Of course there will be entertainment at the squares

[angiefox10]

That someone would post there will be no more entertainment is an over reaction and I'm pretty sure promoted by the incumbents. . The money is money that goes to tourism and this is how it breaks down.

"Villages Charter School gets $106,000 The Wildwood Middle High School gets $5,000. The Blackjack gun club they belong to gets $105,000 Bushnell Fall Festival gets $9,000 Villages Entertainment gets $120,000. The Villages Softball club gets $20,000. The Southern Draft Horse Contest gets $50,000. The Villages VHA Hoedown gets $37,500."

The incumbents wanted to pick out the entertainment (easy pick) and say that entertainment would go away. Why? Do you think the developers can't afford it? I assure you they can and It's how they sell homes.

"According to Bloomberg, the family’s wealth crossed the $3 billion mark in 2018, making Mark Morse, Jennifer Parr, and Tracy Mathews all billionaires."

I have no issues with the developers making money but then why are we paying for the things they should be paying for while businesses and tourism that could use it go without?

First let me say this money in the past has ONLY gone to Brownwood. Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs has not gotten the money previously and sill, this year only Brownwood and Lake Sumter are getting the money, and yet the entertainment has gone on without it at Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs.

The entertainment is NOT going to stop because the commissioners don't give them this money.... If it does, it's on the developers because they are responsible for entertainment NOT the county. If you look at the breakdown of the money most of it goes to the developers. Even when it doesn't look like it does, if you drill down you will find that it does go to the developers or T and D.

Why is it wrong to ask the developers to pay their fair share? Why can't money be spread all over the county and not just The Villages? Isn't that what representatives are supposed to do? To represent EVERYONE or is it just one family? The Morse family does live here (although I'm told they are moving out soon)

AND I might add, I don't believe there has been entertainment at the squares for months and may not be for many months to come so there is that.

[graciegirl]

Huh? There are so many things I disagree with. I hope the INCUMBENTS stay in. That is my view.


And this sentence, I quote; ""According to Bloomberg, the family’s wealth crossed the $3 billion mark in 2018, making Mark Morse, Jennifer Parr, and Tracy Mathews all billionaires."

My goodness, when is it shameful to be financially successful, doing a good thing, not breaking the law?

I have ALWAYS told my kids and grandkids to find a job that makes money legally and try to make a lot of it. I have told them that we would not pay for college studies in Art History or social work. We wanted to see a return on our investment and not on the kids living with us.

[Kahuna32162]

Previous thread was based on hearsay and rumors, nothing was fact. But you know how easily that fire can be flamed.

[JSR22]

IMO all of the tax money should go to the public schools in Sumter County.

[graciegirl]

The Charter Schools here for workers who work for or support The Villages encourage good people to work here and also have proved to be good schools. I don't mind they are funded from the entertainment tax.

I have voted for every education bond issue ever put before me, even those I thought were loaded with fat.

[angiefox10]

Huh? There are so many things I disagree with. I hope the INCUMBENTS stay in. That is my view.


And this sentence, I quote; ""According to Bloomberg, the family’s wealth crossed the $3 billion mark in 2018, making Mark Morse, Jennifer Parr, and Tracy Mathews all billionaires."

My goodness, when is it shameful to be financially successful, doing a good thing, not breaking the law?

I have ALWAYS told my kids and grandkids to find a job that makes money legally and try to make a lot of it. I have told them that we would not pay for college studies in Art History or social work. We wanted to see a return on our investment and not on the kids living with us.

You certainly can twist words. Who said it was shameful to make money? WOW!!!! Those are YOUR words not mine.



But again, you will twist words to suit your narrative.

Please enjoy the rest of your day.

[angiefox10]

The Charter Schools here for workers who work for or support The Villages encourage good people to work here and also have proved to be good schools. I don't mind they are funded from the entertainment tax.

I have voted for every education bond issue ever put before me, even those I thought were loaded with fat.


And not to other Sumter Schools as well? Hmmmmm I want commissioners who will work for ALL the families of Sumter County, not just one.

[Bay Kid]

Huh? There are so many things I disagree with. I hope the INCUMBENTS stay in. That is my view.


And this sentence, I quote; ""According to Bloomberg, the family’s wealth crossed the $3 billion mark in 2018, making Mark Morse, Jennifer Parr, and Tracy Mathews all billionaires."

My goodness, when is it shameful to be financially successful, doing a good thing, not breaking the law?

I have ALWAYS told my kids and grandkids to find a job that makes money legally and try to make a lot of it. I have told them that we would not pay for college studies in Art History or social work. We wanted to see a return on our investment and not on the kids living with us.

Hard work pays off. I wish my family had started TVs and my children continued to make it great. So glad they made this wonderful place for us to enjoy.

[Northwoods]

That someone would post there will be no more entertainment is an over reaction and I'm pretty sure promoted by the incumbents. . The money is money that goes to tourism and this is how it breaks down.

"Villages Charter School gets $106,000 The Wildwood Middle High School gets $5,000. The Blackjack gun club they belong to gets $105,000 Bushnell Fall Festival gets $9,000 Villages Entertainment gets $120,000. The Villages Softball club gets $20,000. The Southern Draft Horse Contest gets $50,000. The Villages VHA Hoedown gets $37,500."

The incumbents wanted to pick out the entertainment (easy pick) and say that entertainment would go away. Why? Do you think the developers can't afford it? I assure you they can and It's how they sell homes.

"According to Bloomberg, the family’s wealth crossed the $3 billion mark in 2018, making Mark Morse, Jennifer Parr, and Tracy Mathews all billionaires."

I have no issues with the developers making money but then why are we paying for the things they should be paying for while businesses and tourism that could use it go without?

First let me say this money in the past has ONLY gone to Brownwood. Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs has not gotten the money previously and sill, this year only Brownwood and Lake Sumter are getting the money, and yet the entertainment has gone on without it at Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs.

The entertainment is NOT going to stop because the commissioners don't give them this money.... If it does, it's on the developers because they are responsible for entertainment NOT the county. If you look at the breakdown of the money most of it goes to the developers. Even when it doesn't look like it does, if you drill down you will find that it does go to the developers or T and D.

Why is it wrong to ask the developers to pay their fair share? Why can't money be spread all over the county and not just The Villages? Isn't that what representatives are supposed to do? To represent EVERYONE or is it just one family? The Morse family does live here (although I'm told they are moving out soon)

AND I might add, I don't believe there has been entertainment at the squares for months and may not be for many months to come so there is that.

Thanks Angie. I'm glad you confirmed that the EMS team will vote to NOT fund the entertainment at Brownwood and Lake Sumter with the hotel tax (which is supposed to be used to attract tourism). The EMS team will expect the Developer to step in and fund it (even though they don't pay for it now).
No... you can't blame The Developer if entertainment goes away... you can blame the EMS team for refusing to allocate the funds that currently fund entertainment.
I believe The Developer is selling a lot of homes right now, without entertainment.
The EMS team can explain to all the merchants and restaurant owners on the squares why pulling that funding was such a good idea.

[Stu from NYC]

Thanks Angie. I'm glad you confirmed that the EMS team will vote to NOT fund the entertainment at Brownwood and Lake Sumter with the hotel tax (which is supposed to be used to attract tourism). The EMS team will expect the Developer to step in and fund it (even though they don't pay for it now).
No... you can't blame The Developer if entertainment goes away... you can blame the EMS team for refusing to allocate the funds that currently fund entertainment.
I believe The Developer is selling a lot of homes right now, without entertainment.
The EMS team can explain to all the merchants and restaurant owners on the squares why pulling that funding was such a good idea.

Assuming the EMS group gets in and we will vote for them, think they would quickly realize the fastest way to lose the next election is pull the funding for entertainment so it goes away.

[Stu from NYC]

That someone would post there will be no more entertainment is an over reaction and I'm pretty sure promoted by the incumbents. . The money is money that goes to tourism and this is how it breaks down.

"Villages Charter School gets $106,000 The Wildwood Middle High School gets $5,000. The Blackjack gun club they belong to gets $105,000 Bushnell Fall Festival gets $9,000 Villages Entertainment gets $120,000. The Villages Softball club gets $20,000. The Southern Draft Horse Contest gets $50,000. The Villages VHA Hoedown gets $37,500."

The incumbents wanted to pick out the entertainment (easy pick) and say that entertainment would go away. Why? Do you think the developers can't afford it? I assure you they can and It's how they sell homes.

"According to Bloomberg, the family’s wealth crossed the $3 billion mark in 2018, making Mark Morse, Jennifer Parr, and Tracy Mathews all billionaires."

