A recent “Ticked Off” column in the Orlando Sentinel contained a rather lengthy complaint from the wife of a retired Kissimmee firefighter. Without reprinting the entire entry, the writer was upset that her retired spouse did not receive an annual cost-of-living increase in his pension, while singling out the city manager for receiving annual raises. She went on to note that she was in the mood to vote out all of the elected officials who allowed this to happen.
While we sympathize with the position, especially in these trying economic times, we have to wonder: Has anyone told this person that the time to vote out those elected officials has passed? After all, the two incumbents running in this year’s city election were re-elected last week. The other two potential incumbents won’t be up for re-election for two years. The only city seat that this person will be able to cast a ballot on at any time in the near future is the runoff for Seat 1, in which there is no incumbent in the election.
Based on the dismal turnout for the recent city election, we wonder how many citizens are out there who are going to be rather disappointed when they show up at the polls on election day in November, only to find out that less than 10% of the city’s voters, and less than 5% of the city’s population, have already made the decision for them.
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9 comments:
I was reminded about something that occured at your election. Connie Durbin's son was a "volunteer" at the S.O.E. office on election day. I have a problem with this on different levels but let me go on. I believe he is under age and cannot even vote. But he can be a volunteer? His picture appeared in the paper moving ballot boxes. I thought precint captains brought them in to headquarters. All poll workers sign an oath. Did he? Here's a good one. Ready? His mom is running for re-election and he's moving ballot boxes? Probably those that re-elected Gemskie and Swan see no problem with this but the majority of the few that voted should have a problem. It appears not correct to have a son doing what is reported he did. Anyone ask for an investigation? No? How about the reporter that took his picture for the Osceola News Gazette? Why?
Although you can blame the voters Wayne, this is why the commission changed the City's general date to the primary date. Poor and minority voters do not vote in strenght during local primaries.
Seems like that's the point. Sure, we can blame Gemskie and his pals for moving the election up to August under the pretense of "saving money on the runoff" when we all know it was to narrow the group of people who would be voting. But personal responsibility plays a role here. If the sheeple of Kissimmee would have taken the responsibility to show up and vote in their city election, the good-old-good-time-boy scheme wouldn't have worked out and perhaps we would have seen some fresh faces and fresh ideas.
They all would have been gone includinsome running in November only if the Hispanic Community would have come out to vote. They will be the first ones to complain.
Had sad will it be that when they are all sworn in, the same old things will be happening for the next four years. Shame on all you that didn't take the time to vote during the primary.
Good article, this is typical... BUT there is still time to vote out the Elites, and Establishment! For instance... Fred Hawkins, this guy is as Elite as they get, and we can vote against him... just like we voted against Bill!
A little late to vote them out now. You still have nothing but good old boys running in November. You all had your chance on August 26th and you blew it.
FRED HAWKINS IS THE RIGHT MAN FOR DISTRICT 5. DON'T LET THESE HARRELL SUPPORTER WHO HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THERE TALKING ABOUT FILL YOUR HEAD ABOUT FREED HAWKINS JR. FRED IS THE ONLY PERSON QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION AND WE ALL NEED TO SUPPORT HIM. VOTE FOR FRED HAWKINS JR.
Sounds like Fred Hawkins has convinced his supporters to drink the "Kool-Aid!"
There is a scheduled debate for district 5 set for October 21, 2008 and it is being hosted by the Homeowner's Association. It will be at the St Cloud City Hall. All the candidates were advised of this months ago. Fred Hawkins agreed to attend and Jonathan Harell will not even respond to the association that is hosting this. This is what the residents need a good debate and I wish Jonathan would step up to the plate and debate. I am very proud that Fred Hawkins JR. will attend the debate
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