We’ve done a lot to preBut I’m not ready to say seven years as mayor pare for the opening of the what I’m going to do on the of Palmetto; four years Tara Bridge. I’m in favor of expanded Panama Canal, as Manatee County adding a new berth and the Fort Hamer Bridge, but commissioner. dredging that will create I want to hear more about FUN FACT: In my a remarkable opportunity Tara. career objectives, I to create jobs in Manatee never included poliCounty. With the compleIf elected, what do you see tics. tion of the berth, we will as your top three priorities?? have about a $200 million We’re still going to have investment in the port from jobs as our primary project. its startup.

There are opportunities for more collaboration with Sarasota County — in What is your philosophy on the role juvenile detention and mental health, to of the Manatee County Commission name two areas. and Manatee County government?

To provide for the health, welfare and What is your vision for Manatee public safety of our citizens.

County?

How we will grow is a big concern.

What is your philosophy on taxaGrowth is going to happen. We have to tion? Are you willing to take the pledge do it in a way that is acceptable to the of the Americans for Tax Reform not to people.

BIRTHPLACE:

Samoset, Manatee County AGE: 77 FAMILY: Spouse: Edith; four grown children; two grandchildren; one great grandchild

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Observer-PELICAN PRESS VOTER GUIDE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

Manatee County Clerk of the Courts Annamarie Reithmiller, WRI What attributes do you bring to this office that separates you from your opponent?

My unwavering commitment to uphold the U.S. and Florida constitutions and carry out the prescribed duties of the Manatee County Clerk of Court.

BIRTHPLACE: South

Africa, naturalized U.S. Citizen since November 2009 AGE: 54 FAMILY: Three children, aged 2, 16 and 19 EDUCATION: Law degrees: Evaluated equivalent to American Bar Association-approved law school, J.D. and master’s in law; master’s in science.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Speaker,

American Bar Association Washington, D.C., and American Conference for Science and the Environment, Washington, D.C. FUN FACT: Set up a cultural village in honor of Nelson Mandela.

which places those whom we serve first. The need to create a more functional and streamlined systems aligned with the constitution to serve Manatee County shall therefore be my top priority.

What specific skills or experience do you have that qualifies you more than your opponent to serve as the chief auditor of the county government’s finances, the keeper of Manatee County’s public records and the clerk of the courts?

I shall adhere to my oath to the Constitution of the United States of America and to my oath to the constitution of the state of Florida.

Over and above my law degrees, which meant passing high-level accounting courses at the university level, I further did financial courses in international law by the foremost institutions. I was the senior managing partner for a large law firm where hundreds of millions of dollars went through our accounts held on behalf of clients. And even after crime affected the firm, we had such tight control and overseeing capacities over client assets that not a single cent of client money was affected.

I take no nonsense from anyone and shall not tolerate some of the inefficiencies clear from the current slack system, where even simple items like budgeting for existing teachers is botched up.

What do you see as the biggest challenges that will face the clerk of courts in the next two to three years, and how would you propose these challenges be addressed?

My biggest challenge will be to identify which people can be worked with to repair to the constitution and the rule of law. I shall tolerate no one who does not adhere to the U.S. Constitution. I further believe in a work ethic

What will be your three top priorities if you are elected?

Implement the U.S. Constitution; implement the Florid Constitution; and implement the rule of law.

Florida’s clerks of court and the Florida Supreme Court sometimes have clashed over what records should be made available online. If you were the ultimate decision maker on this issue, what information would you make public that is not now public online?

What information would you continue to redact?

Transparency of any public records is a fundamental principle of our rule of law and must be available to the widest possible extent. The only information which should be protected is that which is unconstitutional to be available to the public at large, which obviously includes that which can harm individual rights and in particular the vulnerable, minors and those incapable to defend their own rights.

What is your position on the publishing of local and state government’s public notices — should they continue to be required to published in newspapers; required to be in newspapers and online; or online only? Should the clerks’ websites be the purveyors and publishers of public notices? Why or why not?

We are a transitional generation with the old school deeply attached to newspapers and the younger generation using online means for access to information. Until that changes, both media sources should be considered

appropriate. The website is not a place the public necessarily visits and is inappropriate and does not qualify in terms of definitions required to make public information available.

If elected, how will you make the office more economically efficient?

I managed a large law firm for a long time. I shall cultivate a motivated workforce that understand its duties clearly to work efficiently and serve the public optimally.

An important part of the office is overseeing the financial affairs of the sheriff and the county commissioners. It is clear that the present system of internal auditing with minimal outside auditing has left voids and inaccuracies, which are unacceptable.

My first and foremost task shall be to insure taxpayers and taxpayers’ money are protected.

Being more economically efficient should be a natural outflow from that.

What is your vision for the office of the Manatee Clerk of Courts?

My vision is a Manatee County restored to the Constitution, where all are equal, treated justly and their fundamental rights protected and serve in an efficient, economic fashion.

Communities and systems that succeed or fail show that the dividing line between success and failure in communities is individual rights. If one looks at the vibrant economies of St. Petersburg and Sarasota and the struggles of Bradenton, it is clear that something is wrong.

I believe that when the clerk of the court, implements the rule of law and the constitutions of Florida and the United States into the lives of “we the people,” the people of Manatee County, that individuals will respond positively and thrive. My function will simply be to serve them to the best of my ability.

Let’s work together for the jobs that will

Move Manatee Forward!

She’ll get down to business in Manatee County and work for the JOBS WE NEED! It’s a familiar refrain from candidates at this time of year: create jobs, cut taxes and spending, clean up the politicians’ mess. Few have the real-world experience to back up their words once elected.

Vanessa Baugh will get the job done for us.

Running her own successful business for over a decade, she goes to work every day keeping a budget balanced, meeting a payroll, paying workers’ benefits and dealing with the growing impact of government regulations and taxes.

Vanessa knows what’s needed for businesses to create jobs. And she’ll make county government work for us!

VANESSA ★★★

FOR MANATEE COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 5 (941) 780-6467 H www.VanessaBaugh.com

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Manatee County Clerk of the Courts R.B. Chips Shore, Republican What attributes do you bring to this office that separates you from your opponent?

The clerk and comptroller of Manatee County needs to be an experienced and competent clerk with formal education in finance and in the courts. I have the required experience, education and passion.

I am running to further serve the citizens of Manatee County in this capacity.

What specific skills or experience do you have that qualifies you more than your opponent to serve as the chief auditor of the county government’s finances, the keeper of Manatee County’s public records and the clerk of the courts?

I would say beyond a doubt my skills have led to some of the accomplishments as your clerk and comptroller. I am responsible for the highest bond rating in the state for Manatee County, which has saved millions of dollars in interest for our taxpayers.

I have established a state-of-the-art paperless office that is used as a model by the Supreme Court of Florida for other counties.