I have no issues with the developers making money but then why are we paying for the things they should be paying for while businesses and tourism that could use it go without?

First let me say this money in the past has ONLY gone to Brownwood. Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs has not gotten the money previously and sill, this year only Brownwood and Lake Sumter are getting the money, and yet the entertainment has gone on without it at Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs.

The entertainment is NOT going to stop because the commissioners don't give them this money.... If it does, it's on the developers because they are responsible for entertainment NOT the county. If you look at the breakdown of the money most of it goes to the developers. Even when it doesn't look like it does, if you drill down you will find that it does go to the developers or T and D.

Why is it wrong to ask the developers to pay their fair share? Why can't money be spread all over the county and not just The Villages? Isn't that what representatives are supposed to do? To represent EVERYONE or is it just one family? The Morse family does live here (although I'm told they are moving out soon)

AND I might add, I don't believe there has been entertainment at the squares for months and may not be for many months to come so there is that.

Is T & D controlled or owned by the Morse family?

[angiefox10]

The developers are NOT going to let the shops fail! The Developers will NOT stop the entertainment in the squares. I trust them to continue with the entertainment. I trust them to do the right thing for The Villages.

[CWGUY]

Is T & D controlled or owned by the Morse family?

:ho: Contact them and ask. :) The T&D Family of Companies and company of families. (http://tdcompanies.net/contact)

[angiefox10]

When EMS gets in they can see how some of these items promote tourism. Maybe it does. On the surface, it's hard to see that... But when they get in and look at it they may see something we don't... and can explain.


As it stands now, we just see the numbers and not the why. Our commissioners now will not tell us. They don't tell us anything so we have no way of knowing the why of the funding. Maybe if they did it would make a difference.


Does that make sense?

[New Englander]

When EMS gets in they can see how some of these items promote tourism. Maybe it does. On the surface, it's hard to see that... But when they get in and look at it they may see something we don't... and can explain.


As it stands now, we just see the numbers and not the why. Our commissioners now will not tell us. They don't tell us anything so we have no way of knowing the why of the funding. Maybe if they did it would make a difference.


Does that make sense?

It does to me.

[graciegirl]

When EMS gets in they can see how some of these items promote tourism. Maybe it does. On the surface, it's hard to see that... But when they get in and look at it they may see something we don't... and can explain.


As it stands now, we just see the numbers and not the why. Our commissioners now will not tell us. They don't tell us anything so we have no way of knowing the why of the funding. Maybe if they did it would make a difference.


Does that make sense?

I think you are incorrect. Isn't one of the people trying to become commissioner the husband of the OP on this thread? Didn't he run for something before? I think this may be political. We had better stop discussing it.

[angiefox10]

I think you are incorrect. Isn't one of the people trying to become commissioner the husband of the OP on this thread? Didn't he run for something before? I think this may be political. We had better stop discussing it.

You are suggesting people can come in here with lies but for me to come in with honest discussion is not okay? I'm good with it, if both posts are removed.

No one wants to take away the entertainment on the squares. You know that. What we (myself as a resident) wants to know is why some of the money is going where it's going. We get no explanation from our commissioners when we ask question. We would like for them to respond to us. Maybe there are great reasons for where the money is going.

Many people have been to the meetings and has seen how they refuse to acknowledge us. This is an example of how a meeting goes.

Edit... This link is for three different meetings One when they were threatening to sue me, the other about conflict of interest and one for the High Kill Shelter.

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

[graciegirl]

When EMS gets in they can see how some of these items promote tourism. Maybe it does. On the surface, it's hard to see that... But when they get in and look at it they may see something we don't... and can explain.


As it stands now, we just see the numbers and not the why. Our commissioners now will not tell us. They don't tell us anything so we have no way of knowing the why of the funding. Maybe if they did it would make a difference.


Does that make sense?

Are these the same commissioners that had dealings with the dog pound? I think I remember a lot of discussion about dogs and the commissioners. The incumbent ones. Are they the same ones that had a group of folks at the meetings about dog pounds? What were the commissioners stance on that???

[njbchbum]

I think you are incorrect. Isn't one of the people trying to become commissioner the husband of the OP on this thread? Didn't he run for something before? I think this may be political. We had better stop discussing it.

Yes - angiefox10 is married to one of the candidates.

[angiefox10]

Are these the same commissioners that had dealings with the dog pound? I think I remember a lot of discussion about dogs and the commissioners. The incumbent ones. Are they the same ones that had a group of folks at the meetings about dog pounds? What were the commissioners stance on that???


This is how they handle presentations with the High Kill Shelter. Thank you for asking.


Angie takes on Angeliadis - YouTube (https://youtu.be/iv8CDn6hNKU)

[angiefox10]

Yes - angiefox10 is married to one of the candidates.

Yes I am. I don't know why that makes a difference. Except I know what's in the heart of the candidate. I know he cares about Sumter County. I know he will listen to the residents and make his decisions on what THEY want and he will respond to them when they ask a question or find out an answer and get back to them.

[njbchbum]

snipped

No one wants to take away the entertainment on the squares. You know that. What we (myself as a resident) wants to know is why some of the money is going where it's going. We get no explanation from our commissioners when we ask question. We would like for them to respond to us. Maybe there are great reasons for where the money is going.

snipped[/url]

Ms fox10 - If you and anyone else truly is interested in "why some of the money is going where it's going" - you have every right to attend the Tourism Council meetings and to review the grant applications from the organizations that are requesting grant money. Why don't you know that? You can even follow the work of the Council on it's page in the County website Council Members | Sumter County, FL - Official Website (https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/577/Council-Members) And the real deal of info re Tourism Councils can be found herehttp://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=125.0104&URL=0100-0199/0125/Sections/0125.0104.html You could even figure out if the Sumter County Tourism Council is operating within the State Statute if ya wanted to!

Hope that helps!

[angiefox10]

Ms fox10 - If you and anyone else truly is interested in "why some of the money is going where it's going" - you have every right to attend the Tourism Council meetings and to review the grant applications from the organizations that are requesting grant money. Why don't you know that? You can even follow the work of the Council on it's page in the County website Council Members | Sumter County, FL - Official Website (https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/577/Council-Members) And the real deal of info re Tourism Councils can be found herehttp://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=125.0104&URL=0100-0199/0125/Sections/0125.0104.html You could even figure out if the Sumter County Tourism Council is operating within the State Statute if ya wanted to!

Hope that helps!

I have to go to the meetings? I can't ask and get an answer? I go to all the BOCC meetings as it is, and don't get answers, I send emails and don't get answers. And now, if I want answers, I have to go to another meeting? For the people who can't go to the meetings, they can't ask and get answers?

OK. I will do that. I would hope I would just be able to ask and someone could tell me.

Thank you for the suggestion. I am truly interested.

[Jayhawk]

Yes I am. I don't know why that makes a difference. Except I know what's in the heart of the candidate. I know he cares about Sumter County. I know he will listen to the residents and make his decisions on what THEY want and he will respond to them when they ask a question or find out an answer and get back to them.

The truth shall set you free!!!!!

[Ladygolfer93]

Huh? There are so many things I disagree with. I hope the INCUMBENTS stay in. That is my view.


And this sentence, I quote; ""According to Bloomberg, the family’s wealth crossed the $3 billion mark in 2018, making Mark Morse, Jennifer Parr, and Tracy Mathews all billionaires."

My goodness, when is it shameful to be financially successful, doing a good thing, not breaking the law?
I have ALWAYS told my kids and grandkids to find a job that makes money legally and try to make a lot of it. I have told them that we would not pay for college studies in Art History or social work. We wanted to see a return on our investment and not on the kids living with us.

Agreed, LOL ! I do think you misread the intent of the statement about capitalism/developer's family/billions. I don't know the writer, but I don't think the point they wished to make was "anti-capitalism", I think what they wanted to convey is the owners of all of this private community, like any successful business, "could" if they wished, invest some of that into their "business". Again, can't read the intent of others, but I think that is what they wanted to convey; not condemn capitalism. Just a guess.

[Ladygolfer93]

Ms fox10 - If you and anyone else truly is interested in "why some of the money is going where it's going" - you have every right to attend the Tourism Council meetings and to review the grant applications from the organizations that are requesting grant money. Why don't you know that? You can even follow the work of the Council on it's page in the County website Council Members | Sumter County, FL - Official Website (https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/577/Council-Members) And the real deal of info re Tourism Councils can be found herehttp://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=125.0104&URL=0100-0199/0125/Sections/0125.0104.html You could even figure out if the Sumter County Tourism Council is operating within the State Statute if ya wanted to! Hope that helps!

