Where is Will (Pruitt) living now?

[Guest]

Seems Will has more addresses than I can count. Registered to vote from Fruitland Park
in 2006. Has a ranch in Weirsdale not registered in 2008. Now lives in Sumterville since May of 2008 not sure if he is registered there or not. Certainly not in a P.O. Box I was informed

[Guest]

What I want to know is what does the Sun (i.e., the developer) have against him? So far, I've seen two very negative stories about him. One was the address issue. The other was his record as a police officer/sheriff in the past. I found it interesting that the last section of this article admitted that he had had positive reports while serving for Lady Lake. It almost (?) feels like a smear campaign.

Don't get me wrong, I am not pro-Pruitt. I honestly don't know enough about him nor his opposition to make an informed decision one way or the other. I would just be more comfortable if the Sun would appear a bit more objective in its stories.

[Guest]

I agree, Red. It still concerns me, though. If he did not do what the Sun says he did, he could sue. I don't think they would have taken the chance.
I think Pruitt's father is a pol also.

[Guest]

I tend to agree that the two recent articles about Pruitt seem to indicate a bias on the part of Villages Media. I don't know if this slant is justified or not. On the other hand, I don't recollect any coverage, positive or negative, about his opponent, O'Toole. I think if there were an active opposition to one, the other would be getting at least some positive mention.

Re Pruitt, I just feel uneasy about him. I'm a bit old school re work history. I don't like job hopping and think one should be in a position longer than over coffee to claim great credentials from it. For example, the 4th item on Pruitt's "Accomplishments" is "Former Police Chief". Evidently, from info in the story, he was chief in a real small town for about an hour and a half -- and left under weird circumstances. All in all, Pruitt's CV is just too sketchy, on his fliers or website.

[Guest]

Muncle, I am glad you weighed in on this as I respect your knowledge and wisdom. Your opinions carry great weight with me.

[Guest]

Muncle makes some very good points. But every newspaper in the US chooses it's candidates and supports them to the fullest. The Daily Sun is a Republican paper, that exhorts the popular party line. The incumbent is a loyal supporter of the party and therefore is the candidate of choice. Also, if you destroy the only competition, what other choices are available.

[Guest]

I am neither for nor against Pruitt, but while I am suspicious of the Sun's motives, they do raise serious questions regarding Pruitt's suitability. If the accusations/assertions by the Sun are left unchallenged, or unexplained, I will tend to have to go with the candidate who, to date, seems unscathed (O'Toole). I would really like to see a detailed explanation by Mr. Pruitt before I make up my mind.

[Guest]

http://www.ocala.com/article/20080721/NEWS/506538916

[The link to this news story replaces the use of the entire news story. -- Tony]

[Guest]

Muncle makes some very good points. But every newspaper in the US chooses it's candidates and supports them to the fullest. The Daily Sun is a Republican paper, that exhorts the popular party line. The incumbent is a loyal supporter of the party and therefore is the candidate of choice. Also, if you destroy the only competition, what other choices are available.

A couple problems, Ge. Pruitt is a Republican. 2nd, there is no incumbent running for reelection. There are term limits, and the incumbent, Hugh Gibson, cannot run again. As far as I know, there are two people seeking the GOP nomination for the seat, Pruitt and Marlene O'Toole. Don't know if there is Democrat opposition.

[Guest]

He [ . . . ] thinks he is above the rules of
the Villages.

[Text removed by Tony]

[Guest]

Here is the Division of Elections website. You can check out who is running, review their campaign reports, and who their contributors are.

http://election.dos.state.fl.us/candidate/canlist.asp

There is not a Democratic candidate. However, there are two write-ins:

Betty Cunningham who lives in the Villages
Jeremy Grondahl who lives in Leesburg.

Marlene O'Toole also lives in the Villages.
Will Pruitt's address is a P.O. Box in Lady Lake.

Interesting is that the write-in candidtates show no contributions yet (according to last campaign reports); Marlene O'toole shows apporximatley $69,000 and Will Pruitt shows approximately $80,000, and both have some from contributors outside of the district, including Tallahassee where the elected candidate will be voting on new legislation. However, it appears that O'Toole has more local (Lake/Sumter) contributors compared to Pruitt who has more out of district contributors.

