Inundated with ads from developers puppets

[John41]

Every day my mailbox is stuffed with ads from the developers puppets on the Sumter commission and road signs all over the place. Who is paying for this and what do they expect in return. i’m curious.

[tophcfa]

Every day my mailbox is stuffed with ads from the developers puppets on the Sumter commission and road signs all over the place. Who is paying for this and what do they expect in return. i’m curious.

Is that a question that really needs to be asked? We all know who is paying for it, in return for a rubber stamp of approval on anything they want!

[Stu from NYC]

Wonder what it cost the developer to buy these people?

[billethkid]

Sounds like most business entities.
Is "the developer" singular or plural.

Or just a catch all like "they"....who also gets credited for doing most things some do not like or disagree with.

[tophcfa]

Wonder what it cost the developer to buy these people?

Chump change compared to the benefits they get.

[Kenswing]

Trying to decide if this is worse than warm pool water.. :popcorn:

[JoMar]

Just stirring the pot.....we do have folks on here that get great satisfaction in doing that, how I don't understand but it seems to work for them.

[tophcfa]

:confused: I'm sorry but I'm confused again. I do read your posts and pay attention to what you say. Would you clear up a few things for me?
1. Do you live in Sumter Co. where you are an expert on the County Government? Or do you live in Lake Co.? Can you name your County Commissioners?
2. Do you even vote in the state of Florida? Or do you vote in Mass.?
3. Are you here now on one of your golfing vacations or up north and just stirring long distance?

Just curious. You certainly don't have to answer. But I would appreciate it. Thanks :ho:

Thanks for following my posts, and yes I will be happy to answer your questions. I don't stir a pot from a distance anymore than anyone else sitting at their computer, my wife and I have invested our retirement savings in a home in Sumter county. I pay all the taxes and fees that every other county resident pays. I make it my business to learn as much as I can about county government, because it effects both our investment and lifestyle. I can name every county commissioner, and hope to soon be learning the name of new commissioners. I can not vote in the state of Florida because I need to keep my primary residence in MA or my wife and I will lose our health insurance. We both have very real heath issues that are all good now, but need to keep access to our doctors up north. I only vote in MA for local elections because my vote for national elections means absolutely nothing living in the state of Massachusetts (although I will admit that I wrote in Tom Brady for the last presidential election because I could not stomach voting for either of the other two candidates). I am currently up north but will be driving down to our Villages home very shortly for a much deserved long stay at our other home. Although I used to (pre-covid) occasionally fly to Florida for a rather short golf vacation, when we go to our Villages home it is not for a Vacation, but to spend quality time at one of our two homes, spending countless hours maintaining our home so I fits in well with our neighborhood. Any other questions?

[George Page]

I’m sure you’ve all heard, and many of you have said:
“America, love it or leave it”
Well, guess what word to ‘change’ in that sentence!
Call a broker!

[iht2209]

So how much are you getting for the article. Free property taxes for this year. Nice try I didn’t buy it.

[Stu from NYC]

So how much are you getting for the article. Free property taxes for this year. Nice try I didn’t buy it.

Since you didnt quote a post no idea whom you are referring to.

[Dana1963]

It’s VERY INEXPENSIVE considering what they recieve in a year!

[Skunky1]

Better than having those people knock on your door.

[Dana1963]

I’ll take the REPEAL of ENTERTAINMENT TAX. The return is only about $330 daily the kiosks return more, the average entertainer makes $250 maybe each performance. Most people come here to visit relatives not for entertainment.

[Dlbonivich]

I would be careful, the funding for the 3 men running against the incumbents have their own agenda that cost money to implement and they all cost
money. If they are rolling back the tax increase where are they going to get the money for their projects? They will be cutting something, maybe the entertainment money will be for the new no kill shelter.

[Dlbonivich]

I’ll take the REPEAL of ENTERTAINMENT TAX. The return is only about $330 daily the kiosks return more, the average entertainer makes $250 maybe each performance. Most people come here to visit relatives not for entertainment.
Entertainment tax has nothing to do with real estate taxes. The money must be used to attract tourists to Sumter County. Lots of projects are funded out of that tax. You should know the squares are a huge attractions, they support restaurants and hotels all over the county. Before you spout you should do some research. If Mr. Miller said he will not find square entertainment then he needs to understand how much money tourism brings the area. It would effect a lot of people’s jobs and hurt your property value. Go buy a house in Stonecrest or Spruce Creek and you will see their values are stagnant. Wake up! The three challengers all have an agenda, and it will not benefit you. Go back to where you came from if you do not like how things are here. It was like this before you arrived.