Your information should help a LOT of people. Honestly, I believe people "retire", and to many that means changing everything, even their own responsibility in a republic... to GUARD our democracy. Now that means different things to different people, but it shouldn't ! But in reality, I have found many folks just are not interested in finding out where to get the kinds of information they want and need. On the other hand, no matter where I have lived, I have never noticed public officials (once elected) go out of their way to make information accessible to the public. To the letter of the law of course, like you shared, that what they need to know is posted on websites, or available (sometimes for a charge some can't afford) by going to a certain office and "filling out a request". All annoying, but legal. If public "servants" were not so inherently "human", their better selves would take over and perhaps (?) go beyond the letter of the law at time, such as answering this woman's questions, answering emails or making phone calls ? Of course it is an imposition, but after all, the decision to become a PUBLIC SERVANT is NOT an easy one ! It means GREAT personal sacrifice ! Remember our founding fathers anyone ? They were (for the most part) the educated individuals at a time when few were highly educated, they were land owners, many "wealthy" compared to the masses, and very successful farmers too. They gave up HUGE sacrifices, and their families also suffered (gladly in most cases) for their decision. Often the wives and children could not run the business as successfully or farm as much of the land with the husband/father involved in trying to free us once and for all from the tyranny of a monarchy ! Wonder why so many public servants now have made the decision to become a public servant when it is such a sacrifice on their part, and on the part of their families too ? Could it possibly be that the "secret" is it is no longer a great personal sacrifice for your country (like serving in the military is), but now a way to ENRICH your personal wealth or station in life ? Humm, that would mean we've come full circle ? They these days working for the "king", the "government", the "community" has once again become the way "up" in society ? That would make an interesting topic for a research paper, oh, I forgot, we no longer actually teach "history", in the same way we once did. But, again, thank you for giving people what they need to keep informed.... now, all they need is the motivation to "just do it, just look it up" as Niki would say... LOL !

[shut the front door]

I think I'll vote for the non-incumbent who didn't switch parties just to get elected. Daniel Myslakowski doesn't need to switch parties, we can see his true colors. I see the true colors of the OP's husband, also.

[Buffalo Jim]

If it is, they need to remove the post stating the entertainment is going away as well.

Are you running for County Office Ms. Fox ?

Is someone close to you running for County Office ?

And of course anything you may say could not and should not be construed as political in any way at all .

What might your role be when the candidates you support are running the County Ms. Fox , " Close Advisor behind the scenes " ?

[angiefox10]

Are you running for County Office Ms. Fox ?

Is someone close to you running for County Office ?

And of course anything you may say could not and should not be construed as political in any way at all .

What might your role be when the candidates you support are running the County Ms. Fox , " Close Advisor behind the scenes " ?

Most of the people in this group (except for a few) have fake names so no one knows who they are. I do not. I am open and transparent. It has been asked and answered... I am Oren Miller's wife. I am also a resident of Sumter County. I am not hiding anything.

I started this thread because of a previous thread that was started with a lie. It is about the same issues. I am OK with taking this thread down but feel the thread that says the candidates want to get rid of the entertainment should also come down as it quotes Oren's comments without full context.

Don't you agree.

[angiefox10]

I think I'll vote for the non-incumbent who didn't switch parties just to get elected. Daniel Myslakowski doesn't need to switch parties, we can see his true colors. I see the true colors of the OP's husband, also.

Why do they call him "Dangerous Dan"? Do you know?

[Northwoods]

Most of the people in this group (except for a few) have fake names so no one knows who they are. I do not. I am open and transparent. It has been asked and answered... I am Oren Miller's wife. I am also a resident of Sumter County. I am not hiding anything.

I started this thread because of a previous thread that was started with a lie. It is about the same issues. I am OK with taking this thread down but feel the thread that says the candidates want to get rid of the entertainment should also come down as it quotes Oren's comments without full context.

Don't you agree.

Angie - I posted that other thread. I said "It appears that we COULD lose our entertainment on the squares."
Oren in two separate threads said he would vote against using hotel tax money for square entertainment. That's a fact.
You and Oren are ASSUMING The Developer will put in $120,000 to keep entertainment going. You don't know that. What if they don't?

[angiefox10]

Angie - I posted that other thread. I said "It appears that we COULD lose our entertainment on the squares."
Oren in two separate threads said he would vote against using hotel tax money for square entertainment. That's a fact.
You and Oren are ASSUMING The Developer will put in $120,000 to keep entertainment going. You don't know that. What if they don't?

It's call "The Villages Entertainment". They have paid for it for years. Why do you think they would stop now?

In the past they have only gotten the money for Brownwood and yet the entertainment continued at Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs.

Why do you think the Developers would stop the entertainment if they didn't get $120,000?

[angiefox10]

From the comments in TOTV it appears that not a lot of you do not go to the BOCC meetings. Meetings where things are voted on 1 to 25 items without discussion and the vote is always 5 to 0. I saw a meeting go from start to finish in seven minutes. No kidding. I would like to see commissioners discuss where the money is going. Make a decision on the discussion. Listen to the residents of The County.

I watched a group of people from the Village of Duvall come into several meeting asking for a speed limit sign on ONE street. They did their homework. They had their ducks in a row. They were respectful in asking. It was one of the few times there was a bit of a discussion and the commissioners wanted to give them the ONE speed limit sign. Bradley Arnold said NO and they all fell in line and voted 5 to 0 NO!

One sign. They could show were every other major street had a sign but this major street didn't. I want a commission that one speed limit sign is not out of the question.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

All of this makes me glad that I live in Lake County. You guys in Sumter have WAY too much drama going on for an overdeveloped, otherwise-rural part of the country.

Sheesh and I thought New Haven politics was crazy.

[Mleeja]

That someone would post there will be no more entertainment is an over reaction and I'm pretty sure promoted by the incumbents. . The money is money that goes to tourism and this is how it breaks down.

"Villages Charter School gets $106,000 The Wildwood Middle High School gets $5,000. The Blackjack gun club they belong to gets $105,000 Bushnell Fall Festival gets $9,000 Villages Entertainment gets $120,000. The Villages Softball club gets $20,000. The Southern Draft Horse Contest gets $50,000. The Villages VHA Hoedown gets $37,500."

The incumbents wanted to pick out the entertainment (easy pick) and say that entertainment would go away. Why? Do you think the developers can't afford it? I assure you they can and It's how they sell homes.

"According to Bloomberg, the family’s wealth crossed the $3 billion mark in 2018, making Mark Morse, Jennifer Parr, and Tracy Mathews all billionaires."

I have no issues with the developers making money but then why are we paying for the things they should be paying for while businesses and tourism that could use it go without?

First let me say this money in the past has ONLY gone to Brownwood. Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs has not gotten the money previously and sill, this year only Brownwood and Lake Sumter are getting the money, and yet the entertainment has gone on without it at Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs.

The entertainment is NOT going to stop because the commissioners don't give them this money.... If it does, it's on the developers because they are responsible for entertainment NOT the county. If you look at the breakdown of the money most of it goes to the developers. Even when it doesn't look like it does, if you drill down you will find that it does go to the developers or T and D.

Why is it wrong to ask the developers to pay their fair share? Why can't money be spread all over the county and not just The Villages? Isn't that what representatives are supposed to do? To represent EVERYONE or is it just one family? The Morse family does live here (although I'm told they are moving out soon)

AND I might add, I don't believe there has been entertainment at the squares for months and may not be for many months to come so there is that.

Have you ever wondered how communities build football stadiums, baseball parks, etc.? They issue bonds then payoff the bonds by enacting hotel taxes, rental car taxes, and extra sales taxes, etc. It is not the team owners financing the stadiums. The same thing is happening here on a smaller scale. The hotel tax is used for paying for the entertainment on the squares. If this is taken away, I would expect the entertain to end. At least at LSL and Brownwood.

I hope these guys lose. It seems they will be just anti-developer and do anything to “stick-it” to the Morse family. That is not what we need to grow. Let’s face it, the Morse family can walk away from The Villages anytime they want. Think about all the jobs and opportunities that would be lost.

[justjim]

Reminds me of a quote I once saw. I’m paraphrasing: The very powerful and the very naive have something in common. They don’t alter their views to fit the facts. They alter the facts to fit their views.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Have you ever wondered how communities build football stadiums, baseball parks, etc.? They issue bonds then payoff the bonds by enacting hotel taxes, rental car taxes, and extra sales taxes, etc. It is not the team owners financing the stadiums. The same thing is happening here on a smaller scale. The hotel tax is used for paying for the entertainment on the squares. If this is taken away, I would expect the entertain to end. At least at LSL and Brownwood.