VK2

[Guest]

If you go to the link above for the Ocala Star Banner, I think you will realize that he did everything correctly. The Marion County Tax Collector admits that they did not remove the homestead exemption when he requested.

[Guest]

The Daily Sun tells us everything that they want us to know about Pruitt. What do we know about O'Toole's history?

[Guest]

I don't know about O'Toole's history but I do find the campaign contribution list for both candidates of interest. Why are so many out of District contributions to Pruitt from medical interests?

See website for both Pruitt's and O'Tooles contributors. Go to House/Senate Lake or Sumter county. Then at the bottom call up campaign contributors:

http://election.dos.state.fl.us/candidate/Index.asp

VK2

[Guest]

I believe if you do a little research you will find the answer to your question concerning Mr. Pruitt and his PO Box.

In the rural areas of Florida there is no mail delivery to the homes so people have their mail delivered to PO Boxes. I learned this the hard way when I first moved to the area 15 years ago. I would look up an address and mail something only to have it returned to me. It didn't take long to learn the facts on mail delivery; the address in the phone book is the physical address not the mailing address.

We in The Villages are fortunate that we have mail drop centers and not PO Boxes at the local Post Office. Hope this clears up this question, that has been going round and round, about Mr. Pruitt's PO Box address.

POC

[Guest]

A few facts that you will not see in The Villages controlled news media: Mr. Pruitt has 60 that is SIXTY days after the election, if elected, to move into the district he is to represent. An oversight or an omitted fact???? Character assignation seems to be the thought of the day not the issues facing the people of District 42.

Mr Pruitt was in the process of making this move in May of 2008. He started by removing the Homestead from his working farm in Weirsdale, Marion County. He is renovating a home that has been in his wife's family for 70+ years in Sumterville, Sumter County DISTRICT 42!!! This is in anticipation of winning the election. If not the home will still be renovated!

As for the voting in Lake County-Everything he does and has is in Lake County except where he sleeps. He lived there,gets his mail there and yes he voted there. His business is in Lake County-He has given the past 10 years as a volunteer appointee to the Lake/Sumter Community College Board. There he personally brought approx. 60 Million, yes that is MILLION, dollars to Lake County. He has been the volunteer appointed Board Chairperson of The Early Learning Coalition of Lake County where he has tirelessly & unselfishly spent many years helping the children in need in Lake County.

The truth of all this is being published in the Daily Commercial newspaper in Leesburg and the Ocala Star Banner newspaper. If you are searching for the truth I suggest you either subscribe to either of these papers or pick-up a copy daily for the next 3 weeks or so.

POC

[Guest]

I have no preference, at this point, regarding Pruitt or O'Toole. However, I am highly suspicious of the vigor that the Daily Sun has put into it's persistent attacks on Mr. Pruitt. In today's edition, one of the 2 stories attacking him cast doubts on him in regards to his contributors. I did a little research, using the listed website for political contributions (election.dos.state.fl.us), and found that Mrs. O'Toole has some interesting contributors, as well. Among them, are the Morse family and at least one political action committee. At the least, this suggests that the Daily Sun's coverage is not "fair and balanced."

[Guest]

HEY POC! WHY ARE YOU ALSO REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF REVBILL? HAVING MORE THAN ONE IDENTITY IS CONSIDERED TROLLING AND WE ALL KNOW THAT IS D0NE SPECIFICALLY TO CONFUSE AND TRICK THE READERS INTO THINKING THAT MORE THAN ONE PERSON IS ACTUALLY SPEAKING..........hey revbill......that's not cool.
IF IN FACT YOU ARE THE SAME PERSON, YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY OUT MY FRIEND. (Hey revbill, are you a real honest to goodness, God fearing, pius, humble, honest, courteous, kind, man of the cloth?)
JLK

[Guest]

HEY POC! WHY ARE YOU ALSO REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF REVBILL? HAVING MORE THAN ONE IDENTITY IS CONSIDERED TROLLING AND WE ALL KNOW THAT IS D0NE SPECIFICALLY TO CONFUSE AND TRICK THE READERS INTO THINKING THAT MORE THAN ONE PERSON IS ACTUALLY SPEAKING..........hey revbill......that's not cool.
IF IN FACT YOU ARE THE SAME PERSON, YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY OUT MY FRIEND. (Hey revbill, are you a real honest to goodness, God fearing, pius, humble, honest, courteous, kind, man of the cloth?)