[toeser]

I think this is an important election. I would bet there is a good relationship between the current commissioners and The Developer. If "we" vote in the "new" team, you can say goodbye to entertainment on the square in both Brownwood and Lake Sumter. (Oren Miller has stated in two separate Facebook posts he would vote NO to continue to fund $120,000 from the hotel tax to pay for square entertainment).
So pat yourself on the back that you voted out those "puppets." Then let me know how happy you are that the entertainment is gone. Square businesses will struggle (many retail establishments are closing early now because there is no entertainment to drive traffic).
Now you have a situation just like congress... two sides won't give an inch and nothing gets done.
As Barack Obama once said "Elections have consequences."


I hope you are enjoying your 25% tax increase brought to you by the developer's puppets. I doubt the developer is going to destroy their business model because they did not get things 100% their way. They still have a lot of homes to sell and resell.

[diva1]

Just so you all know, when the 25% tax increase was voted in by the Developer's puppets, their impact fees went down. So we are all paying more per new home and the Developer is paying less. And if you don't think the kiosks pay for the entertainment you are delusional. Yes, the County is now contributing to the music on the Squares, which is now non-existent. If you have never gone to a meeting of the Sumter County Commissioners and seen their arrogant, my way or the highway attitudes, their scrolling thru their phones while the public speaks so they can get thru it and vote the way they were told anyway, you have missed an opportunity to see how things really work in Sumter Co. Tell me, just why has the Developer spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to get these same guys reelected? As one guy here said, it's chump change vs. what they get with their rubber stamps. Believe it or not, it's true.

[DeanFL]

.
.
Re the Sumpter election. I did research myself. Mail ads etc etc do little to nothing to persuade me. It's Marketing. If that type of Marketing impacted my actions, I would have died by now in order to take advantage of the Cremation ads. And shop at Bed Bath Beyond every day to redeem those 20% coupons.

So my research brought out several videos taken by constituents at Commision meetings. I was disgusted to see how memebrs of the public were treated by some of these members up for re-election. I was registered NPA (unable to vote in the Sumpter primary). I went to the County office to change my 'affiliation' to Rep in order to vote in this primary. I got a ballot by mail and did my duty. My better 1/2 likes to vote at the poll, and she did. And we both will switch back to NPA as we are both independent. But we simply could NOT sit back after seeing how consituents were treated by the 3 encumbents.

$$$$ drives politics from the Local Dog Catcher to the Federal President. It's worse now than ever. Sad but it is what it is. All these ads etc have little impact to me.

But that Cremation Society thing is beginning to appeal to me....
.
.
.

[Singerlady]

Wonder what it cost the developer to buy these people?

It PROBABLY cost a few dinners, golf rounds, vacations.....The Developer is endorsing and paying for all the advertising for these guys. No surprise there.

[Singerlady]

I think this is an important election. I would bet there is a good relationship between the current commissioners and The Developer. If "we" vote in the "new" team, you can say goodbye to entertainment on the square in both Brownwood and Lake Sumter. (Oren Miller has stated in two separate Facebook posts he would vote NO to continue to fund $120,000 from the hotel tax to pay for square entertainment).
So pat yourself on the back that you voted out those "puppets." Then let me know how happy you are that the entertainment is gone. Square businesses will struggle (many retail establishments are closing early now because there is no entertainment to drive traffic).
Now you have a situation just like congress... two sides won't give an inch and nothing gets done.
As Barack Obama once said "Elections have consequences."

One out of 3 commissioners said that? That doesn’t get a vote passed. I’ll wait and see and take my chances.

[Stu from NYC]

.
.
Re the Sumpter election. I did research myself. Mail ads etc etc do little to nothing to persuade me. It's Marketing. If that type of Marketing impacted my actions, I would have died by now in order to take advantage of the Cremation ads. And shop at Bed Bath Beyond every day to redeem those 20% coupons.