I hope these guys lose. It seems they will be just anti-developer and do anything to “stick-it” to the Morse family. That is not what we need to grow. Let’s face it, the Morse family can walk away from The Villages anytime they want. Think about all the jobs and opportunities that would be lost.

Maybe that's how they do it in hotel-rich communities but in the town I lived in, we only had one motel and no hotels. We had one rental car service that had maybe 5 cars available, total, one UHaul drop-off garage. And yet we managed to build a gorgeous new High School with a high-end stadium, rebuilt several public parks, and renovated the library. How? With property taxes. We paid through the nose. And got a beautiful, well-run, efficient town in return.

If we had a lot of hotels, I probably wouldn't have wanted to live there. Our town was settled, not a lot of transients, not a tourism destination. It was better that way.

[angiefox10]

I have been to meeting after meeting where the people have said "vote them out" because the commissioners wouldn't listen to the residents. The tax meetings are a good example of that. People one after the other asking to help them with the budget, explaining why they didn't have to raise the Ad Valorem Tax 25%. They looked at the people with blank stares and voted 5 to 0 for the tax increase. The only way the residents will be heard is to vote to be heard. This is the opportunity to do just that. Your choice.

The entertainment is not going away unless the Developers want it to. The entertainment has NEVER been dependent on the $120,000 from the county before and it's not now.

No one is trying to "stick it" to the Developers. These are YOUR words.

I posted the videos of the meetings. You've seen them. If this is who you want to represent you... OK. But stop with the hysteria of the music in the squares going away. They didn't go away before they got the money. The entertainment didn't go away in Lake Sumter the years before and it hasn't gone away at Spanish Springs .

[Jayhawk]

Our town was settled, not a lot of transients, not a tourism destination. It was better that way.

Why would anyone ever move away, given that opinion?

[Aloha1]

Those of us living in the other two counties that comprise TV are very concerned that a misinformed group in the third county could do serious damage to TV's reputation and the value of our investments.

[Mleeja]

I have been to meeting after meeting where the people have said "vote them out" because the commissioners wouldn't listen to the residents. The tax meetings are a good example of that. People one after the other asking to help them with the budget, explaining why they didn't have to raise the Ad Valorem Tax 25%. They looked at the people with blank stares and voted 5 to 0 for the tax increase. The only way the residents will be heard is to vote to be heard. This is the opportunity to do just that. Your choice.

The entertainment is not going away unless the Developers want it to. The entertainment has NEVER been dependent on the $120,000 from the county before and it's not now.

No one is trying to "stick it" to the Developers. These are YOUR words.

I posted the videos of the meetings. You've seen them. If this is who you want to represent you... OK. But stop with the hysteria of the music in the squares going away. They didn't go away before they got the money. The entertainment didn't go away in Lake Sumter the years before and it hasn't gone away at Spanish Springs .

You are suggesting to take away half of the funding and then blame The Villages if they cancel the entertainment. If that is not sticking it to the developer, I do not know what is.

[angiefox10]

You are suggesting to take away half of the funding and then blame The Villages if they cancel the entertainment. If that is not sticking it to the developer, I do not know what is.

I'm suggesting you are over reacting and the entertainment is not going away. I am suggesting the Developers will be fine if they have to spend a little money for entertainment in the squares. I think they will be fine.

I'm suggesting there are other venues in Sumter County that could use that money. The Wildwood School only got $5,000 and the schools in South Sumter got nothing.

The Villages will be fine. The sky is not falling.

[Moderator]

This thread, like the earlier "no entertainment in the squares" thread, is here to discuss an important local issue which also has ties to a local election.

As long as the replies stay on topic, don't get partisan or nasty, and stay away from name-calling, the discussion can continue. Please be civil. Discuss the topic and not each other.

Thanks for your cooperation.

Moderator

[angiefox10]

One of the very first meetings I went to one of the commissioners made it clear that with them it was "one for all and all for one". That's exactly what we have seen over the years. No discussion.. 5 to 0 DONE!


What will be different with this election. If EMS gets voted in... It won't be one for all and all for one. Just because one feels that something will be a certain way, if the others don't agree, they will get to discuss and vote. We will start seeing 3 to 2 or 4 to 1 or maybe 5 to 0 but we will be seeing the different personalities come out and know what they are voting for and why.

[angiefox10]

The people who have started this rumor don't want EMS to win so no matter what, they won't let go of the rope. I only hope people are smart enough to see through it for what it is... .an election ploy.

[Marathon Man]

The developers are NOT going to let the shops fail! The Developers will NOT stop the entertainment in the squares. I trust them to continue with the entertainment. I trust them to do the right thing for The Villages.

Suddenly, "The Developer" is trusted??? Oh please.

[Northwoods]

The people who have started this rumor don't want EMS to win so no matter what, they won't let go of the rope. I only hope people are smart enough to see through it for what it is... .an election ploy.

It's not a rumor. Oren stated he would not vote to continue to fund Entertainment on the Square.

I have no issue with any of the EMS team. I honestly believe they want to do what they feel feel is right for the residents to Sumter County.

I have to vote for the candidates that I feel will make the best decisions for Sumter County.

The fact that Oren Miller said he would vote to not continue to fund square Entertainment from the hotel tax concerns me. The money is there and has to be used to promote tourism. I think square entertainment promotes tourism and is a huge boost to the merchants and restaurants in the square. It makes me question Oren's priorities.

I'm not holding on to any rope, Angie. I'm looking at a candidate's position on his spending priorities.

How is pointing out a candidate's position on a topic an election ploy?

You're frustrated because Oren took a position that is unpopular with many residents. Now you're trying to do damage control.

[Marathon Man]

Yes I am. I don't know why that makes a difference. Except I know what's in the heart of the candidate. I know he cares about Sumter County. I know he will listen to the residents and make his decisions on what THEY want and he will respond to them when they ask a question or find out an answer and get back to them.

You made an accusation about the incumbents in your original post. You are basically campaigning without identifying yourself as the spouse of one of the opponents. I find the integrity of that equal to changing parties for the sole reason of running in a primary against the incumbants.

[angiefox10]

It's not a rumor. Oren stated he would not vote to continue to fund Entertainment on the Square.

I have no issue with any of the EMS team. I honestly believe they want to do what they feel feel is right for the residents to Sumter County.

I have to vote for the candidates that I feel will make the best decisions for Sumter County.

The fact that Oren Miller said he would vote to not continue to fund square Entertainment from the hotel tax concerns me. The money is there and has to be used to promote tourism. I think square entertainment promotes tourism and is a huge boost to the merchants and restaurants in the square. It makes me question Oren's priorities.

I'm not holding on to any rope, Angie. I'm looking at a candidate's position on his spending priorities.

How is pointing out a candidate's position on a topic an election ploy?

You're frustrated because Oren took a position that is unpopular with many residents. Now you're trying to do damage control.

It's a rumor because people want everyone to believe that if they don't get this money the entertainment will stop. Did the developers say that? They didn't get the money for Lake Sumter or Spanish Springs last year and the entertainment continued.

There was entertainment at the squares before the EVER got this money.

Do you not believe the developers will pay for the entertainment? Have they said they will cut out entertainment if they don't get the money?

This isn't like the old commissioners. When EMS gets in, they will all vote. They won't all agree like the present commissioners do. At least three of them will have to agree to make it go.

So... you decide because Oren said he thinks the schools in the south can use this money more than the developers can (yes he did say that) that people should not vote for him and give up all the things EMS wants to do for the community.

The rumor... No entertainment at the squares. Unless the people saying that can show me that the developers won't fund it like they always have, I don't buy into it and neither should you.

It's an election ploy! Nothing more.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Why would anyone ever move away, given that opinion?

You're misinterpreting what I said.

I'll extend the sentence for clarity:

It = our town, that we lived in at the time, the way it evolved from when it was settled in the early 1700s...

was better that way = the way it was, as a result of its evolution, as opposed to any other way it could have been, had it not ended up the way it was.

I didn't mean it was better than other places. I meant "all is as intended."

Though I'd say it was much better than Bridgeport. But everyone knows that.

For a very old suburb that started mostly as sheep pastures, became a bustling clay manufacturing town, and has become a sprawling semi-rural suburb of New Haven, it is pretty much as it was intended to become, and as it should be.

If it had attracted tourism, it wouldn't be what it is now. And therefore - it wouldn't be as good at being what it is now, if it was something entirely different.

[angiefox10]

This is what we have now. This is three different meetings, three different issues.

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

[angiefox10]

I can tell by the responses that many of you have never been to a BOCC meeting.


