As you cited percentages for party affiliations, nationally I am part of the dominate party but I don't vote a party line. I registered as a Democrat in 1975 (senior in high school) because my parents were. And where I moved from had a better chance for a civil service job. I moved to Florida 30 years ago (I admit I was not a fan of Gore even after voting for Clinton. My husband registered for the first time ever as an Independent just to vote for Ross Perot). Manatee County being predominately Republican, I can't tell you the number of elections that were decided at primary I couldn't vote in (2022 being one in primary. Everyone knows write-ins don't win). I am still contemplating switching to Republican so I can vote in the primary in August even though every county commissioner race will be going to election day in November. I have time so if KVO changes seat running for (has to be done by 6/14), I can still change July 22 to vote against him.
He voted to end the ethics Commission. He voted for every single one of DeSantis' book banning bills, many of which have been ruled unconstitutional. He voted for a younger age to buy guns. And open carry them. He voted to keep the consumer harming car dealer protections that give us the idiotic way we have to buy cars from dealers. Do you know anyone that likes buying a car? His votes resultedin LGBT kids being afraid to go to school.
Thanks for your article describing the Biden administration’s efforts vis-a-vis the Trump administration and Trump’s destructive political manipulation of the bi-partisan effort to improve the situation.
If anyone wants to understand the underlying reasons for illegal immigration, read the linked essay in the WSJ. The primary reason for illegals is economic, they want a better life and we need their labor. It is that simple and has not changed since I was a roommate of two legal immigrants from Mexico who taught me the reality of the illegal farm labor immigration in California in the 1970’s.
https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/border-crackdowns-wont-solve-americas-immigration-crisis-f21b0c4b?st=vtd8333uaolik8i&reflink=article_copyURL_share
For the first time in a long time, not a single county commission district race will be determined at the primary. Let's hope this trend continues two years from now. Now is the time to get to know where each candidate stands on the issues facing our county to make an informed decision not based on the negativity and overblown "accomplishments" we know will be coming from some of the candidates.
Mr Clausen - Your Opinion piece perhaps is most important and well-written. Your appreciation for the past and the value to the Community are immeasurable. I want to thank you for your perspective.
Steven Levin
(http://villaserenainn.com)
While I never personally would have an abortion except under extreme circumstances (****, incest, health of mother or baby) I think 6 weeks is too short. 16 weeks was reasonable to determine if you don't want to have a child. I am totally against late term abortions.
Wow...beautiful Kristina! Great you made note of the fine service you received. Despite the leadership at the top, great to know there are still County workers who care about citizens and respond politely and efficiently to issues in a timely fashion. Must be left over from the Coryea administration!! :)
It is Congress that has the responsibility to solve the border crisis... and they are being held back by partisanship... mostly on the Republican side. Congress must find a "humane" solution and provide the executive branch with appropriate laws to enforce security and lawful immigration.
Very informative. And so important for us to become more familiar with - especially when we have little reason to trust that decision makers will do what is best for the long-term interest of our county.
It has become embarrassing to live in this state. We have fewer rights and morerestrictions on freedom each day this Governor is in office. We have to find a way to stop him.
Let me tell you about a, “threat to our democracy,”
First, establish 2 more Senatorial seats representing Washington DC.
Almost certainly these will be held by Democrats.
Now expand the Supreme Court with 6 Progressive Judges.
Now you can get rid of that “pesky” Electoral College, so that the Coastal elites can now overwhelm those “deplorables”! With a flood of votes.
Now you have the executive, legislative, and judicial branches safely in the tow.
Finally the Democrats will have what they really want, not to govern, but to CONTROL!
That is the end of “DEMOCRACY!”
This is no longer just an island issue. LLC's are purchasing and placing hotel houses in every neighborhood. Houses are put under contract in less than 24 hours and lots are being cleared of most vegetation which is being replaced by tarping and shelling. Residents will now be living next to a revolving door of guests. What is the sense of having residential zoning if you are allowed to use property in such a short term manner?
Sad. Kaleta probably figures there's enough room there for a nice mixed use multi-story development there that will need a bit of political grease or a lawsuit or two to get around it's sure to be non-compliance with building codes and zoning.
I don't understand why people still think DeSantis is a supporter of freedom. I have lost rights, and am in a far more challenging economic situation since he came into office, (despite making more) and he ABSOLUTELY does NOT support home rule, look at what's happening to Annamaria...
What he is good at is spinning a story into advantageous publicity and encouraging American on American hate.
Well said! It isn't enough for GOP voters to just not vote, they need to affirm that a person like Trump does not belong in the White House by casting a vote to defeat him. I am an non-affiliated voter and although I current president should step aside for the next generation I can't imagine the magnitude of the detriment to our society by allowing a man as basely crooked as Trump back in the White House.
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