So my research brought out several videos taken by constituents at Commision meetings. I was disgusted to see how memebrs of the public were treated by some of these members up for re-election. I was registered NPA (unable to vote in the Sumpter primary). I went to the County office to change my 'affiliation' to Rep in order to vote in this primary. I got a ballot by mail and did my duty. My better 1/2 likes to vote at the poll, and she did. And we both will switch back to NPA as we are both independent. But we simply could NOT sit back after seeing how consituents were treated by the 3 encumbents.

$$$$ drives politics from the Local Dog Catcher to the Federal President. It's worse now than ever. Sad but it is what it is. All these ads etc have little impact to me.

But that Cremation Society thing is beginning to appeal to me....
.
.
.

And you get a free lunch too. Wonder though if they burn it?

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I’ll stick with the group we have now , do they work well with the family , I think they do and contrary to some ,the villages run well if it didn’t there wouldn’t be so many people buying here.Ive lived in a few condos where things were running smoothly, until groups mostly older took control , they didn’t want to spend on this , we can push that off for another couple of years ,the lobby paint job still looks good after 3 years , you get the picture , things can wait I don’t want to spend I’m happy and older. The same thing could happen here , cut back maintenance, don’t fix this or that , yes to the theme park in your front yard , I don’t go to town square so why should I pay . The old saying if it’s not broke don’t fix it seems good to me about this election that I’m not even allowed to vote in

[rmd2]

I’ll stick with the group we have now , do they work well with the family , I think they do and contrary to some ,the villages run well if it didn’t there wouldn’t be so many people buying here.Ive lived in a few condos where things were running smoothly, until groups mostly older took control , they didn’t want to spend on this , we can push that off for another couple of years ,the lobby paint job still looks good after 3 years , you get the picture , things can wait I don’t want to spend I’m happy and older. The same thing could happen here , cut back maintenance, don’t fix this or that , yes to the theme park in your front yard , I don’t go to town square so why should I pay . The old saying if it’s not broke don’t fix it seems good to me about this election that I’m not even allowed to vote in

It is your choice. Enjoy the 25% tax increase for things that should have been paid by the developer who I am sure is very happy to have us pay for it instead.

[geobet]

My mailbox is not stuffed with political adds only an occasion one

[Ladygolfer93]

Sounds like most business entities.
Is "the developer" singular or plural.

Or just a catch all like "they"....who also gets credited for doing most things some do not like or disagree with.

Plural in a manner of speaking, but in reality you can look it up and it looks similar to any corporation. In this case it's nearly an entire family, but there is a "CEO", and many other titles. The "corporate" configuration looks like those you are probably use to in publicly traded company.... MINUS of course.....LOL.... the board of directors, or, perhaps these "paid" supervisors/commissioners might (with a stretch of the imagination) be similar to a board.... LOL !

[Ladygolfer93]

Just so you all know, when the 25% tax increase was voted in by the Developer's puppets, their impact fees went down. So we are all paying more per new home and the Developer is paying less. And if you don't think the kiosks pay for the entertainment you are delusional. Yes, the County is now contributing to the music on the Squares, which is now non-existent. If you have never gone to a meeting of the Sumter County Commissioners and seen their arrogant, my way or the highway attitudes, their scrolling thru their phones while the public speaks so they can get thru it and vote the way they were told anyway, you have missed an opportunity to see how things really work in Sumter Co. Tell me, just why has the Developer spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to get these same guys reelected? As one guy here said, it's chump change vs. what they get with their rubber stamps. Believe it or not, it's true.

You are 100% correct on the "arrogance". REGARDLESS if the resident is "conservative" or "liberal", pro "developer", or pro entire community, EVERYONE owes it to themselves to at least attend and view EXACTLY what you described: immature (?) representatives who, like teens, can not turn off their cell phones long enough to look at and listen to the PUBLIC who elects them. Just like the national political parties, people need to think: Do I have a RIGHT to have my public official at the very least PAY ATTENTION at public forums ? I have no particular "axe to grind"; entertainment, no entertainment, this, that, but.... I have never, ever, seen ignoring of the constituency to the degree it exists here ! I suppose it's because we all bought into a highly controlled community with no "real" representation; no mayor, no city council, not much of anything to protect constitutional rights. Where else have you lived that you had to actually walk through a long gauntlet of people sitting in chairs with big signs for this and that candidate shouting to you, "be sure to vote for _____" ? Most communities have laws against that. In my former community in Florida, ALL had to be across the street from a polling place. That was very nice, you did not have to dread going to vote. I realize many here like the ability to talk face to face to people just as they go into a polling place, but I for one do not look forward to it, just my opinion, not any more, or less, important than anyone else's ! But DO go to the meetings a see the utter arrogance for yourself.... then THINK about what you want to make your community the best it can be for you, and for me.

