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| Angered by County scheme to undo the citizens' Single Member District Voting Amendment, people filled the CRB meeting |
The first thing CRB Chair Joe Justice did was cut the attendees' allotted speaking time from five minutes to two minutes.
Nonetheless, many citizens from all around the county stayed for the entire time to offer sense and eloquence in support of Single Member District Voting, which was approved by 116,000 voters from all parties and districts.
"Every single voter should be infuriated about what the county commissioners are doing,' said Louise Machinist (10:15), adding "Single member commission districts benefit voters, not wealthy powerful vested interests."
At-large voting puts elections in the hands of wealthy interests, noted Andrea Shlasko. The high rent districts get a big fake lake to watch rowing, while North Port doesn't have a hospital, she added (12:15).
"Once again, we're here to undo what the voters have chosen for their life," began Valerie Buchand (47:20).
"Many Republicans are talking about "stopping the steal," in a fantasy way. But this would be a real steal, if this happens," said Carol Lerner, (50:00)
"I am probably the best example of the success of Single Member Districts," said Mike Hutchinson, who described himself as a staunch Republican, a Trump supporter who nearly defeated Mike Moran in District 1. Moran, the incumbent, won by a very small margin. (58:48)
"This is not about partisan politics; this is about integrity in our government," said Dan Lobeck, an attorney and self-described conservative Republican (1:06:40). "Almost no county our size or larger throughout the 67 counties in the state of Florida has countywide elections," he added. "You're having contempt for the people if you put this back on the ballot."
A small number of companions of Jack Brill, Republican party chair for Sarasota, offered well-worn talking points against Single Member Districts.
The only actionable reason to question the SMD amendment would be proof that the majority of voters were misled by the language of the ballot amendment. Not a single speaker said they did not understand what they voted for.
Other outstanding voices included Lourdes Ramirez (7:30), Kindra Muntz (27:30) Dan Lobeck (1:06:40), and Mike Shlasko. "Single member districts bring government closer to the people," noted Shlasko, noting that Florida's state legislature has been shifting much decision-making power away from the local level. (1:32)
The Board has a by-law that requires it to schedule substantial discussion of new business to the following meeting, which is set for October 20, 2021.
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If you have more to say, feel free to contact the CRB, copying the County Commissioners:
commissioners@scgov.net
I certainly knew what I was voting for when I voted for single member districts. It is the only way
ReplyDeleteto limit the power of big money.