I have developed a bench software application so judges can use the images of court files on the bench instead of the paper files. This innovation is being heralded by the National Center for State Courts and is being implemented in other states across the U.S. Locally, a paperless office and courts system will save the citizens of Manatee County hundreds of thousands of dollars per year once it is fully established.

My Teen Court program has been a model for other counties. Teen Court is a diversionary program for first-time youthful offenders who admit their guilt; it saves

the courts time and money. We also run the historical parks for the county educating our constituents to the rich history of Manatee County. The Florida Maritime Museum, the Manatee Historical Village, the Palmetto Historical Village and Agriculture Museum and the historical records library.

you to redact?

My office is the only clerk’s office in the state certified by the Supreme Court to have all records not prohibited for research online. We redact bank account information, credit and debit card numbers, social security numbers, etc. I would continue these.

What do you see as the biggest challenges that will face the clerk of courts in the next two to three years, and how would you propose these challenges be addressed?

Our office is totally electronic with all records. The challenge is getting the judges to use it on the bench and getting attorneys to e-file. Also: upgrading to a new financial system. We have been on the same one for 15 years, and it is first generation upgrading to a new court management system. Our present one is 14 years old and cannot keep up with the growth we are experiencing.

We will address by updating these systems to the new generation programs.

Another challenge is the court budget; we will work with the Legislature and the courts to reduce costs through automation.

What is your position on the publishing of local and state government’s public notices — should they continue to be required to published in newspapers; required to be in newspapers and online; or online only?

Should the clerks’ websites be the purveyors and publishers of public notices? Why or why not?

I am very comfortable with the status quo; it has worked well and should be continued, especially since I pioneered the electronic public-notice system for the newspapers.

What will be your three top priorities if you are elected?

1) Upgrade to a new financial system 2) Upgrade to a modern court-record maintenance system 3) Keep funding intact for the office

What is your vision for the office of the Manatee Clerk of Courts?

To be the best clerk’s office in the state and to lead the nation in court innovation, which we are doing now and will continue to do.

Florida’s clerks of court and the Florida Supreme Court sometimes have clashed over what records should be made available online. If you were the ultimate decision maker on this issue, what information would you make public that is not now public online? What information would

If elected, how will you make the office more economically efficient?

Technology in the office, both courts and finance.

Watch Mr. Shore’s candidate video at yourobserver.com/ voterguide2012

BIRTHPLACE: Bradenton,

Manatee County AGE: 71 FAMILY: Married, Carol, 49 years; four daughters, ages 45, 43, 39, 37; four grandchildren.

EDUCATION: B.S. in economics and finance, Stetson University, 1963; participated in post-graduate studies at Stetson University College of Law; New York University Institute of Finance; Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University; and Florida Atlantic University, Institute for Municipal Finance Officers; Certified Municipal Clerk by the Municipal Clerks Organization and a Certified Clerk by the Supreme Court of Florida.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Prior to being elect-

ed clerk, I worked as a Manatee National Bank loan officer and officer in the trust department; city clerk and treasurer, city of Bradenton.

FUN FACT: Updating the courthouse landscaping to bring back the natural native plants that were here when the courthouse was built.

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• Earl Moreland, Current State Attorney • Sheriff Tom Knight, Sarasota County • Sheriff Brad Steube, Manatee County • Sheriff William Wise, DeSoto County • Sheriff Charlie Wells, Retired Manatee County • Nick Cox, Florida’s Statewide Prosecutor • Police Chief Terry Lewis, Retired City of North Port • Police Chief John Lewis, Retired City of Sarasota • Police Chief Jim Hanks, Retired City of Venice • Police Chief Garry Lowe, Retired City of Palmetto • Fraternal Order of Police • Police Benevolent Association

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Observer-PELICAN PRESS VOTER GUIDE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Charles N. Williams Jr., Democrat

What specific skills or experience do you have that qualifies you more than your opponent to serve as the supervisor of elections?

My leadership background has provided me with experience that will enable me to work with employees and for the public at large.

This experience includes being a member of various boards of directors. These boards include civic, schools and business entities.

What do you see as the biggest challenges that will face the supervisor of elections in the next two to three years and how would you propose these challenges be addressed?

We live in an ever-changing society where rules and guidelines are continuously changing. Therefore, my office will always comply with the law as written.

What will be your top three priorities if you are elected?

My top priorities will include: 1. Encourage voter participation. In Manatee County we have approximately 380,000-plus citizens. Records show, on average, only 200,000 vote.

2. Focus on educating our citizenry as to why we should vote.

3. To lessen the long lines at the various precincts, I will encourage voting by mail.

Florida Gov. Rick has been trying to purge the state’s registered voter rolls of illegal voters. Many people have protested that he is targeting minorities and democrats. What is your view of Gov. Scott’s efforts-agree or disagree and why?

I disagree with Gov. Scott. I believe it’s the supervisor of elections’ responsibility to purge the rolls of illegal voters in compliance with the law.

If elected, would you advocate to the Legislature that Florida require all voters to present a valid picture I.D. before they vote?

Yes, I believe this a reasonable request.

Americans routinely purchase goods and services through secure, online creditcard systems. What is your view of online voting?

We live in an electronic age where anything can happen, including a greater possibility of fraud. My preference is to utilize the paper ballet.

What attributes do you bring to this office that separate you from your opponent?

My qualifications for the office include serving 12 years in the Florida Legislature.

I also have managed multiple businesses, managed large and small work forces and have an extensive background in managing budgets.

BIRTHPLACE:

Bradenton AGE: 49 FAMILY: Spouse: Joann Williams; three children; one daughter, two sons, ages 25, 27 and 35.

EDUCATION:

Manatee High School, 1981; Manatee Junior College, 1982; B.S., theology, Emmaus Baptist College, 2008.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

I have worked in the machine industry for 20 years. I worked at Wellcraft, Chris Craft and Donzi Marine, where I was a part of the management team. I had 15 people under my direct supervision with an additional 65 who worked under my directive. I am the founding Pastor of King of Kings Baptist Church, where I currently serve as pastor.

FUN FACT: I enjoy hosting gatherings with my family and friends. I also enjoy attending high school and college football games.

What do you see as the biggest challenges that will face the supervisor of elections in the next two to three years, and how would you propose these challenges be addressed?

The biggest challenges faced over the next few years will be managing the learning curve necessary to bring to the office the smooth operations that have been seen through the management of the current supervisor, Bob Sweat. The voting equipment will have to be evaluated and replaced as necessary. Attempting to find money for “ballot on demand” and retaining the current team. We will continue to fight for reducing the costs associated with the office, finding a balance between making it convenient to vote and controlling the costs associated with convenience.

If elected, how will you make the supervisor of elections office more economically efficient?

I can’t answer this question without being there. If elected, I will review all areas to determine what action I will need to take to address this question.

What will be your three top priorities if you are elected?

The top priorities will be retaining a competent work force, replacing those who are leaving because of retirement and controlling costs. Hire, train and motivate.