[Topspinmo]

Wonder what it cost the developer to buy these people?

It’s the Chicago way! Proven over the times.

[Reedpanos@gmail.com]

Financial reports available from both the county and state election sites show total expenditures for the incumbents and the developer at over $200,000.00. A lot of money! One needs to ask, why is the developer involved at this huge amount of money for most of us? We should not worry about the entertainment going away in the squares, the Sumter county subsidy does not pay the entire bill. Besides, Spanish Springs is in Lake County and is not affected! With that said, if there is any change in nightly entertainment at the squares, it will be due to a vindictive decision made solely by the developer. Think hacienda rec center! The EMS challengers can only make changes if elected. Vote!

[CWGUY]

It’s the Chicago way! Proven over the times.

:icon_wink: So get out and vote early and vote often. Also the Chicago way. :1rotfl:

[Dilligas]

I hope you are enjoying your 25% tax increase brought to you by the developer's puppets. I doubt the developer is going to destroy their business model because they did not get things 100% their way. They still have a lot of homes to sell and resell.
Yes I am enjoying my tax increase.....because since I moved here in late 2011, my taxes have gone down, and even with the increase, the total taxes are only up about 7.3% in 7 years, while the Ad Valorem is only up 5.87% in 7 years, all while my assessed value it up 38.6%. Hindsight is 20x20 and in this case those of you quoting the 25% are taking things out of context and not looking at the whole picture. If you bill went up 25%, you probably just bought a year or so ago, or are not homestead, or are canadian or snowbirds with homestead up north, or don't live in TV. Your blindsighted approach would damage the future, home values, tourism, and your own personal enjoyment for which you moved here.

[graciegirl]

Some of you cranky old complainers need to get a life. You don't have much time left, no need to spend it so unhappy.

I was gonna say something kinda like that but then I realized that I wanted to talk about certain groups feeling one way and certain other groups feeling another way and then I realized it was political. I decided that I really enjoy being here on this forum and seeing what people have to say, although I don't agree with a very small percentage of them. EVERY DANGED TIME AND almost on everything.

How'd I do. Am I safe?

[Marshaw]

That maybe true to a degree but i contend the relative cam here in a bit part because of the entertainment. If not why live her. You could do live down the road for 1/2 the price.

[newgirl]

Not true

[Dilligas]

Yes I am enjoying my tax increase.....because since I moved here in late 2011, my taxes have gone down, and even with the increase, the total taxes are only up about 7.3% in 7 years, while the Ad Valorem is only up 5.87% in 7 years, all while my assessed value it up 38.6%. Hindsight is 20x20 and in this case those of you quoting the 25% are taking things out of context and not looking at the whole picture. If you bill went up 25%, you probably just bought a year or so ago, or are not homestead, or are canadian or snowbirds with homestead up north, or don't live in TV. Your blindsighted approach would damage the future, home values, tourism, and your own personal enjoyment for which you moved here.
In addition, for 2020, Florida is 23rd out of 50 states at an average $1,773 (lower half) and Sumter County is $1,517 average (lower half of FL and 760th of 3,143 in the US)....for average $150,000 valuation. 0.82% of property value (1,461 of 3,143).

[tophcfa]

Some of you cranky old complainers need to get a life. You don't have much time left, no need to spend it so unhappy.

I think you got it all wrong. The people you label as complainers are people venting their frustration because they care about the residents of the Villages and want to see everyone’s investment in their home and retirement lifestyle turn out as good as possible. The cranky old complainers who need to get a life are those who have nothing better to do then call out people who care deeply about the residents of the Villages.

As Goldwingnut stated in a recent post, don’t confuse pro-resident, with anti-developer.

[GPGuar]

I think this is an important election. I would bet there is a good relationship between the current commissioners and The Developer. If "we" vote in the "new" team, you can say goodbye to entertainment on the square in both Brownwood and Lake Sumter. (Oren Miller has stated in two separate Facebook posts he would vote NO to continue to fund $120,000 from the hotel tax to pay for square entertainment).
So pat yourself on the back that you voted out those "puppets." Then let me know how happy you are that the entertainment is gone. Square businesses will struggle (many retail establishments are closing early now because there is no entertainment to drive traffic).
Now you have a situation just like congress... two sides won't give an inch and nothing gets done.
As Barack Obama once said "Elections have consequences."