Angie takes on Angeliadis - YouTube (https://youtu.be/iv8CDn6hNKU)

[angiefox10]

This is the first time I was able to talk to a county commissioner at a question and answer.

This is what we have now.... This is why so many have said "vote them out" We just wanted them to put it on the ballot. Ask the people.

Gilpin answers questions in South Sumter - YouTube (https://youtu.be/apxksQi2VYo)

[maryl]

Villagers is changing not like it was Many people will be selling and I as a snowbird would never by there

[FromNY]

Everyone relax. First off until the square entertainment group figures out a safe way to herd people back there is no entertainment. And TV is not the be all end all of Sumter County. These elected officials will be working together for All of Sumter. Those of us who live in TV sometimes forget there is a world outside the " pink walls". Maybe the solution will be simple, add a few dollars to everyone's amenity fee and use it for the entertainment. Yes being sarcastic, many people who visit the music are from outside TV. So who pays for them? Years ago a friend visited. We house hunted. When she asked a Del Web sales person where do people go for entertainment? His response down the road to TV. BTW Del Web is Marion County. Maybe it is time for new blood in office. Stagnation of attitudes and ideas hurt all of us. Right now we might want to concentrate on staying physically and financially healthy. Entertainment will be minor if homeless and jobless numbers climb.

[kaniess]

At least one of the challengers is running to degrade or eliminate the amenities that members of his own community enjoy.

[angiefox10]

At least one of the challengers is running to degrade or eliminate the amenities that members of his own community enjoy.

Really? Can you prove that? You know who I am. Who are you? I am reading the lies in here and have to question who is writing them? Are you a commissioner? Or one of the developers?

Here is what I wrote to someone else. It goes beyond your post, but it points out a couple of the reasons we need new commissioners.

Oren isn't in this forum

I am speaking as a resident who has been to all the BOCC meetings until COVID for the past four years.

As to the shelter. We are the only County Shelter in Florida that doesn't allow volunteers. Why? If we had volunteers it would save the county a ton of money. People have offered to help in the meetings. We could save more animals and get them back home with volunteers. But then if we had volunteers we would have known about the dog that was recently left in the truck to die with the heat on. We asked for those records from the county three times before we got them all. The first time they said there were NO records. We let them know we KNEW and they started feeding us the records a little at a time. Oh... and a supervisor had to resign or be fired because she refused to sweep it under the rug. Yes! I have the documents to prove all of this.

Or the little dog that fell out of the truck and they denied picking up the dog until it came out there was a camera outside the house that recorded the whole event. They got lucky and the dog was found later.

Or the five dogs that were killed with their surgical collars on one even had an adopter on the way to pick her up. the person who had to kill them had just been promoted and quit because it affected her so much. (Yes, I have the text from her )

We need Shelter Reform at our county shelter. It would save us money and save our pets.

As to reversing One Sumter. Yes, One Sumter needs to go away. We need commissioners who work for us. I wouldn't want residents in Georgia voting for my Governor. If you have ever been to a meeting, you will know the Commissioners don't work for us. Yes, they work for the developers. Understand the villages are represented by the developers, Wildwood is represented by their government, Busnell is represented by their government. The Commissioners should be representing ALL the residents NOT special interest groups.

The Villages has been warned about all the building. About the lack of water for all of us and about the sinkholes. (Oh, and speaking of sinkholes, the employees of The Villages can't call them sinkholes, they have to call them "ground depressions" or "water main breaks"), Maybe there needs to be some checks and balances in our system before any more people lose their homes. I have friends dealing with the "ground depressions" now.. how many more?

As for my roll... I am a resident. Who are you? Everyone knows who I am, but most of the people in here have fake names. What is your roll in this? I have to wonder about the lies I'm reading in here. Who are the people spreading them? What do they get out of this? Others need to ask the same. You know who I am. .. who are you?

The Science Behind Florida’s Sinkhole Epidemic
|
Science

[Alana33]

Why does the Villages Charter School get $106,000 and The Wildwood Middle High School only gets $5,000?

[kaniess]

Really? Can you prove that? You know who I am. Who are you? I am reading the lies in here and have to question who is writing them? Are you a commissioner? Or one of the developers?

Here is what I wrote to someone else. It goes beyond your post, but it points out a couple of the reasons we need new commissioners.

Oren isn't in this forum

I am speaking as a resident who has been to all the BOCC meetings until COVID for the past four years.

As to the shelter. We are the only County Shelter in Florida that doesn't allow volunteers. Why? If we had volunteers it would save the county a ton of money. People have offered to help in the meetings. We could save more animals and get them back home with volunteers. But then if we had volunteers we would have known about the dog that was recently left in the truck to die with the heat on. We asked for those records from the county three times before we got them all. The first time they said there were NO records. We let them know we KNEW and they started feeding us the records a little at a time. Oh... and a supervisor had to resign or be fired because she refused to sweep it under the rug. Yes! I have the documents to prove all of this.

Or the little dog that fell out of the truck and they denied picking up the dog until it came out there was a camera outside the house that recorded the whole event. They got lucky and the dog was found later.

Or the five dogs that were killed with their surgical collars on one even had an adopter on the way to pick her up. the person who had to kill them had just been promoted and quit because it affected her so much. (Yes, I have the text from her )

We need Shelter Reform at our county shelter. It would save us money and save our pets.

As to reversing One Sumter. Yes, One Sumter needs to go away. We need commissioners who work for us. I wouldn't want residents in Georgia voting for my Governor. If you have ever been to a meeting, you will know the Commissioners don't work for us. Yes, they work for the developers. Understand the villages are represented by the developers, Wildwood is represented by their government, Busnell is represented by their government. The Commissioners should be representing ALL the residents NOT special interest groups.

The Villages has been warned about all the building. About the lack of water for all of us and about the sinkholes. (Oh, and speaking of sinkholes, the employees of The Villages can't call them sinkholes, they have to call them "ground depressions" or "water main breaks"), Maybe there needs to be some checks and balances in our system before any more people lose their homes. I have friends dealing with the "ground depressions" now.. how many more?

As for my roll... I am a resident. Who are you? Everyone knows who I am, but most of the people in here have fake names. What is your roll in this? I have to wonder about the lies I'm reading in here. Who are the people spreading them? What do they get out of this? Others need to ask the same. You know who I am. .. who are you?

The Science Behind Florida’s Sinkhole Epidemic
|
Science

I'm not a commissioner or developer. I am a resident who bought a home here to enjoy the available benefits and amenities during my retirement in TV. My goal in life is not to save all unwanted animals. I recognize that the current commissioners sometimes behave rudely to residents who oppose them at board meetings. However, I believe that working with the developer to make The Villages a better place for most of us is in our best interest and in the interest of thousands of employees who support our comfortable retirement lifestyle. Your insinuation that I am a commissioner or developer indicates that at least one of the challengers will also be disrespectful to opposing residents if he is elected to the commission.

[angiefox10]

I'm not a commissioner or developer. I am a resident who bought a home here to enjoy the available benefits and amenities during my retirement in TV. My goal in life is not to save all unwanted animals. I recognize that the current commissioners sometimes behave rudely to residents who oppose them at board meetings. However, I believe that working with the developer to make The Villages a better place for most of us is in our best interest and in the interest of thousands of employees who support our comfortable retirement lifestyle. Your insinuation that I am a commissioner or developer indicates that at least one of the challengers will also be disrespectful to opposing residents if he is elected to the commission.


That I ask who you are is rude?

As I said, I am speaking as a resident I am not running for office.

Thank you for acknowledging that you understand the commissioners are not kind to the residents.

The commissioners are not in office to work for the developers. They are voted in to work for the residents.

While they could have done nothing about the Hacienda situation , it’s an example of the fact that the developers don’t have our back.

They should have fixed it... but then that wouldn’t have made as much income, would it?

They could have built those apartments anywhere... why there?

The choices were 600 more residents or a parking garage.

Nice

[theruizs]

Huh? There are so many things I disagree with. I hope the INCUMBENTS stay in. That is my view.


And this sentence, I quote; ""According to Bloomberg, the family’s wealth crossed the $3 billion mark in 2018, making Mark Morse, Jennifer Parr, and Tracy Mathews all billionaires."

My goodness, when is it shameful to be financially successful, doing a good thing, not breaking the law?

I have ALWAYS told my kids and grandkids to find a job that makes money legally and try to make a lot of it. I have told them that we would not pay for college studies in Art History or social work. We wanted to see a return on our investment and not on the kids living with us.