What is your vision for the office of the Manatee Supervisor of Elections?

My vision is that Manatee County will become known as the county that votes. I will work toward having a record of 85% to 95% of our citizens voting.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has been trying to purge the state’s registered voter rolls of illegal voters. Many people have protested that he is targeting minorities and Democrats. What is your view of Gov. Scott’s efforts — agree or disagree and why?

We DON’T NeeD AN

BIRTHPLACE:

Brainerd, Minn.

AGE: 67 FAMILY: Wife, Diane (Dee), no children EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Arts in business, Drake University; M.B.A., Drake University PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Elected to Florida

House of Representatives, 2000, elected to Florida Senate 2002. Has extensive business career as owner-operator of several small business enterprises. Have managed work forces exceeding 200 employees, managed budgets in excess of $10 million.

FUN FACT: Preparing for politics, received a letter in circus from Sarasota High School in 1962.

I agree with Gov. Scott on the purge of non-legal voter registration.

If elected, would you advocate to the Legislature that Florida require all voters to present a valid picture ID before they vote?

I have always believed that a picture ID should be required to vote, and proof of citizenship should be a requirement to register.

Americans routinely purchase goods and services through secure, online creditcard systems. What is your view of online voting?

Online voting scares me since we can’t even manage to secure the military secrets, or the privacy of individuals; to move into online voting will take time, and we are not there yet.

If elected, how will you make the supervisor of elections office more economically efficient?

We can save money by utilizing “ballot of demand” technology; we should be reviewing polling locations on a regular basis.

Agree or disagree: The minimum age limit for voting should be 21, not 18. Why? It should be 18. If old enough to fight for the right to vote by serving in the military, then they should be allowed to express their opinion at the ballot box.

APOlOGIzer-IN-CHIef

What is your vision for the office of the supervisor of elections?

My vision for the office of supervisor is to continue the traditions in place. Manatee County is ranked as one of the most efficient in the state. Whoever is elected will have to temper his desire to change things until he has a clear understanding of what that change would cause.

President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton apologized to rioting Pakistanis recently in a TV ad paid for with taxpayer dollars.

The Obama Administration apologized because our God given right of freedom of speech had offended radical Muslims who were murdering innocent people in the streets.

No American president should ever apologize for the free speech and freedom of religion that are a part of our Judeo-Christian heritage and guaranteed in our Constitution.

We don’t want an Apologizer-in-Chief in the White House who bows to Islam and is defensive about America’s Constitution and our Bill of Rights.

We need a President who will defend our Constitution – not be ashamed of it.

Watch Mr. Bennett’s candidate video at yourobserver.com/ voterguide2012

Barack Hussein Obama has never apologized to Christians or Jews for the hate speech against them, which is printed in Islamic publications.

Did Obama apologize to Catholics for the offensive display depicting Christ in urine currently being shown at the Edward Tyler Nahem gallery in New York City?

Why is Obama only concerned about offending rioting, looting, and radical Muslims who become outraged at the slightest offense?

We don’t need an Apologizer-In-Chief or an Appeaser-In-Chief in the White House.

Say NO to Barack Obama and his continued apologies for America on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 For more information visit

www.GINGPAC.org

Paid for by the Government Is Not God – PAC (WWW.GINGPAC.ORG) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee 93371

What attributes do you bring to this office that separate you from your opponent?

The ability to be reasonable with others and solve conflict in a professional manner.

Michael “Mike” Bennett, Republican

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Manatee School Board Dave ‘Watchdog’ Miner

Robert Moates

What attributes do you bring to this not boil down to one high-stakes test and office that separate you from your oppoour focus should not be on bubbling in nent? test answers but on developing good and I am the only candidate who: educated citizens capable of proceeding to 1.) Has experience in hiring a chief oper- higher education or a worthwhile career. ating officer of an organization; 2.) Has experience hiring legal counsel; What do you see as the biggest chal3.) Is a long-time (more than 12 years) lenges that will face the school board in challenger of the school board on FCAT, the next two years, and how would you transparency, wasteful spendpropose these challenges be ing, fairness to employees, addressed? and other issues; Restoring the public’s trust 4.) For decades has sucin our school board, hiring a cessfully worked on commuhighly qualified and experinity boards, making organizaenced superintendent as well tions better; as hiring a highly qualified and 5.) Is a leader in establishexperienced new legal couning Manatee County’s first sel or law firm, reaching and child abuse prevention promaintaining a balanced budget gram and creating METV; with required reserves are all 6.) Possesses many years part of the greatest challenge of services as a Big Brother in — which is providing the highthe Big Brothers program; est quality education for the 7.) Is a proud veteran (Machildren of Manatee County.

BIRTHPLACE: St. rine Vietnam veteran); Achieving this involves using Petersburg 8.) Has been a successful all the district’s resources in the AGE: 66 business owner for more than most efficient way. The best use FAMILY: Wife, 34 years; of the district’s resources will Marsha, and chil9.) Has authored assessresult from the board members dren, Sarah, 27, ment reform legislation and and the public having easily Joey, 24 served as a witness for the available information about Senate Education Committee. EDUCATION: how district funds are spent and 10.) Is a proud father of two U.S.M.C. and intended to be spent. Achieving children who inspired him to Vietnam war, honthis also includes voicing objecorable discharge; become deeply involved in tion to state and federal policies school advisory councils and Amherst College, seeking to take away local Bachelor of Arts, education policies; control of education and to turn 1970; University of 11.) Has been honored as teaching classrooms into testing Detroit Law School, Children’s Advocate of the laboratories.

Year, Father of the Year, Drum Juris Doctor, 1974 It includes also insisting Major for Justice, and Florida PROFESSIONAL that all employees be treated CAREER Sunshine Brigade Hero; fairly and receive fair wages 12.) Has many years of ser- HIGHLIGHTS: and that teachers be treated vice as director of the Florida Florida Attorney of and paid as professionals. We the Year nominee Coalition for Assessment Recannot continue losing quality form, director of the Florida FUN FACT: I was teachers from the classroom licensed to fly an air- because they no longer can Association of School Adviplane before I drove sory Councils, president of afford to be teachers or they a car.

Manatee Children’s Services; do not want to continue being 13.) Is president-elect of the teachers. We will not progress Anna Maria Island Kiwanis Club; with employee morale remaining at an 14.) Possesses experience as an attorney all-time low. working in education law; 15.) Is recognized as successfully workWhat will be your three top priorities if ing with others with diversities of interests you are elected? and backgrounds as evidenced by en1.) Change policies to allow teachers to dorsements from MEA, ASCME, Tea Party teach; 2.) Stop high-stakes testing; Manatee, NUBE, and on Aug. 14 winning 3.) Make funding the classroom a priority.

106 of 113 precincts, stretching from Duette to Anna Maria Island.

What is your position on: School choice?