Miller comes out... new guy comes in.... entertainment starts up again, simple!

[graciegirl]

Miller comes out... new guy comes in.... entertainment starts up again, simple!

If we get the new ones, oh the spending we'll see. And there will be a fee
For dancing and drinking on the squares.
They are driven to spend and it won't just soon end .
And then the up'd taxes will look more than fair.

Tell the ones who are in to stay in.
Or else the "reform" will begin.
We'll have pools that are heated AND cooled.
And the kings clothes will all be jeweled.

If it ain't broke don't fix it she said.
We are here until we are dead.
So far the trip is quite nice.
If you want the pool cool just bring ice.

[ldovermiller]

Why are we worried about the entertainment, we should not pay for it...let the businesses around the square underwrite this expense. They get between 700-$1,000 per night, depending on the group. I don't have to leave it! I stomach corrupt government!! The builder has no business controlling the government for his own benefit. This is not a monarchy. There are certain crime agencies in this country that investigate criminal activities along with mafia control of businesses and different levels of our government. Don't overlook our current sheriff...he takes his orders from the developer to NOT ISSUE SPEEDING TICKETS....ONLY
A WARNING!!! WHY...we need to dump this guy. Don't take my word, call the local sheriff and speak to the station chief. DEE GUSTING FOLKS.... apathy should not put our safety, health at risk as we travel on "our" streets . WAKE UP!!

[NJRICHARD]

A 25% tax increase without debate will definitely lead to many more tax increases. They found the pot of gold and when they need more money because of mismanagement, slow sales, etc., guess where they will come? The current expansion is not justified without short & long termed market based evaluation. We all change over time and brilliance of Morse & Schwartz is they built in phases adjusting as the market dictated. The current young group is taking on one enormous development all at once without considering massive market fluxuations.

[Magic19]

The puppets lie to your face, and then they want you to vote for them. They have NO accountability, only to the Developer......Shame on them. Vote all three out, then let's see what happens..............Actions have consequences...............

[Barborv]

And when those people come to visit their relatives, the big highlight IS THE ENTERTAINMENT on the Town Squares. The vibe, the atmosphere, the people , the venders, the dancing and music, makes the Villages so Special.

[Barborv]

Most people who come here to visit relatives most always go to the town squares in the evening. That's the HIGHLIGHT of the Villages. The vibe, the atmosphere, the people,the restaurants, the music and dancing , the market nights, etc. Never mind the relatives, what about the people who live here? I always enjoy taking a ride into the squares to see whats going on and relaxing to the music, or taking a stroll. It is a very big part of what the Villages is!

[merrymini]

Yes I am enjoying my tax increase.....because since I moved here in late 2011, my taxes have gone down, and even with the increase, the total taxes are only up about 7.3% in 7 years, while the Ad Valorem is only up 5.87% in 7 years, all while my assessed value it up 38.6%. Hindsight is 20x20 and in this case those of you quoting the 25% are taking things out of context and not looking at the whole picture. If you bill went up 25%, you probably just bought a year or so ago, or are not homestead, or are canadian or snowbirds with homestead up north, or don't live in TV. Your blindsighted approach would damage the future, home values, tourism, and your own personal enjoyment for which you moved here.

Glad to see somebody’s taxes going down. I bought in 2014 and have yet to see them go down. We must be on different planets.

[skip0358]

It is your choice. Enjoy the 25% tax increase for things that should have been paid by the developer who I am sure is very happy to have us pay for it instead.

Where is this 25% increase coming from. Every year we hear the same stuff tax increases the developer is getting to good a deal blah blah blah. Been here almost 11 years and my expenses haven't gone up much at all and my taxes are just fine no 25% tax increase. People didn't do their homework or read online before moving here. I knew what they had here as I researched for a good year before moving here chatted on TOTV with a few people sat in the Square in Spanish Springs one night chatting with a gent and he was spot on with what my costs would be. Is it 100% perfect here no but it's 100% better then living in Suffolk County NY where my taxes alone were at least 2x what we're paying here. All I can say is IF so many people are unhappy with the Developer & his Family and his relationship with the County Politicians perhaps they should put their house up for sale. As for us we have one move left and it's in Bushnell! Ok I'm ready for the stones now start throwing!