What is shameful is to hoard it, especially when it is way beyond what someone needs to live comfortably. I am not calling out the Morse family or any other billionaires specifically because I do not know how they spend their money. But I do believe that if all billionaires (and even hundreds-of-millions-aires)felt a deep regard for their fellow man many problems could be resolved. Those billions of dollars represent resources that could help a lot people who suffer daily without the basic needs of life.

[stadry]

based upon what facts do you state 'they' are hoarding ? do you know where their investments lie ? doubtful its hard currency under collective mattresses,,, rarely does anyonew/basic economic common sense let $$ just lie in place to lose value due to inflation.

“I have never understood why it is "greed" to want to keep the money you have earned but not greed to want to take somebody else's money.”
t sowell

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

This is the first time I was able to talk to a county commissioner at a question and answer.

This is what we have now.... This is why so many have said "vote them out" We just wanted them to put it on the ballot. Ask the people.

Gilpin answers questions in South Sumter - YouTube (https://youtu.be/apxksQi2VYo) is 3 guys saying no all the time, to turn back the clock , to have no grasp of the vision of what this place is becoming. . They remind me of he older people tin a condo building , that will argue for hours over the replacement of a rug , painting or plants because they won’t be around long so why spend the money. I’m 20 year resident that’s moved 5 times through the villages, for those who haven’t been here that long as nice as it is , it was even better when the family had full control, no extra ornaments , no weeds or bad lawns, no painting or structures without approval, or you would get a notice from neighborhood watch . I’m in new section and at 81 I’m excited about the changes and all the younger retirees, who have come because of all the wonderful things that have here and what will come in future , I don’t need 3 guys saying no over and over

[loweglor]

greed definition: The definition of greed is an intense desire to accumulate large amounts of something, such as food or money, especially if you try to acquire more than you need or more than your fair share

[Bilyclub]

is 3 guys saying no all the time, to turn back the clock , to have no grasp of the vision of what this place is becoming. . They remind me of he older people tin a condo building , that will argue for hours over the replacement of a rug , painting or plants because they won’t be around long so why spend the money. I’m 20 year resident that’s moved 5 times through the villages, for those who haven’t been here that long as nice as it is , it was even better when the family had full control, no extra ornaments , no weeds or bad lawns, no painting or structures without approval, or you would get a notice from neighborhood watch . I’m in new section and at 81 I’m excited about the changes and all the younger retirees, who have come because of all the wonderful things that have here and what will come in future , I don’t need 3 guys saying no over and over


Hmm, I think I have seen the above post in about 5 other threads with slight modifications. Yes, I guess you need county commissioners that allow a private bottler to draw massive amounts of water out of a parched aquifer or for a county to raise taxes on the whole county to pay for roads that the developer and new home buyers should be paying for.
Checks and balances are what this country is founded on

[Jerseygirl08]

I can tell by the responses that many of you have never been to a BOCC meeting.


Angie takes on Angeliadis - YouTube (https://youtu.be/iv8CDn6hNKU)
WOW! And WOW! Why would anyone want Mr. Butler to represent us? It is clearly his way, or the ''SIT DOWN, .... SIT DOWN" highway.

[graciegirl]

What is shameful is to hoard it, especially when it is way beyond what someone needs to live comfortably. I am not calling out the Morse family or any other billionaires specifically because I do not know how they spend their money. But I do believe that if all billionaires (and even hundreds-of-millions-aires)felt a deep regard for their fellow man many problems could be resolved. Those billions of dollars represent resources that could help a lot people who suffer daily without the basic needs of life.

We don't know if 1. they have it and 2. they hoard it. It very well is their net worth with all of the property they own and is in flux and in use to keep building. I do know they SELF FINANCE.

And what people do with their money is their own business. If I had that much who knows what I would do...or who knows what anyone would do.

I think the Morses do not act uppity or show off and I see their reinvestments in new areas and I also see them renew older modular homes in the older part by buying them and replacing them with safer-during-a-hurricane site built homes that they sell at not as much margin.


ANYONE WHO HAS MORE THAN THEY NEED is rich...and many have more than they need so that if evil befalls them they don't have a hand out to the "gubmunt."

[Kerry Azz]

The developers are not at all trustworthy look how they hot away with ripping down Hacienda and got approval to build apartments on that property, the 4 that voted for approving this are not running for re-election. Gee do you think there was some payoffs to those 4 that voted in favor of approving it?

[graciegirl]

greed definition: The definition of greed is an intense desire to accumulate large amounts of something, such as food or money, especially if you try to acquire more than you need or more than your fair share

It is interesting to me who decides who has what and when it is too much. Usually the voices come from those who do not save and have their hand out.

The woman in charge at our bank always agrees with me; Money, you can always spend if you need to. Money is both security and power and a source of great good....and evil. And money is hated most by those who don't have it.

[Huskies]

The developers are NOT going to let the shops fail! The Developers will NOT stop the entertainment in the squares. I trust them to continue with the entertainment. I trust them to do the right thing for The Villages.
I think your dreaming big time. The developers have just proven how greedy they are. Harold must be turning over in his grave with what the family is doing to The Villages now!

[J1ceasar]

I have friends that have pulled their store from Brownwood . $4000 a month base rental for a small store with no relief while closed . ridiculous .let some other idiot pay .

[angiefox10]

Oren Miller is a commissioner for the people. Hearing about the way people feel about this situation, he agrees that if not giving this money to the entertainment department would stop the the entertainment on the square... by all means, they should get the funds. He said his intention was NOT to "defund" the entertainment on the square, he just felt that there could have been better venues to spend the money.

Oren Miller is not in this forum and this is why I have to reply. He gives you his word, he will vote for what the PEOPLE want.

[graciegirl]

I have friends that have pulled their store from Brownwood . $4000 a month base rental for a small store with no relief while closed . ridiculous .let some other idiot pay .

If they were in Brownwood then I am pretty sure they signed a five year leasing contract like all other businesses. If they closed due to the pandemic, it is possible that their landlords would defer the payments. Or not.

Not one soul ever was pressured to rent here, or at most places that businesses and people rent. This urban legend has been posted again and again. If you want the truth call The Villages Business Rentals and ask them. About every five years someone from there will come on this forum and clear it up, but no one has had a gun held to her/his head to rent. It is the same kind of contract that businesses sign in malls and other seasonal hot spots.

Can I hand this defending off to someone else? The new folks who don't know me will think I have some connection to the Morses. I LOVE this place. Been here for fourteen years and still love this place.

[MrGolf]

Developers I am familiar with and spoken to have funded their own growth through bonds etc. this is a first for me to Dee a county fund future development the way it has happened in Sumter.

[Northwoods]

Oren Miller is a commissioner for the people. Hearing about the way people feel about this situation, he agrees that if not giving this money to the entertainment department would stop the the entertainment on the square... by all means, they should get the funds. He said his intention was NOT to "defund" the entertainment on the square, he just felt that there could have been better venues to spend the money.

Oren Miller is not in this forum and this is why I have to reply. He gives you his word, he will vote for what the PEOPLE want.

Angie - I appreciate this post.
As I have said, I do think that Oren wants to do what he feels is right for the residents of Sumter County.

Here is my concern, and I don't think I'm alone with how I feel:
I love it here. I love what The Developer has done with The Villages. I love the vision that the Developer has for the development (medical complex, new high school and new championship golf course) south of 44.

I don't think the incumbents have always made the right decisions. I don't think the "25%" tax increase was a good move. I think the incumbents can be a little arrogant.

My concern is, I don't want to elect 3 people that are going to block The Developer at every turn. The Developer has a lot of money that he can invest in Sumter County. I want commissioners who will work with The Developer to improve The Villages and Sumter County. I'm not saying you have to roll over. But I don't want to see gridlock.

[angiefox10]

Angie - I appreciate this post.
As I have said, I do think that Oren wants to do what he feels is right for the residents of Sumter County.

Here is my concern, and I don't think I'm alone with how I feel:
I love it here. I love what The Developer has done with The Villages. I love the vision that the Developer has for the development (medical complex, new high school and new championship golf course) south of 44.

I don't think the incumbents have always made the right decisions. I don't think the "25%" tax increase was a good move. I think the incumbents can be a little arrogant.

My concern is, I don't want to elect 3 people that are going to block The Developer at every turn. The Developer has a lot of money that he can invest in Sumter County. I want commissioners who will work with The Developer to improve The Villages and Sumter County. I'm not saying you have to roll over. But I don't want to see gridlock.

The gentlemen running for County Commissioner LOVE The Villages. They all live in The Villages. Someone has made this out to be a battle of the Commissioners and the Developers. It's not.

Here is Mr. Estep's response to the claims.