What specific skills or experience do I favor choice but recognize that choices you have that qualifies you more than have to be balanced against available reyour opponent to serve as a member of the sources, the need to keep taxpayer money Manatee School Board? at home, and that whatever school is Leading and successfully working with chosen conforms to standards expected of others on boards of many state and local other taxpayer-supported schools. organizations; managing a business for more than 34 years; understanding legal Vouchers? processes gained from law school, 36 years I favor the use of vouchers provided that of practicing law, and more than 12 years taxpayers are provided an open accountof involvement with public education laws ing of how their money is being used, the and practices. money is kept at home, and the schooling conforms to standards expected of public What do you see as the primary responschools. sibilities of the Manatee School Board?

Providing leadership. Establishing poliOn a scale of 10 to 10, with 10 being cies. Exercising oversight. Managing the excellent, how would you rate the perforpublic’s money in an open and prudent mance of Superintendent Tim McGonemanner. gal?

Three.

What is your view of the FCATs? The FCAT is poison to education. The What is your vision for the office of the quality of education in our community Manatee County Public School District? and the state of Florida will improve if I am dedicated to working tirelessly to we stop wasting money on our addicrestore confidence in the Manatee School tion to testing and, instead, channel our Board so that it is an instrument for proresources into improving education in viding all students the best possible eduthe classroom. Finland learned long ago cation, instilling in them a love of learning, that diagnostic testing is helpful but that and training them for college and careers high-stakes testing directed to sorting, and becoming responsible citizens. ranking and punishing students, teachers, schools and districts is pure folly. It is time that we as a community and state, Watch Mr. Miner’s along with other communities and states candidate video at yourobserver.com/ and hundreds of other school districts voterguide2012 embrace the FAIRTEST initiated resolution that maintains that accountability should

What attributes do you bring to this office that separate you from your opponent?

As a teacher, I bring real classroom experience and a student-first perspective to this office. From my time in government I bring actual legislative experience in setting policies and crafting budgets both on a state and national level. Having been in a classroom trying to carry out poorly crafted policies from all levels, I understand the combined effects on a student’s education. It is the most important attribute a school board member can have.

the next two years, and how would you propose these challenges be addressed?

The biggest challenges over the next two years will be finding the right person to lead our school system as superintendent and to fix the budget damage of the previous administration without harming our students or classrooms. We must transition to the Common Core standards and adopt electronic textbooks by 2015; if we cannot repair our budget or choose a leader with the vision to change our schools, we will be robbing our students of a tremendous opportunity.

What will be your three top priorities if you are elected?

First we have to transform our budget to a zerobased budget and make our BIRTHPLACE: students the center of every Manatee County decision. The budget must AGE: 40 be transparent, searchable, FAMILY: Parents, posted online and easy for Dave and Karen, everyone to understand. brothers Allen and Jeff We must end our onehis wife, Ashley, two size-fits-all, district-driven nephews, Jackson and curriculum. We have to let Oliver our teachers make the best EDUCATION: Jessie decisions for our students, P. Miller & Oneco and hold our teachers and Elementary, Sugg schools accountable. We Middle, Manatee cannot mandate those deciHigh School, Manatee sions from a downtown ofCommunity College fice and believe it will work. and Florida State That is what we have been University doing, and every year our PROFESSIONAL results get worse.

CAREER We have to bring real HIGHLIGHTS: I systematic change to our worked in both the elementary schools. We must Florida Legislature, change our assessment polias an analyst on the cies that result in teachers Rules, Ethics and What do you see as the spending 20 to 30 days a year Elections Committee primary responsibilities of doing one-on-one testing. It the Manatee School Board? and as chief aide to amounts to almost a half a house members. I The primary role of the year of learning being missed Manatee School Board is to was also honored to by the time a student reaches work in the United set the vision and policies the third grade and takes the States House of for the school system and FCATs for the first time. We hold the administration ac- Representatives as an must also make sure every countable for carrying them aide to Congressman child is ready to learn and into effect. We must free our Dan Miller. I have succeed before we promote been teaching since schools and teachers to do them to the next grade. Our 2003 at Lakewood what is best for our students current forced promotion Ranch High School, and have to stop the adminpolicy is failing our students. honors economics and istration and departments What is your position on: Advanced Placement from trying to micromanSchool choice?

American government.

I am in favor of letting our age every class. Our teachI have also served schools compete for our ers must be accountable, as lead teacher for students. without question, but they the Business and should have the freedom Technology Academy Vouchers? to decide what happens in and as a varsity baseI am not in favor of vouchtheir own classes. There is ball coach. ers for private religious no one right education for FUN FACT: I have schools. all children, but there is a been in a portable right education for each classroom much of On a scale of 1 to 10, with child. It is our schools’ and my educational life.

10 being excellent, how teachers’ jobs to deliver that At Oneco Elementary would you rate the perforright education.

School in the fifth mance of Superintendent grade, at Manatee Tim McGonegal?

What is your view of the High School while One. FCATs? they rebuilt the Davis There is no doubt that the Building, and for What is your vision for the FCATs have increased the the last 10 years at office of the Manatee County performance of our schools Lakewood Ranch.

Public School District? and improved the educaI envision a school system tion we give to our students. where the individual student is at the However, the multitude of changes and added weights of the last few years have heart of every decision. A system where we embrace the use of technology to changed the focus and damaged our transform our classrooms to match students. We must have accountability educational needs of the student. A in our schools, and in our administrasystem where each student graduates tion. We must be able to use the asprepared for college or a career with the sessments to measure our students skills and abilities needed for success. and provide remediation, a step we That is my vision. currently don’t take. These accountability measures must help and direct our education, not be the sole point upon which we are graded and the focus of Watch Mr. Moates’ the entire year. candidate video at yourobserver.com/ voterguide2012.

What do you see as the biggest challenges that will face the school board in What specific skills or experience do you have that qualifies you more than your opponent to serve as a member of the Manatee School Board?

I know education both as a teacher and as a policymaker. Having taught in our schools, I have the experience to change and reform our system to make it work for our students. Working in Tallahassee and Washington, I have attended hundreds of meetings, but until you actually work to carry out those policies you never really understand them. It is the day-to-day work of education, not our meetings, that is the most important part of our school system, and everything we do should support and empower our teachers and students to achieve.

