Although our group is no longer functioning, two of the leaders briefly emerged out of retirement to put together these ballot recommendations for Charlotte and Sarasota Counties.
If you want to do more than vote: Long term, we encourage you to join the Englewood Democratic Club which operates in both counties. You can see their latest email newsletter here.
To help Democrats during the election, in Charlotte County call Linda at 814-282-0871 or email her at ldemerit@allegheny.edu. In Sarasota County, click here to sign up for weekend canvassing, click here to phone Democratic voters from home, and click here to greet voters at polling places.
US Senate: Val Demings has been a strong Representative for Orlando area and has a great resume.
US House of Representatives District 17: Andrea Doria Kale
Governor: Charlie Crist
Attorney General: Aramis Ayala
Chief Financial Officer: Adam Hattersley
Commissioner of Agriculture: Naomi Blemur
Supreme Court Justice Retentions: NO for all justices.
Englewood Water District Seat 5: Dennis Pinkiewicz, who is qualified to serve in this role, due to educational background and prior comparable experience in coastal NJ.
There are conflicting recommendations on the three amendments on the ballot. The Charlotte County Democrats suggest NO on 1 YES on 2, YES on 3). The Sarasota County Democrats differ: they recommend NO on 1, No Recommendation on 2, and NO on 3. This morning the Sun newspaper recommended YES on 1, NO on 2, and NO on 3.
For 1, Democrats in both counties seem to think it would mostly benefit wealthy home owners who invest money in making their homes on the water more resilient. But the paper feels it would benefit all and not just the wealthy are spending money to harden their homes against flooding. We're leaning toward yes, but it's iffy
For 2, this proposed amendment was suggested and passed by the Republican legislature with all R's voting in favor of abolishing the Constitutional Revision Commission. The Dem vote was split: 13 against, 3 in favor. The Sun feels the Commission should NOT be abolished because it is at least one small avenue to get items on the ballot, even though it has been abused in the past. (That was the time they stuffed different items together under one amendment to get something they wanted passed.) The Dem thinking is that this body is politically appointed and therefore uses its power to yes, force through some horrible idea by pairing it with something everyone wants. One interesting observation: if it doesn't get abolished, the next time it will meet is 2037. Will any of us be here to care?
For 3, new homestead exemptions, the Sun and Sarasota Dems say no: they keep making these exemptions and it will reduce the tax base too much and prioritizes some workers over others. But the Charlotte County Dems say 'YES,' help the teachers and fire fighters.
We hope you found this discussion helpful in deciding how to vote on the three amendments.
State Senate District 27: Christopher Proia
Second District Court of Appeal: YES for Northcutt who was appointed long ago by Gov. Chiles. NO for all the rest.
Charlotte County Charter Amendments: YES for all 3.
Charlotte County School School District Millage Election: Vote YES to support our schools, our teachers and our kids.
Sarasota Charter Review Board District 1: Nancy M.H. Simpson
Sarasota Charter Review Board District 2: Jae Langston D. Williams
Sarasota Charter Review Board District 4: Ray Porter
Hospital Board Northern District Seat 2: No recommendation
District Court of Appeal: Vote NO on all Judges
County Bond Referendum: YES for the Charter Amendment
County Referendum: YES for the 1-cent sales tax
County Charter Amendments: No to both
City of North Port Commissioner District Seat 5: Philip Stokes
City of North Port Referenda:
Question 1: YES
Question 2: YES