[Bilyclub]

All I can say is IF so many people are unhappy with the Developer & his Family and his relationship with the County Politicians perhaps they should put their house up for sale.

Yes, 25% 2019 property tax increase: Sumter Leaders Agree to Increase Property Tax by 25 Percent (https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2019/09/25/25-percent-property-tax-increase-for-sumter-county-residents)

I would prefer voting out puppet politicians over selling.:pray:

[skip0358]

A portion of your total tax bill was increased I can assure you my total tax bill has not gone up 25% since we moved here in 2009 ! Yes some things did increase but others decreased and no where near 25% increase. I’m quite sure very few people can say their total bill went up 25%.

[graciegirl]

A portion of your total tax bill was increased I can assure you my total tax bill has not gone up 25% since we moved here in 2009 ! Yes some things did increase but others decreased and no where near 25% increase. I’m quite sure very few people can say their total bill went up 25%.

As always a voice of reason. These new voices seem to be trying to paint a different picture but you are right.

We have had a lot of new voices on this issue on this thread. I am always a skeptic and wonder who and what the agenda is behind this push to get the incumbents out. I am pretty sure I know. I hope the same majority will still vote the way they have for as long as we have lived here. This new group who wants change looks real wrong to me.

This is a CDD which is an unusual and workable way to run things. I think it beats the hell out of how most municipalities are run. There seems a push to make it more like Orlando? No thank you. I like this way and the CDD way of doing stuff. Long live the Morses and I hope the incumbent commissioners continue.

[Stu from NYC]

A portion of your total tax bill was increased I can assure you my total tax bill has not gone up 25% since we moved here in 2009 ! Yes some things did increase but others decreased and no where near 25% increase. I’m quite sure very few people can say their total bill went up 25%.

Let me ask the question another way. For past 10 plus years real estate taxes went down a bit each year as the county grew rapidly.

My understanding is last year real estate taxes went up 25%. Lets not confuse the issue and talk about what has happened since 2009.

Is my understanding of 2019 right or wrong? Very simple question.

[tophcfa]

Let me ask the question another way. For past 10 plus years real estate taxes went down a bit each year as the county grew rapidly.

My understanding is last year real estate taxes went up 25%. Lets not confuse the issue and talk about what has happened since 2009.

Is my understanding of 2019 right or wrong? Very simple question.

Your understanding is absolutely correct.

[ctmurray]

There have been articles showing how much money was raised by each candidate and who contributed, this is public information. The article I saw was a long time ago and each of the incumbents had raised 138,000 and this came from all the service suppliers in the Villages; Munns, T&D Pool supply, various law firms. Anyone who benefits from the current system.

[davem4616]

I have very mixed emotions about long term politicians remaining in office time after time, after time...the absence of term limits at all levels in government is a problem

it's very easy for a LT politician to get a little too self-important and ignore the wishes of the common voter...let alone be influenced to vote in favor or against something to please a heavy contributor to their campaign re-election fund

we always swopped the purchasing agents/buyers and vendor relationships every few years....to prevent funny stuff from happening

[birdiebill]

We love living here with all the available activities (pre-Covid), the well kept landscaping, the covenants and restrictions, and the LOW taxes. Beware of anti-developer sentiment. Change is not always good.

[Fredster]

We love living here with all the available activities (pre-Covid), the well kept landscaping, the covenants and restrictions, and the LOW taxes. Beware of anti-developer sentiment. Change is not always good.

:bigbow:

[skip0358]

My tax bill went up 6.2% from the previous year period. That's a far cry from 25%. I pulled the bills out and checked!

[Stu from NYC]

My tax bill went up 6.2% from the previous year period. That's a far cry from 25%. I pulled the bills out and checked!

OK and good for you but it is common knowledge that taxes went up by 25% last year.

[PennBF]

Forgetting whether the Commissioner's were/are pawns of the Developer I did the homework necessary to determine in my opinion if they were qualified for these positions. To make this determination I pulled all of the public information I could on each one of the Commissioners and based on this research I came away with the opinion that only 1 "may" have the background to hold an important role as a Commissioner. It is important to not even have the slightest appearance of a conflict of interest to serve the residence and in these cases the appearance of a conflict of interest is over the top. I will give one rather simple test and that is there should never be a "surprise" when Managing! and the fact that reserve funds were not made available over the years for repairs and instead they (the Commissioner's) allowed this to go unattended over the years and surprised the residents would in itself be a cause to let them go. Then to try to fool the residents further by saying "oops" maybe we overstated the need and will reduce the new 25% surprise is just another indication that you can't do the job or you are further extending your errors by trying anything to get reelected. It is a truly a strong indication the current Commissioner's are not the ones to make decisions for the residents. :ohdear:

[skip0358]

Pull your tax bills and do the math. Bet it wasn't a 25% increase in your total bill year to year!