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YourObserver.com

VOTERGUIDE2012

Observer-PELICAN PRESS VOTER GUIDE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

Manatee, Sarasota Voter Snapshots Registered Voters by Party

Republicans Democrats No Party Affiliation Other Parties Total

SARASOTA COUNTY, 2012

Republicans Democrats No Party Affiliation Other Parties Total

2010 FLORIDA GOVERNOR

Total 89,291 66,986 38,298 11,794 206,369

% of Total 43.2% 32.9% 18.5% 5.7%

Total 121,716 87,610 58,529 8,589 276,444

% of Total 44.0% 31.7% 21.2% 3.1%

MANATEE & SARASOTA COUNTIES, 2012

Republicans Democrats No Party Affiliation Other Parties Total

FLORIDA

Republicans Democrats No Party Affiliation Other Parties Total

Total 211,007 154,596 96,827 20,383 482,813

% of Total 43.7% 32.0% 20.0% 4.2%

Total 4,137,890 4,581,056 2,385,323 324,271 11,446,540

% of Total 36.1% 40.0% 20.8% 2.9%

Manatee Sarasota 57,459 Rick Scott 73,089 44,284 66,551 Alex Sink Voter Turnout

2008 PRESIDENTIAL

Manatee Sarasota John McCain 80,721 102,897 Barack Obama 70,034 102,686 Voter Turnout

2004 PRESIDENTIAL

Manatee Sarasota George Bush 81,318 104,692 John Kerry 61,262 88,442 Voter Turnout

2000 PRESIDENTIAL

Manatee Sarasota George Bush 57,952 83,100 Al Gore 49,177 72,853 Voter Turnout

Florida 2,619,335 2,557,785 48.6% Florida 4,045,624 4,282,074 75.2% Florida 3,964,522 3,583,544 74.2% Florida 2,912,790 2,912,253 70.1%

Source: Florida Department of State; Manatee/Sarasota supervisor of elections

Source: Florida Department of State; Manatee/Sarasota supervisor of elections

93333

MANATEE COUNTY, 2012

How We Voted

VOTERGUIDE2012

Observer-PELICAN PRESS VOTER GUIDE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

YourObserver.com

25

East Manatee Fire District Alison Center

What experiences qualify you for this position?

My desire to give back to my community and my willingness to further develop my knowledge of the fire service qualifies me for this position.

I’ve spent most of my life in Bradenton, and I believe this is the perfect opportunity for me to give back to this community. As the wife of a fire service employee, I have a strong sense of the service’s culture. I’m also a working mother with multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. This background in particular has provided me with an ability to analyze and manage people efficiently and effectively, as I did in my role as staffing manager/recruiter with Snelling Staffing Services.

For Snelling Staffing Services, I worked extensively with several businesses in our local community. I have also been an active Realtor in Manatee County for 10 years, developing strong ties to this area along the way.

My professional management and real-estate experience has included work with clients, contracts, budgets and other confidential information. I see our community as my client, and believe that I have an obligation to work ethically and fairly on behalf of the taxpayers to support fire service members. This is a belief I intend to develop at Thomas Cooley, where I was recently accepted for law school.

What is your position on the staffing of the fire district — sufficient, insufficient.

Please explain.

The district serves and protects the public extremely well through its current staffing. If in the future the district requires more staffing in order to keep the same level of service, or if public safety requires it, I hope to provide for those needs at that time.

BIRTHPLACE:

White Plains, N.Y. (However I have lived in Bradenton since I was 3 years old).

AGE: 35 FAMILY: Eric Center, deputy fire marshal for Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue. Three kids, ages 11, 12 and 13.

EDUCATION: B.A. in psychology from USF

The 2012-2013 budget shows the district operating at a $2,213,744 deficit. What is your position on that?

I don’t believe the district is operating at a deficit. The district appears to be adequately funded, maintains an excellent reserve fund and has balanced debt. The district is not raising taxes and is holding the line on its revenues and expenditures. I hope to be able to continue to ensure great service without additional taxation.

The 2012-2013 budget shows the district’s reserve funds are greater than the annual operating budget — in effect, the district has $10 million in a savings account, with about half of that restricted and committed and $5 million of that “unassigned.” What is your position on the reserve funds: PROFESSIONAL Is that amount too large?

CAREER Reserve funds are absoHIGHLIGHTS: lutely necessary for a public Rookie of the Year emergency service organizaaward my first year in tion. They are recognized and real estate at Michael demanded during the anSaunders & Co. and nual audit process as well as in also named Part-Time emergency situations. In the Associate of the Year event of a hurricane or other my first year as a natural disaster, or in the case part-time agent at of an unforeseen emergency, Leslie Wells Realty and considering the continued Inc. economic distress of our comFUN FACT: I munity, emergency services was trapped in must remain available. a burning apartIt is also an accounting ment building my recommendation to reserve first semester at a minimum of three to five the University of months of operating expenses Florida where I was (more if possible). I cannot rescued by firefightspeak to whether or not the ers. That experience reserve fund is too large until completely solidified I am on the board and I have my admiration and more information regarding respect for the work its future station plans and that firemen do. build-outs. Based on the level of service that our community What makes you more is accustomed to, I would not qualified than your opponent? suggest the reserve as too large.

Because I am running for an open elected position, I view my candidacy Should the millage rate be reduced in less competitive terms, preferring and some of those reserve funds be reinstead to emphasize my qualifications. funded to taxpayers?

I am not only an engaged citizen who I support the efforts of the current wants to serve my community, but have board in achieving adequate reserves. a unique combination of educational Once I’m on the board I will more fully and professional experiences that make evaluate the continuing needs of the me well suited to the position, as well as districts reserve fund levels. strong family ties to the fire service.

What do you think is the right level of What do you feel are the biggest issues “unassigned” reserve funds? facing the district and what do you proAgain, at a minimum three to five pose to address them? months, if not more, of operating exCurrently the district is well managed, penses. If there are available funds to be well funded and serves the public profes- expended from the reserves, these funds sionally with highly skilled and trained should be utilized for the continued upfirefighters. I wish to continue to ensure keep, maintenance, and improvement of this level of service. facilities, staffing and equipment.

Why are you running for office?

I am currently on the fire commission for East Manatee Fire Rescue District Seat No. 4. I have held this position since November 2000. I am running for re-election for this commission seat because I was a career firefighter/EMT and in my time as a fire commissioner I believe that I have developed a greater understanding for the needs of the community and its fire personnel.

What experiences qualify you for this position?

In 1986, I became a volunteer firefighter with a local fire district, shortly thereafter I was hired full time and became an emergency medical technician. In 1991, my career was cut short by a tragic inline-of-duty accident. After moving to the district, a position came open on the Board of Fire Commission. Missing the fire service, I decided to run for the open seat and started serving in November 2000. As of January 2001, I also served as a member of the Manatee County Fire Commissioners Association Executive Board.

priate for what the district’s current budget can support.

The 2012-2013 budget shows the district operating at a $2,213,744 deficit.What is your position on that?

The 2012-13 estimated yearly revenue for the district is $9,655,811, a decrease from the last three fiscal years. Due to the decrease in the yearly revenue and to meet N.F.P.A equipment standards, the fire commission elected to spend $2,213,744 of the unrestricted reserves to make needed one-time purchases of some outdated equipment and purchase land for future stations.

BIRTHPLACE:

Highland Park, Mich.