"I hesitate to respond to advertisements approved by the incumbents, but I feel this one has to be addressed. The incumbents have gone too far with their latest Mail Chimp push full of incorrect information, thereby exposing their lack of integrity. I will address each falsehood individually with facts.

“World class health care, high paying jobs, safe neighborhoods.”

The first two belong to the developer with his incentives and the outstanding employers in the county, the last one is the Sheriff.

“Low taxes (the lowest in the tri-county area and we just voted to reduce them even more)”.

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is the Taxing Authority on only one line on the tax bill. It is the Sumter County line on the Ad Valorem tax statement. It shows the millage rate at 6.7 for 2019. Marion and Lake County have lower millage rates in 2019 than Sumter County. Please do not spin the numbers by adding other items on the tax bill to what you commissioners passed. To say you are lowering them even more is an insult to the intelligence of the people of Sumter County.

“It’s been our task the past several years to ready our County for such progress”.

The BOCC missed the boat on that one in 2015 when THEY asked the developer to grow south of HWY 44 as reflected in the public record. There was a lack of foresight from 2015 until the 2019 hike in taxes.

“Strong Law Enforcement”.

Absolutely…and you have nothing to do with managing that law enforcement piece. There is a Constitutional Officer (the Sheriff) that manages that agency and he even does all the budgetary planning.

“Delighted to see the development of more family friendly housing – neighborhood where people who work in Sumter County can live here too.”

Once again, this is the developers doing and not the County Commissioners. Please quit taking credit for successes you have little or nothing to do with. The people of Sumter County see through this.

“Now is not the time to hand over control of our County to Democrats and others who want to change direction – raising our taxes”.

This is a two-part response: 1) There are no Democrats on the ticket. I am a lifelong Republican. The other challengers are also Republicans. 2) It is preposterous to even mention raising taxes. No challenger has mentioned raising taxes, and the five incumbents raised it 25.5% last year. Conservative Republicans do not raise taxes 25.5%. I have never seen anyone in any party raise taxes that much before. Yet you continue to call the challengers names. Gutsy.

“Underfunding our law enforcement”.

Bald-faced lie. None of the challengers have indicated a cut in law enforcement of any kind. In fact, as a retired State Trooper, public safety in all areas has my total and unrelenting support. Stop lying to the good citizens of Sumter County.

“Imposing job-killing fees and regulations”.

My apologies for not knowing my own platform. I didn’t see that part in my platform. The truth is we have 76 streams of revenue coming into the county less interest, and we have communications and compromise to work with. There is no plan for job-killing or unnecessary regulatory changes planned. Will there be adherence to comprehensive planning and back and forth communications…you bet.

“All we have to do is watch the evening news to see what happens to communities when Democrats hold control!”

This statement is a new low. To accentuate the misery and pain others are suffering right now with what is going on around the country is unconscionable. You should be ashamed of yourselves for even trying to politicize this issue.

“We have all worked too hard to create the great lifestyle we enjoy here in our community to allow Democrats to sneak into power!”

Again, no Democrats on the ticket, and we should let the voters decide who should serve the people. This statement points out a critical difference in the challengers versus the incumbents. Calling it “power” shows that the incumbents are focused on the “power” and not the public service aspect of the BOCC. The challengers are all running to become public servants, and not focused on the power. We will let the people decide Aug. 18 if they want to continue with lies and innuendos, or if they choose honest, open, and transparent government.

Villager Craig Estep is a candidate for Sumter County Commission."

[jarodrig]

You certainly can twist words. Who said it was shameful to make money? WOW!!!! Those are YOUR words not mine.



But again, you will twist words to suit your narrative.

Please enjoy the rest of your day.

There is no twisting words when your husband , Oren Miller, who is running against the incumbents stated in writing that he would DEFUND entertainment !!! 😳

[jarodrig]

It's a rumor because people want everyone to believe that if they don't get this money the entertainment will stop. Did the developers say that? They didn't get the money for Lake Sumter or Spanish Springs last year and the entertainment continued.

There was entertainment at the squares before the EVER got this money.

Do you not believe the developers will pay for the entertainment? Have they said they will cut out entertainment if they don't get the money?

This isn't like the old commissioners. When EMS gets in, they will all vote. They won't all agree like the present commissioners do. At least three of them will have to agree to make it go.

So... you decide because Oren said he thinks the schools in the south can use this money more than the developers can (yes he did say that) that people should not vote for him and give up all the things EMS wants to do for the community.

The rumor... No entertainment at the squares. Unless the people saying that can show me that the developers won't fund it like they always have, I don't buy into it and neither should you.

It's an election ploy! Nothing more.

Your husband, Oren Miller, has stated in writing that he would not support funding of the entertainment on the squares.....

You are now trying to defend his actions by deflecting the issue by stating in essence, Oh don’t worry about anything, the Developer will take care of it ......

It is clear that Oren, you and the rest of the EMS team are against growth in Sumter County and now you are back pedaling so fast that I’m afraid you have fallen off the bike !!

To me and A LOT of Sumter County residents have real concerns about the fact that Oren has now changed his political party THREE TIMES AND COUNTING !!

Does he change parties every time he sees the opportunity that it may be of benefit for his personal and political aspirations ???

We sure would like to know the answer to that one....

And please, don’t tell us that he “saw the light “ !!! :shocked:

[Stu from NYC]

Oren Miller’s total out of pocket property tax increase was a whopping 4 % !!!!! I assume that those were your taxes as well ??

Both of you should be on your knees thanking the incumbents for giving you such a low tax increase specially after the Sumter County taxes have not gone ou in over 10 YEAR !!

Instead, Oren and the other two candidates decided to create the 25 % tax increase hoax as your primary reason for wanting to oust the incumbents.....

Sorry, that won’t work !!

Your post is right on except for one little detail. We all know that property taxes went up by 25% last year after about 10 years of steady declines.

[jarodrig]

Your post is right on except for one little detail. We all know that property taxes went up by 25% last year after about 10 years of steady declines.

With all due respect, I disagree.

One line item in your bill may have gone up 25% but your total out of pocket increase did not.

The OUT OF POCKET tax increase for most was in the range of 7 - 11 %

As stated above, Oren Miller’s out of pocket property tax increase was 4 %

If you would like to PM me with your real name, I would be happy to go to the Sumter County Taxes website and calculate your total out of pocket tax increase between 2018 and 2019.....

One of the reasons why your taxes might be close to the 25 % figure is if you are a seasonal resident without the Homestead discounts.....

[Stu from NYC]

With all due respect, I disagree.

One line item in your bill may have gone up 25% but your total out of pocket increase did not.

The OUT OF POCKET tax increase for most was in the range of 7 - 11 %

As stated above, Oren Miller’s out of pocket property tax increase was 4 %

If you would like to PM me with your real name, I would be happy to go to the Sumter County Taxes website and calculate your total out of pocket tax increase between 2018 and 2019.....

One of the reasons why your taxes might be close to the 25 % figure is if you are a seasonal resident without the Homestead discounts.....

We just moved here in Feb and going by what I have seen in the Sun and from other folks we have met.

Somewhere in my paperwork we have what previous owner paid in 2018 and 2019 and when we get our first tax bill in a few months will see how it has changed. Will even dig out her stuff and compare.

BTW we are full time and will even get homestead exemption for next year.

[Neils]

Ohh no !!!! Hope my line dancing lessons Were not a waste

[angiefox10]

First let me explain... I don't know if this will make sense to anyone and I know people who don't support EMS will balk at this regardless.

First, the $120,000 doesn't go to the musical part of the entertainment. Regardless, I will let you know where it goes.

" Sumter County has Been giving money to the entertainment division for years and the money comes from the bed/breakfast taxes. (Only to Sumter landing and Brownwood, Spanish Springs is in Lake county). This is not by their decision alone. It does not go just to entertainers, it goes for rentals, decor, security.
Many farmers market days are set up by the entertainment division, special events (heritage days, holiday events, car shows) of which many people are in attendance for free."

Regardless, the thought process was the residents would want the money to go to the schools and not so much the entertainment that he believed wouldn't go away because they didn't get those funds.

He was wrong and changed his stance. The whole idea of being a commissioner is listening to the residents... He is listening.

[Northwoods]

First let me explain... I don't know if this will make sense to anyone and I know people who don't support EMS will balk at this regardless.

First, the $120,000 doesn't go to the musical part of the entertainment. Regardless, I will let you know where it goes.