Wow you're on him like stink on dung. Maybe he and his wife have separate screen names and use the same computer. Why are you attacking him/them? It's almost as if you're denying him his opinions because, apparently he doesn't agree with you. It appears to me that in your neighborhood, it's not a beautiful day in The Villages.

[Guest]

HEY POC! WHY ARE YOU ALSO REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF REVBILL? HAVING MORE THAN ONE IDENTITY IS CONSIDERED TROLLING AND WE ALL KNOW THAT IS D0NE SPECIFICALLY TO CONFUSE AND TRICK THE READERS INTO THINKING THAT MORE THAN ONE PERSON IS ACTUALLY SPEAKING..........hey revbill......that's not cool.
IF IN FACT YOU ARE THE SAME PERSON, YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY OUT MY FRIEND. (Hey revbill, are you a real honest to goodness, God fearing, pius, humble, honest, courteous, kind, man of the cloth?)

Wow you're on him like stink on dung. Maybe he and his wife have separate screen names and use the same computer. Why are you attacking him/them? It's almost as if you're denying him his opinions because, apparently he doesn't agree with you. It appears to me that in your neighborhood, it's not a beautiful day in The Villages.


If you wish to stay above suspicion, do not have two screen names from the same IP address and same email address.

[Guest]

Talk Host,

I am guilty!!! I have two user names because I use two different computers. I didn't know I was doing anything wrong. I apologize to you and your talkofthevillages members.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. You can rest assured in the future I WILL NOT post under two names.

As for trying to advertise free I did not think I had to pay to post information on the Travel Section of your posts. If there is a charge please advise me and if it isn't cost prohibitive I will advertise on your talkofthevillages.

Again, please accept my apology!!!

theRevBill

[Guest]

I saw in this article that Mr Pruitt is suing the Sun. It does not really refute the story given by the Sun. I wish we knew the truth about the "cat story".


http://www.dailycommercial.com/07-27-08-pruitt

[Guest]

While there have been many questions raised regarding Will Pruitt's residence, checkered job history, unauthorized naming of individuals as endorsers, the legality of serving in the position at LSSC, and the legality of voting in a county where he lives, I have not seen any such allegations aimed at his opponent Marlene O'Toole. Instead, she has lived in Lake County for many years, had a solid career as a manager with IBM, has many local endorsements, has perfomed near miracles managing the Take Stock in Children Program, and votes in the county where she lives.

As far as the Daily Sun's character assasination of Will Pruitt, I would submit that character built on a solid base cannot be torn down. Marlene O'Toole' past has been open to scrutiny longer and yet no flaws (other than a strong Boston accent) have been brought to light. I would hope that no voter with concience would rely completely on what is reported in any newspaper, but would rather use what he reads to seek out what he feels is the truth.

During my research on Will Pruit, when I read the "graphic" police reports on the "cat" incident in Lady Lake and of the sudden resignation as Center Hill Police Chief at the onset of an investigation, I felt that there is too much smoke for there not to be fire.

I am now a Marlene O'Toole fan and wonder how many of those supporting Will Pruitt have put forth an equal effort to seek out the truth.

[Guest]

I would submit that character built on a solid base cannot be torn down. Marlene O'Toole's past has been open to scrutiny longer and yet no flaws (other than a strong Boston accent) have been brought to light.

Dropping out of high school is not a flaw? Claiming to be an exexecutive for IBM for 30+ years, when, in fact she was not an executive, is not a flaw?

I don't want to take this any further but, if you have any conscience, and do your homework, you will find, there are more flaws.