AGE: 44 FAMILY: Wife, Melody; two daughters, Rachel, 13, and Kara, 12 EDUCATION:

The 2012-2013 budget shows the district’s reserve funds are greater than the annual operating budget — in effect, the district has $10 million in a savings account, with about half of that restricted and committed and $5 million of that “unassigned.”What is your position on the reserve: Is it too large?

No, this amount is not too large. The committed and assigned amount in the reserve fund is held for district state of emergencies, HIS/retirement funds and unforeseen financial needs. The unassigned reserved funds are being held for future capital expenditures, such as future stations, personnel and equipment.

Sarasota Fire Academy, Manatee What makes you more quali- Technical Institute, and some college fied than your opponent?

PROFESSIONAL I believe having served as a firefighter/EMT within Mana- CAREER tee County, and the time that I HIGHLIGHTS: As have worked as a fire commis- a firefighter/EMT it sioner gives me unique vision would be when I was on the inner workings of how a part of saving someones life. As a fire a multimillion-dollar fire deShould the millage rate be recommissioner there partment budget works, and duced and some of those reserve general knowledge of Florida’s are many, including funds be refunded to taxpayers? increasing the personretirement program, medical No, the millage rate should insurance, and workers’ com- nel from 18 in 2000 not be reduced because the dispensation. I have the ability to to 73 this year. trict’s general expenditures have work well with, and alongside, FUN FACT: I enjoy not decreased. As mentioned my fellow commissioners and participating in water above, these funds will be used across district lines, and I have activities with my for future capital expenditures. family, and being a strong belief in what I have involved when my What do you think is the right done and am doing to help level of “unassigned” reserve the provide our residents with daughters were involved in Girl funds? quality protection.

Scouts, and now 4-H. With the uncertain economy, What do you feel are the and the fire district’s budget biggest issues facing the district and what reducing over the past three years, we still do you propose to address them? have to continue to provide a service to The biggest issues facing the district the public. To continue to provide the level are the uncertainty in the economy and of service that the community of the East keeping up with growth while providing the Manatee Fire District expects we must best service for our residents. I feel the best maintain reserve funds for future growth, way to keep up with the downturn in the maintain current equipment, and provide economy is being fiscally responsible with safety equipment for the firefighters. the districts’ tax dollars.

What is your position on the staffing of the fire district — sufficient, insufficient.

Please explain.

I feel the staffing for the stations is appro-

Watch Mr. Bon Ami’s candidate video at yourobserver.com/ voterguide2012

EndorsEd

by Suncoast Professional FireFighters & Paramedics.

supportEd

by the Sarasota County Medical Society

re - elect tErEsa CarafElli R.N. For Hospital Board

Political ad Paid Teresa Carafelli Candidate for Hospital Board

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Why are you running for office?

I am running for office because I have a strong desire to give back to my community and to support an organization that is near and dear to my heart.

Because both my husband and my father-in-law are in the fire service, my interest in the position is as personal as it is professional, in that I want to continue my family’s legacy by taking an active role in the future of the fire service in Manatee County.

James D. Bon Ami

26

VOTERGUIDE2012

YourObserver.com

Manatee County Sample Ballot State Constitutional Amendments Amendment 1: Health care services Amendment 2: Veterans disabled due to combat injury; homestead property tax discount Amendment 3: State government revenue limitation Amendment 4: Property tax limitations; property value decline; reduction for non-homestead assessment increases; delay of scheduled repeal Amendment 5: State courts Amendment 6: Prohibition on public funding of abortions; construction of abortion rights Amendment 8: Religious freedom Amendment 9: Homestead property tax exemption for surviving spouse of military veteran or first responder

• •

TO VOTE, COMPLETELY FILL IN THE OVAL NEXT TO YOUR CHOICE. Use only a #2 pencil, the marker provided, or a blue or black pen.

If you make a mistake, don't hesitate to ask for a new ballot. If you erase or make other marks, your vote may not count.

To vote for a candidate whose name is not printed on the ballot, fill in the oval name on the blank line provided for a write-in candidate.

PRESIDENT & VICE PRESIDENT (Vote for One)

STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 26 (Vote for One)

REP

Barack Obama Joe Biden

DEM

Thomas Robert Stevens Alden Link

OBJ

Gary Johnson James P. Gray

LBT

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 73 (Vote for One)

Virgil H. Goode, Jr. James N. Clymer

CPF

Greg Steube

Jill Stein Cheri Honkala

GRE

Andre Barnett Kenneth Cross

REF

Stewart Alexander Alex Mendoza

SOC

Peta Lindsay Yari Osorio

PSL

Roseanne Barr Cindy Sheehan

PFP

Tom Hoefling Jonathan D. Ellis

Amendment 11: Additional homestead exemption; low-income seniors who maintain long-term residency on property; equal to assessed value

Ross C. "Rocky" Anderson Luis J. Rodriguez

Amendment 12: Appointment of student body president to Board of Governors of the state university system

Write-in

Shall Judge Barbara J. Pariente of the REP Supreme Court be retained in office?

Bill Galvano

YES Paula House

DEM

NO JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT

T O L L

Shall Judge Peggy A. Quince of the Supreme Court be retained in office?

REP

YES NO

Bob (Doc) McCann

A B

NPA

R. B. "Chips" Shore

E L

Write-in

DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL

Shall Judge Anthony K. Black of the Second District Court of Appeal be retained in office?

CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT (Vote for One)

P

M A S

REP

YES NO

DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 1 (Vote for One) AIP Larry Bustle

REP

Corie Holmes

DEM

Shall Judge Darryl C. Casanueva of the Second District Court of Appeal be retained in office?

YES NO

JPF

DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL Shall Judge Charles A. Davis, Jr. of the Second District Court of Appeal be retained in office?

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 7 AT LARGE (Vote for One)

UNITED STATES SENATOR (Vote for One)

Connie Mack

REP

Bill Nelson

DEM

Bill Gaylor

NPA

Chris Borgia

, and write in the candidate's

JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT

Mitt Romney Paul Ryan

Amendment 10: Tangible personal property tax exemption

For a list of all state constitutional amendments, search online for the Florida Department of State, Division of Elections: http:// election.dos.state.fl.us/initiatives/ initiativelist.asp?year=2012&initst atus=ALL&MadeBallot=Y&ElecType =GEN

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

OFFICIAL GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 6, 2012

G117 • •

Observer-PELICAN PRESS VOTER GUIDE

NPA

Betsy Benac

YES NO

REP

DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL Shall Judge Edward C. LaRose of the Second District Court of Appeal be retained in office?

Write-in

YES

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS (Vote for One)

NO

Michael S. "Mike" Bennett

REP

Charles N. Williams, Jr.

DEM

Write-in REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS DISTRICT 16 (Vote for One) Vern Buchanan

REP

Keith Fitzgerald

DEM

James D. BonAmi Write-in SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 2 (Vote for One) Dave "Watchdog" Miner Robert Moates

STATE ATTORNEY (Vote for One)

EAST MANATEE FIRE COMMISSIONER SEAT 4 (Vote for One)

Ed Brodsky

REP

John Torraco

DEM Court be retained in office?

JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT Shall Judge R. Fred Lewis of the Supreme

YES NO

VOTE BOTH SIDES OF BALLOT

FRONT Card 5 RptPct 117 "Pct 117 / Bayside Community Church" Default

Alison Breiter Center

VOTERGUIDE2012

Observer-PELICAN PRESS VOTER GUIDE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

OFFICIAL GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 6, 2012 • • • •

TO VOTE, COMPLETELY FILL IN THE OVAL NEXT TO YOUR CHOICE. Use only the marker provided or a black pen.

If you make a mistake, don't hesitate to ask for a new ballot. If you erase or make other marks, your vote may not count.

To vote for a candidate whose name is not printed on the ballot, fill in the oval , and write in the candidate's name on the blank line provided for a write-in candidate.

PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT (Vote for One)

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (Vote for One)

Shall Judge Anthony K. Black of the Second REP District Court of Appeal be retained in office?

Mitt Romney Paul Ryan

REP

Barack Obama Joe Biden

DEM BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3 (Vote for One) OBJ

Gary Johnson James P. Gray Virgil H. Goode, Jr. James N. Clymer

Christine Robinson

NO

SARASOTA COUNTY

REP

Shall Judge Darryl C. Casanueva of the DEM Second District Court of Appeal be retained in office?

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 5 CPF YES (Vote for One) NO LBT

Jennifer Cohen

G N

E I L P OT M V A S OR F T O

Jill Stein Cheri Honkala

GRE

Andre Barnett Kenneth Cross

REF

Stewart Alexander Alex Mendoza

SOC

Peta Lindsay Yari Osorio

PSL

PFP

Tom Hoefling Jonathan D. Ellis

AIP

Ross C. "Rocky" Anderson Luis J. Rodriguez

JPF

Write-in

UNITED STATES SENATOR (Vote for One)

N

Charles Hines

REP

Write-in

Roseanne Barr Cindy Sheehan

Bill Nelson

YES

DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL

DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL

Shall Judge Charles A. Davis Jr. of the Second District Court of Appeal be retained in office?

CHARTER REVIEW BOARD DISTRICT 2 (Vote for One)

YES

Donna Barcomb

REP

Alexandra Coe

LBT

CHARTER REVIEW BOARD DISTRICT 5 (Vote for One)

NO

DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL

Shall Judge Edward C. LaRose of the Second District Court of Appeal be retained in office?

John J. Fellin

REP

YES

Kevin T. Connelly

NPA

NO

HOSPITAL BOARD CENTRAL SEAT 1 (Vote for One)

Alex Miller

REP

Teresa Carafelli

DEM

JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT

REP

Shall Justice R. Fred Lewis of the Supreme Court DEM be retained in office?

Bill Gaylor

NPA

Chris Borgia

NPA

Write-in

YES NO

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS DISTRICT 16 (Vote for One) Vern Buchanan

REP

Keith Fitzgerald

DEM

JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT

Shall Justice Barbara J. Pariente of the Supreme Court be retained in office?

YES

TURN BALLOT OVER

NO

STATE ATTORNEY 12TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (Vote for One)

JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT

Ed Brodsky

Shall Justice Peggy A. Quince of the Supreme REP Court be retained in office?

John Torraco

DEM YES

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 71 (Vote for One)

NO

Jim Boyd

REP

Adam Tebrugge

DEM

VOTE BOTH SIDES OF BALLOT FRONT Card 1 RptPct 201-10 "201 - 0" Default

27

Sarasota County Sample Ballot Local charter amendments

Write-in

Thomas Robert Stevens Alden Link

Connie Mack

Karen E. Rushing

DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL

YourObserver.com

Amendment: Providing timetable for proposed charter amendment referendum; effective date of voter-approved amendments

CITY OF SARASOTA

Amendment: Super majority vote for certain franchises, contracts, leases and pensionplan changes Amendment: Derivatives prohibition Amendment: Citizens initiative petition to amend charter, extension of time to obtain signatures Amendment: Deletion of alternate minimum wage Amendment: Charter Review Committee general recommendations Amendment: No certificates of participation to be issued unless approved at referendum Amendment: Split office of “city auditor and clerk” into city auditor and a new city clerk

LONGBOAT KEY

Amendment: May the town allow conversion to residential use, with a maximum of six (6) dwelling units per acre, the property located at 5440 Gulf of Mexico Drive (currently zoned C-1, limited commercial), comprising approximately 0.76acres legally described as Lot C-1 of Plat for Cedar Woodlands Subdivision, a replat of Lot 22, Subdivision of Longboat Key, as record in Plat Book 7, Page 16, Public Records of Manatee County, Fla. Amendment: May the town allow conversion to residential use, with a maximum residential density not to exceed six (6) dwelling units per acre, for the property located at 521 Broadway St., currently zoned C-1, Limited Commercial, comprising approximately 0.44acres.

For a list of local government charter amendments, search online for the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections website: https://www.sarasotavotes.com/ precinctfinder.aspx

28

YourObserver.com

VOTERGUIDE2012

MY VIEW by Rita Ferrandino

Observer-PELICAN PRESS VOTER GUIDE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

MY VIEW by Joe Gruters

Obama: the only Failed promises, choice for America failed presidency President Obama has a vision where, if you work hard and play by the rules, every American has the opportunity to succeed.

As a small business owner, mother of a child with a pre-existing condition and a woman deeply committed to women’s rights, my support for President Obama continues to deepen as we get closer to the November election.

I am moved when I think of the thousands of military families reunited with loved ones returning from war; the more than five million people back to work at new private-sector jobs; and the students finishing college because of increased Pell grant funding.

And then there are the millions of parents who can now provide their children with essential medical care, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Most American presidents since FDR have tried to make affordable and comprehensive health care available to all Americans. Under Obamacare, by 2014, no American will need to worry about being one illness away from bankruptcy.

So much has been accomplished, but there is more to do.

President Obama has a vision for America where, if you work hard and play by the rules, every American has the opportunity to succeed and achieve his own version of the American Dream. He believes in civil rights for all, in equal pay for women and in each person’s right to plan his own life and control his own health care.

He believes that Medicare and Social Security are benefits each of us pay for over our working lives and that those benefits must be protected.

At the foundation is his belief that we Americans are all in this together.

We give each other a hand up and give back to this great country that nurtures us and provides each of us the opportunity for success. That is how his vision differs from those who believe “you’re on your own.”

Obama record on the economy

When President Obama took office, the economy was in free fall, with 839,000 private sector jobs lost that one month alone. The president stopped the bleeding through bold measures that restored confidence in the market.

His economic stimulus programs kept teachers in classrooms, cops and firefighters on the street and construction workers building and repairing bridges, highways and other infrastructure needed by our communities and business.