[shut the front door]

There is an opinion piece on that other site written by Scott Fenstermaker. It explains a lot. "The odor of the latest ad"

[Advogado]

I think this is an important election. I would bet there is a good relationship between the current commissioners and The Developer. If "we" vote in the "new" team, you can say goodbye to entertainment on the square in both Brownwood and Lake Sumter. (Oren Miller has stated in two separate Facebook posts he would vote NO to continue to fund $120,000 from the hotel tax to pay for square entertainment).
So pat yourself on the back that you voted out those "puppets." Then let me know how happy you are that the entertainment is gone. Square businesses will struggle (many retail establishments are closing early now because there is no entertainment to drive traffic).
Now you have a situation just like congress... two sides won't give an inch and nothing gets done.
As Barack Obama once said "Elections have consequences."



Oren Miller has NO intention of defunding the town-square entertainment. I have personally asked him about that false rumor that is being circulated by his opponents. It is not true.

[Advogado]

I would be careful, the funding for the 3 men running against the incumbents have their own agenda that cost money to implement and they all cost
money. If they are rolling back the tax increase where are they going to get the money for their projects? They will be cutting something, maybe the entertainment money will be for the new no kill shelter.

The EMS team does not accept donations from corporations and similar entities. They will represent the residents. Consequently, they have collected a pittance compared to the roughly quarter of a million dollars the Developer has contributed to his puppets. Wake up as to what is going on here!

Verify all the above on the Sumter County elections website.

[Advogado]

As always a voice of reason. These new voices seem to be trying to paint a different picture but you are right.

We have had a lot of new voices on this issue on this thread. I am always a skeptic and wonder who and what the agenda is behind this push to get the incumbents out. I am pretty sure I know. I hope the same majority will still vote the way they have for as long as we have lived here. This new group who wants change looks real wrong to me.

This is a CDD which is an unusual and workable way to run things. I think it beats the hell out of how most municipalities are run. There seems a push to make it more like Orlando? No thank you. I like this way and the CDD way of doing stuff. Long live the Morses and I hope the incumbent commissioners continue.
Nobody with a minimal understanding of the situation claims your total tax bill went up 25%.

Your total tax bill is totally irrelevant in evaluating the County Commissioners. They are responsible only for your County Tax. That tax went up 25% for one reason: to divert hundreds of millions of dollars of our taxpayer dollars to the Developer by preserving his sweetheart impact fee while increasing our taxes to pay for County infrastructure that should be paid for with his impact fee.

[Advogado]

One out of 3 commissioners said that? That doesn’t get a vote passed. I’ll wait and see and take my chances.

He never said it, so don't worry about it. To learn about the EMS team, just click here: Fair Government For Sumter (http://www.fg4s.org).

[Advogado]

To understand who is funding the Developer's puppets, click here and click on their names: Candidate Reports (https://www.voterfocus.com/CampaignFinance/candidate_pr.php?c=sumter)

Then Google: Good Government for Florida, Inc., and look at who is funding that to further circumvent the $1,000 per-candidate contribution limit.

Also, look at who was behind running fake candidates Wahl and Prince to disenfranchise over 45,000 voters.

[Northwoods]

He never said it, so don't worry about it. To learn about the EMS team, just click here: Fair Government For Sumter (http://www.fg4s.org).

He absolutely said he would not vote to have $120,000 of Sumter County Tourism tax go toward Square Entertainment. See proof below. Now... recently he changed his position and said, based on resident feedback, he has reconsidered his position. So, I think he listened to people who were concerned by his initial stance.

Advogado - when you make statements like "he never said that" and there is proof that he did say it, it makes people question other comments you might make about the race.

[Advogado]

He absolutely said he would not vote to have $120,000 of Sumter County Tourism tax go toward Square Entertainment. See proof below. Now... recently he changed his position and said, based on resident feedback, he has reconsidered his position. So, I think he listened to people who were concerned by his initial stance.