[Guest]

If she was not an executive, what was she? She didn't graduate from HS? I think many in her generation may not have graduated but went on to become very successful people. IMHO, education is more about a life long ability and desire to learn. She may have dropped out to help support a family. She may have returned to school later on in her life. Please..take this further. Inquiring minds want to know.

[Guest]

Well said, Sam.... many successful people did not graduate with their high school graduation class. I also think more information is needed before judgment is passed.

[Guest]

I also agree that many people succeed without graduating from high school. It's what they accomplish in their working careers that is important. Personally, I think that working your way up the corporate ladder and staying with the same company for 30+ years, culminating in a major managerial position, is an outstanding accomplishment.

[Guest]

Back to the original question.....I guess the answer is "where ever he says he's living."

[Guest]

Brian:

It is true that Marlene O'Toole did drop out of high school to help support her family. She began as a typist and then joined IBM. She did work her way up through the ranks and became a regional manager with an annual budget of $25.5 million and was responsible for multi-site operations with more than 800 employees. I don't want to argue semantics with you, but in my eyes, that's a pretty good definition of an executive. She did retire after 30 years with IBM.

That's what my homework revealed. I don't find any character flaws, rather strength.

I do feel that it is a shame that this campaign has turned out to be so negative, but in Marlene's defense, she has not jumped into the fray. She has not made any derrogative statements about Will, but has made rebuttals to the mistatements that Will Puitt has made about her. I find no blame in that. Tallahassee, on the other hand has been shameless in their mailers. Then again, claims should be checked out an not accepted as facts.

By the way, if you would like extra credit on a homework assignment, you might take a trip down to Center Hill and get a copy of the letter addressed to Mayor Davis, dated October 2, 1999, regarding investigations of complaints against the police department (with Police department narratives). The Orlando Sentinel and the Leesburg Daily Commercial covered the "cat incident" of 9/07/99 quite well, but without the "dicey" language quoted in the Lady Lake police reports. If you get a copy of those reports, I advise against letting any ladies read them.

I apologize for taking so long to get back to you. Have been off site for a while.

[Guest]

Can the Lady Lake reports be made public?

[Guest]

They are public records. Request the certified report of officer Gregory House regarding Chief Will Pruitt, dated 9/9/99.

[Guest]

For the last few days I have been getting these recorded calls from the Pruitt organization.
They are nasty and I have stopped what I was doing to answer the calls. I am on the do not call list and feel my privacy has been invaded. I get ticked every time I pick up the phone and hear the equivalent of "Did you know Marlene O'toole has two heads and eats worms...blah, blah, blah.."
It's so bad you have to figure the things being said are blatant distortions. I'll be so glad when this is over. To the Pruitt camp...your calls to people are sending more people to O'toole.

[Guest]

For the last few days I have been getting these recorded calls from the Pruitt organization.
They are nasty and I have stopped what I was doing to answer the calls. I am on the do not call list and feel my privacy has been invaded. I get ticked every time I pick up the phone and hear the equivalent of "Did you know Marlene O'toole has two heads and eats worms...blah, blah, blah.."
It's so bad you have to figure the things being said are blatant distortions. I'll be so glad when this is over. To the Pruitt camp...your calls to people are sending more people to O'toole.


Totally agree, Sam. It has gotten soooo bad that if there are enough morons in this district that Pruitt gets the GOP nomination, i would actually vote for a democrat if there were one running against him in the general --- now that's radical. I'd even consider a poa member rather than that bottom-feeding, gutter snake. :cus: :cus: :cus: :cus:

[Guest]

Hubs and I went to Beef O'Bradys for lunch today. Golf groups were coming in for lunch. At the next table three golfers sat having a conversation about this very subject. They were
so angry about these calls and some very ungentlemanly things were said about the subject. Hubs and I just laughed and looked at one another. Those calls have been offensive and intrusive....OMGosh..as I am typing, the phone rings and it's the NRA calling to tell me to vote for Pruitt. NRA, we won't be renewing and paying our dues.
With the tactics we have seen this man use, would we want him in a position of power????
Not no...my answer would be :edit: NO!!!!