Thanks to President Obama’s insistence on rescuing the American auto industry, over a million workers still have good jobs, and new manufacturing jobs are being added there every quarter. Under President Obama, 5.2 million private-sector jobs have been created.

That growth is continuing. Unemployment hit a four-year low,

the stock market is approaching its all-time high, and the federal deficit has dropped $200 billion since 2011.

President Obama will continue to grow the economy from the middle out, so that middle-class families will feel the improvement first. They won’t have to wait for it to trickle down from the top.

Obama’s economic plan

President Obama’s plan for strengthening America’s economy includes incentives for companies to create jobs here — and not send them overseas. It includes investing in education and training because the best workers are American workers.

And it focuses on creating manufacturing jobs and growing exports so that the label “Made in America” is proudly displayed on more and more products distributed around the world.

Action on the deficit is important for our long-term future, but it must not come at the expense of the middle class nor the investments in education, small businesses and infrastructure that are needed to grow the economy and create jobs. We can’t just cut our way to prosperity, and we can’t go back to the misguided policies that caused the economic crisis in the first place.

The Commander-in-Chief

The Oval Office is a place where momentous decisions are made under great pressure. In my view, President Obama’s thoughtful approach to the new realities of world politics has restored respect for America abroad.

In crisis situations, he has displayed steady, resolute determination and professionalism.

As promised, President Obama brought home our nation’s bravest by ending the war in Iraq, bringing Osama bin Laden to justice and decimating al Qaeda. He is committed to bringing the war in Afghanistan to a responsible end as well.

In Time magazine, Admiral William McRaven, commander of Seal Team 6, commented on the president’s performance during the Osama bin Laden mission: “The planning and decision making for the bin Laden raid was really everything the American public would expect from their national leadership. The president was at all times presidential. I would contend he was the smartest guy in the room. He had leadership skills we’d expect from a guy who had 35 years in the military.”

That’s the kind of leader I want in the White House. Barack Obama is the kind of a leader President Bill Clinton wants in the White House.

And these are a few of the many reasons Barack Obama deserves four more years as our president.

Rita Ferrandino is chairman of the Sarasota County Democratic Party.

The president’s record over the past four years is too condemning to ignore. We cannot accept the status as the best we can do.

Nov. 6 is a presidential election with momentous consequences.

America cannot endure another four years of leaderless, gridlocked government, legislation via executive order and mindless disregard for unsustainable spending.

We ought not accept the status quo as the best we can do. Rather, it is time to recognize that the Obama presidency has failed. It is time to install new leadership in Washington with a mandate to return the nation to a path of prosperity.

It has become abundantly clear that after dazzling voters with lofty promises in 2008, President Obama cannot deliver. His litany of excuses and list of scapegoats are as incredulous as they are pathetic. The reality is his liberal partisan politics has simply failed in a center-right nation.

Now Obama implores voters to give him four more years — to do more of the same.

But we deserve better and can do better.

Obama’s track record of failure is too condemning to ignore. His dashed dreams and unfulfilled promises are flashing red lights at the crossroads in November. Consider: Promise 1: Obama promised he would revitalize the economy with an unprecedented $830 billion stimulus package. Yet, little was stimulated, and the economy is still struggling with the slowest recovery since the Great Depression 80 years ago.

Promise 2: Obama vowed to cut the annual federal deficit in half. Yet, he has increased spending from 20% to 25% of GDP and nearly doubled the country’s debt to more than a staggering $16 trillion.

Embarrassingly, though not surprising, the country has been stripped of its triple-A credit rating. Obama’s blind eye to unsustainable debt, noncompetitive tax rates and regulatory uncertainty are self-inflicted wounds.

Promise 3: Obama pledged to put the nation back to work. Yet, unemployment has exceeded 8% for the past 3½ years. More than 23 million Americans are underemployed. Business formation is at a 30-year low, while job-killing rules and regulations are at a record high.

Promised to improve lives

Promise 4: Obama promised to improve the lives of American families. Yet, incomes have plummeted by more than $4,000 a year. More than 46 million people rely on food stamps.

And one in six Americans is now living in poverty. Real-estate values have imploded as foreclosures have exploded.

Promise 5: Obama promised healthcare reform. Yet, 26 states fought him all the way to the Supreme Court. Instead of pursuing job creation, Obama squandered the first two years of his presidency ramrodding ObamaCare through Congress and the courts.

Promise 6: Obama promised an energy policy that would reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Yet, he curtailed development of domestic sources, blocked the Keystone pipeline; and facilitated multibillion-dollar loans to Brazil and Colombia, plus another billion for Mexico, which will

soon be drilling in our back yard.

Promise 7: Obama promised an enlightened immigration policy. Yet, he refused to enforce existing federal laws and took Arizona to court when it attempted to do the government’s job. And, when Congress denied his Dream Act, Obama simply instructed the Department of Justice to ignore existing law.

Promise 8: Obama promised a foreign policy to win the respect of our allies and enemies alike. Yet, neither was impressed with our apologetic overtures or eviscerated military.

Obama refused to support the freedom uprising in Iran; failed to “reset” relations with Russia; led from behind in Libya; sat out the Egyptian revolt; dithered over the Syrian slaughter; conceded defeat in Pakistan and Afghanistan; and disregarded Israel’s existential threat from Iran.

Most egregiously, Obama has relegated the murder of U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens to last month’s news cycle.

Promise 9: Obama promised transparent government. Yet, he installed unaccountable layers of czars. Nancy Pelosi scolded that we have to pass legislation “to learn what’s in it.” Now, it appears, the “new normal” is gutting welfare reform and illegal immigration with the stroke of his pen.

Next four years

What is Obama promising over the next four years?

Regrettably, just more of the same.

His vision — the “hope” in his hype — hasn’t changed: higher taxes on job creators; more big government “investment”; increased energy costs; irrational “green” subsidies; a profligate rearguard action on ObamaCare; and a neutered military.

Stripped to the bone, this is classic tax-and-spend liberalism: increased taxes — as long his partisan base remains unscathed — and unfettered spending irrespective of fiscal rationality or sustainability. Essentially he is asking for a liberal leap of faith, rationalizing the past four years of failure, to be underwritten by “shared responsibility” (otherwise known as wealth redistribution).

As we know, the Romney/Ryan campaign is not buying this act.

Nor should the voter. Rather, sound leadership can and will invigorate the economy and return America to the path of prosperity. Romney’s focus is on five critical areas — energy, education, trade, deficits and small business.

Central to his strategy is reducing untenable government expansion and free-market intrusion, while protecting Social Security and Medicare for current and future beneficiaries.

As we enter the final stretch of the election campaigns, the crossroads are clear. We can passively hope for a resuscitation of Obama’s broken promises, or we can opt for aggressive new leadership and a viable path to renewed prosperity.

Let’s take the right path.

Joe Gruters – Chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota County.