" Sumter County has Been giving money to the entertainment division for years and the money comes from the bed/breakfast taxes. (Only to Sumter landing and Brownwood, Spanish Springs is in Lake county). This is not by their decision alone. It does not go just to entertainers, it goes for rentals, decor, security.
Many farmers market days are set up by the entertainment division, special events (heritage days, holiday events, car shows) of which many people are in attendance for free."

Regardless, the thought process was the residents would want the money to go to the schools and not so much the entertainment that he believed wouldn't go away because they didn't get those funds.

He was wrong and changed his stance. The whole idea of being a commissioner is listening to the residents... He is listening.

Angie - Thank you for the clarification. I guess, as you dig deeper, you find out that it wasn't just entertainment, it's also for the farmer's market and special events. (I think even more people would be upset if this funding was pulled!!!). I appreciate that Oren changed his position.

[New Englander]

First let me explain... I don't know if this will make sense to anyone and I know people who don't support EMS will balk at this regardless.

First, the $120,000 doesn't go to the musical part of the entertainment. Regardless, I will let you know where it goes.

" Sumter County has Been giving money to the entertainment division for years and the money comes from the bed/breakfast taxes. (Only to Sumter landing and Brownwood, Spanish Springs is in Lake county). This is not by their decision alone. It does not go just to entertainers, it goes for rentals, decor, security.
Many farmers market days are set up by the entertainment division, special events (heritage days, holiday events, car shows) of which many people are in attendance for free."

Regardless, the thought process was the residents would want the money to go to the schools and not so much the entertainment that he believed wouldn't go away because they didn't get those funds.

He was wrong and changed his stance. The whole idea of being a commissioner is listening to the residents... He is listening.

I'm glad he is listening. Because the incumbents don't listen at all to the people.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Hmm, I think I have seen the above post in about 5 other threads with slight modifications. Yes, I guess you need county commissioners that allow a private bottler to draw massive amounts of water out of a parched aquifer or for a county to raise taxes on the whole county to pay for roads that the developer and new home buyers should be paying for.
Checks and balances are what this country is founded on thinks I’m a stalking horse for the villages candidates they would be wrong , because of ridiculous rules in Florida you can only vote by party.I’m from Boston where local city council races are non partisan so a large group of voters are left out and no I do my want to change my party to vote not ever , but if m a long term resident and want this place to keep growing and bring more business , medical and life style changes and do this while keeping the lowest tax rate in n Florida

[Advogado]

Music on the Squares is not going to disappear, and the $120,000 the Developer's puppets give to the Developer to subsidize it is chicken feed. Voters need to focus on the main issue in this year's County Commissioner race. The main issue is that the current County Commissioners are representing the Developer; they are not representing the residents and that is costing the taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

This relationship between the Commissioners and the Developer has only recently gained wide attention due to the puppet Commissioners' enacting an incredible 25% County Tax increase. They did that for one reason: to offload on to us, the residents, the costs of the county infrastructure necessitated by the Developer's massive expansion of The Villages, which massive expansion has been rubber-stamped by the Commissioners.

That infrastructure should be paid for by increasing the Developer's sweetheart impact fee. For those residents who still don't know, an impact fee is a per-house tax on a builder that is SUPPOSED to pay for the infrastructure necessitated by the new construction. Infrastructure includes not only roads, but also such things as additional parks, police and fire stations and equipment, government buildings, and libraries.

By raising our taxes, while keeping the Developer's impact fee at an incredibly low level, the puppets are, in essence, giving the Developer hundreds of millions of tax dollars at our expense. Keep that number in mind when getting wrapped up in a debate about the County's subsidizing the Developer's music on the Squares for $120,000. It is the hundreds of millions of dollars that is causing the Developer to spend whatever it takes to keep his puppets in office and to run fake candidates to disenfranchise 45,000 voters.

In fact, the Developer has contributed about $250,000 to the incumbents' campaign. The Developer didn't do that for the $120,000 music subsidy.

[Mleeja]

I am glad the Morse family does not read this forum. If they did, they probably say “screw you” and close up shop. They have brought millions dollars of revenue to this county, created 1000’s of jobs, and have created a community that has no rivals. Yet you have people who do not understand business or are simply ungrateful continually try to tear down this community. This is what EMS team and the POA want. They claim they are “for the people”. But they are not. It is about power. That is all the POA wants. If you follow the CCD meetings you can see the creep of POA influence. Believe me, if the POA told Mr. Miller to not support $120,000 going for entertainment on the squares, he will vote with the POA.

[JoMar]

Music on the Squares is not going to disappear, and the $120,000 the Developer's puppets give to the Developer to subsidize it is chicken feed. Voters need to focus on the main issue in this year's County Commissioner race. The main issue is that the current County Commissioners are representing the Developer; they are not representing the residents and that is costing the taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

This relationship between the Commissioners and the Developer has only recently gained wide attention due to the puppet Commissioners' enacting an incredible 25% County Tax increase. They did that for one reason: to offload on to us, the residents, the costs of the county infrastructure necessitated by the Developer's massive expansion of The Villages, which massive expansion has been rubber-stamped by the Commissioners.

That infrastructure should be paid for by increasing the Developer's sweetheart impact fee. For those residents who still don't know, an impact fee is a per-house tax on a builder that is SUPPOSED to pay for the infrastructure necessitated by the new construction. Infrastructure includes not only roads, but also such things as additional parks, police and fire stations and equipment, government buildings, and libraries.

By raising our taxes, while keeping the Developer's impact fee at an incredibly low level, the puppets are, in essence, giving the Developer hundreds of millions of tax dollars at our expense. Keep that number in mind when getting wrapped up in a debate about the County's subsidizing the Developer's music on the Squares for $120,000. It is the hundreds of millions of dollars that is causing the Developer to spend whatever it takes to keep his puppets in office and to run fake candidates to disenfranchise 45,000 voters.

In fact, the Developer has contributed about $250,000 to the incumbents' campaign. The Developer didn't do that for the $120,000 music subsidy.

The Developer contributes 50% of the expense for the entertainment.

[Stu from NYC]

I am glad the Morse family does not read this forum. If they did, they probably say “screw you” and close up shop. They have brought millions dollars of revenue to this county, created 1000’s of jobs, and have created a community that has no rivals. Yet you have people who do not understand business or are simply ungrateful continually try to tear down this community. This is what EMS team and the POA want. They claim they are “for the people”. But they are not. It is about power. That is all the POA wants. If you follow the CCD meetings you can see the creep of POA influence. Believe me, if the POA told Mr. Miller to not support $120,000 going for entertainment on the squares, he will vote with the POA.

One good reason they would not leave is the billions of dollars they have made and the profits they continue to make here.

Still learning about how this place runs but no intention to play sheep

[Mleeja]

One good reason they would not leave is the billions of dollars they have made and the profits they continue to make here.

Still learning about how this place runs but no intention to play sheep

They are land developers. They could very easily start elsewhere in Florida. If they stopped today, within seven years this place will be ran by the residents.

[Goldwingnut]

They are land developers. They could very easily start elsewhere in Florida. If they stopped today, within seven years this place will be ran by the residents.

With the exception of CDD13 and the commercial CDDs (and maybe 2 seats in CDD12) all of the supervisors on the CDD boards are already Villages residents and running the district government.

[angiefox10]

How the current county commissioners treat the residents

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

Oren Miller will listen to you

[Mleeja]

With the exception of CDD13 and the commercial CDDs (and maybe 2 seats in CDD12) all of the supervisors on the CDD boards are already Villages residents and running the district government.

It is difficult to tell from the website, but I believe Districts 11-13 still have Developer appointed Supervisors. District 11 is transitioning. I know you understand this, but for the others, there is only one land owner in the commercial CDDs. The owner is some variation of The Villages Development. The commercial districts will be controlled by the developers unless there is some really big sale!

[Stu from NYC]

Guess this thread will be history after the polls close later today.

BTW typically how long does it take it for them to count the votes?

[Mleeja]

Guess this thread will be history after the polls close later today.

BTW typically how long does it take it for them to count the votes?

Not long. We will know by 9 or 10, unless it is really close and recounts are necessary.

[Stu from NYC]

Not long. We will know by 9 or 10, unless it is really close and recounts are necessary.

As of 7 pm still counting votes but will be new commissioners running in November.

[jarodrig]

As of 7 pm still counting votes but will be new commissioners running in November.

Where are you getting your numbers from ??

[Mleeja]

Where are you getting your numbers from ??
See another forum post. It contain the link to the election results.

[jarodrig]

See another forum post. It contain the link to the election results.

Thanks, but can you link it ???

[MrGolf]

Here is the election link

Summary Results - Election Night Reporting (https://enr.electionsfl.org/SUM/Summary/2681/)