Advogado - when you make statements like "he never said that" and there is proof that he did say it, it makes people question other comments you might make about the race.
Good point on your part. When I talked to Oren, he said he was not in favor of defunding the Squares. I was under the impression that he had never said the contrary. You are right; I should not have made the statement that I did without double checking. Sorry about that.

[Northwoods]

Good point on your part. When I talked to Oren, he said he was not in favor of defunding the Squares. I was under the impression that he had never said the contrary. You are right; I should not have made the statement that I did without double checking. Sorry about that.

No harm no foul. I give you a lot of credit for your post.

[MrGolf]

Skip. Just pulled my tax bill and the Sumter County property tax portion which the the one we are discussing increased by 25.5% from 2018 to 2019. Calculated by dividing 2019 millage rate of 6.7 by the 2018 millage rate of5.3365 which if my math is correct comes to an increase of 25.550454%. If yours didn’t, I am surprised

[skip0358]

Skip. Just pulled my tax bill and the Sumter County property tax portion which the the one we are discussing increased by 25.5% from 2018 to 2019. Calculated by dividing 2019 millage rate of 6.7 by the 2018 millage rate of5.3365 which if my math is correct comes to an increase of 25.550454%. If yours didn’t, I am surprised

I said total tax bill because that's what I pay period! I also said some items go up and others go down.

[angiefox10]

How your current county commissioners respond to residents

How the commissioners treat visitors - YouTube (https://youtu.be/O-EhsiPdbEQ)


Oren Miller will
listen to you

[PugMom]

.
.
Re the Sumpter election. I did research myself. Mail ads etc etc do little to nothing to persuade me. It's Marketing. If that type of Marketing impacted my actions, I would have died by now in order to take advantage of the Cremation ads. And shop at Bed Bath Beyond every day to redeem those 20% coupons.

So my research brought out several videos taken by constituents at Commision meetings. I was disgusted to see how memebrs of the public were treated by some of these members up for re-election. I was registered NPA (unable to vote in the Sumpter primary). I went to the County office to change my 'affiliation' to Rep in order to vote in this primary. I got a ballot by mail and did my duty. My better 1/2 likes to vote at the poll, and she did. And we both will switch back to NPA as we are both independent. But we simply could NOT sit back after seeing how consituents were treated by the 3 encumbents.

$$$$ drives politics from the Local Dog Catcher to the Federal President. It's worse now than ever. Sad but it is what it is. All these ads etc have little impact to me.

But that Cremation Society thing is beginning to appeal to me....
.
.
.

good post! informed yet quite pleasant. imagine that in today's society :icon_wink:

[PugMom]

My tax bill went up 6.2% from the previous year period. That's a far cry from 25%. I pulled the bills out and checked!

dittos. some will complain about anything & everything. it's still very inexpensive compared to other parts of the country. imagine having to pay up to 10grand a year in property taxes alone, & theVillages is suddenly a wonderful place to be. all we need is in one beautiful area, & we could'nt be happier

[Stu from NYC]

I said total tax bill because that's what I pay period! I also said some items go up and others go down.

And the real estate tax part of the bill went up by 25%.

[biker1]

You are absolutely correct. I have posted about this in the past. The "county tax" went up by 25%, perhaps more if your assessed value also increased. The "school tax" remained essentially unchanged, and is about the same amount as the "county tax". There are some other non ad valorem line items that remained essentially unchanged. And, of course, the bond payment, if you haven't paid off your bond, also shows up on the "total tax bill" along with the items above. If you computed the increase in the "total tax" bill and you haven't paid off your bond then the increase may very well be below 10%, depending on the value of your house and the amount of your bond payment. The "county tax" did increase by 25% (or more) - this cannot be disputed.

And the real estate tax part of the bill went up by 25%.

[Stu from NYC]

You are absolutely correct. I have posted about this in the past. The "county tax" went up by 25%, perhaps more if your assessed value also increased. The "school tax" remained essentially unchanged, and is about the same amount as the "county tax". There are some other non ad valorem line items that remained essentially unchanged. And, of course, the bond payment, if you haven't paid off your bond, also shows up on the "total tax bill" along with the items above. If you computed the increase in the "total tax" bill and you haven't paid off your bond then the increase may very well be below 10%, depending on the value of your house and the amount of your bond payment. The "county tax" did increase by 25% (or more) - this cannot be disputed.

Some people like to play with numbers and think we should forget about the county tax increase as something of a good thing.