Wow! Primary Election Results

[Villages Kahuna]

Somewhat surprisingly, the three candidates that challenged the three developer-supported Incumbents for positions as Sumter County Commissioners won the Republican Primary convincingly. The challengers will have to win the General Election in November, and there will be lots of developer-designed and funded challenges, probably for write-in candidates. The upcoming weeks will be interesting as this will be the first time in at least a decade when the Sumter County Board won’t be cleanly “in the pocket” of The Villages Developer.

What’s at risk for the Developer? Lots of things. Without a lot of study, how about...

—A repeal of the major change which has the new roads and infrastructure in the new southern end of The Villages funded by the taxpayers rather than the Developer as had been the practice until this year. The result of the change was a 25% increase in property taxes. The challengers all ran with the repeal of those tax increases as a major plank in their platforms.

—The possible repeal of the “One Sumter” procedure for the election of County Commissioners. The change in the electoral process goes back almost fifteen years and was designed and sponsored by the Developer. The result of the electoral change was that the County Board could be controlled by three members, all of whom have turned out to be choices of the Developer and financed by them. The result of course was pretty much complete control of the Board in getting anything the Developer wanted approved.

—There are lots of other decisions facing the County Commissioners that will effect all Villages residents living in Sumter County (the vast majority of us). Not the least important issue might be approval of the re-zoning of the Hacienda Hills CC parcel to permit the construction of a high-rise 286-unit apartment building.

So it’ll probably be important for all of us to begin to pay lots more attention to local Sumter County politics. You can be certain that the Developer will be very creative approaching the General Election and beyond, trying to regain control of the Sumter County Board. Keeping local politics in the control of the taxpayers will take our collective, continual attention.

[DeanFL]

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WOW! Personally we changed from 'No Party' Affiliation' to 'Republican' in order to vote in the Primary. We are both Independents, but after research it was apparent that the 3 incumbents do(did) not deserve to be in those posts any longer. Some videos we saw of several Committee meetings, and how they treated our citizens (and in turn us all) soured us so much we HAD to vote.

This is good news - sure hope that we end up with more sincere and honest reps.

I must say - today we went online and switched back to NPA.

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[Advogado]

Good job, voters of Sumter County: 3 down! 2 to go! In 2022, we need to finish the cleansing of the County Commission by voting out the two remaining Developer puppets--Breeden and Gilpin.

Let's watch what happens between now and the departure of Butler, Burgess, and Printz after the general election in November. They may try to poison the well for the incumbents by tying the County into as many sweetheart contracts with
the Developer as possible.

[tophcfa]

Anticipate a fast track to re-zone the Hacienda Hills CC parcel before the puppets leave office.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'm unaffiliated and didn't realize until too late that there were primaries for local elections (most of our town elections in my town up north were one Dem vs. one GOP and sometimes an independent, so there weren't ever any primaries needed - several seats ran unopposed and maybe would get 10 write-ins on election day for someone else). So I was locked out of primaries for our county this year.

I'm in Lake County though, and I don't know diddly about Lake County politics. So it's probably best that I stayed out of this year's primaries, and I'll educate myself for the election day itself.

[tophcfa]

I sincerely hope this is a wake up call for the current generation of the family, that what is best for both the existing residents of the Villages and the developers can run on a parallel pathway. That business model worked extremely well for the previous generations of the family, and made them rich beyond their wildest dreams, and there is nothing wrong with that. Let’s all hope that this sends a clear message that Gary Morse's business model is far superior to what we have increasingly experienced over the last few years : )

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I though that Hacienda Hills CC was in Lake county.

[Ladygolfer93]

Somewhat surprisingly, the three candidates that challenged the three developer-supported Incumbents for positions as Sumter County Commissioners won the Republican Primary convincingly. The challengers will have to win the General Election in November, and there will be lots of developer-designed and funded challenges, probably for write-in candidates. The upcoming weeks will be interesting as this will be the first time in at least a decade when the Sumter County Board won’t be cleanly “in the pocket” of The Villages Developer.

What’s at risk for the Developer? Lots of things. Without a lot of study, how about...

—A repeal of the major change which has the new roads and infrastructure in the new southern end of The Villages funded by the taxpayers rather than the Developer as had been the practice until this year. The result of the change was a 25% increase in property taxes. The challengers all ran with the repeal of those tax increases as a major plank in their platforms.

—The possible repeal of the “One Sumter” procedure for the election of County Commissioners. The change in the electoral process goes back almost fifteen years and was designed and sponsored by the Developer. The result of the electoral change was that the County Board could be controlled by three members, all of whom have turned out to be choices of the Developer and financed by them. The result of course was pretty much complete control of the Board in getting anything the Developer wanted approved.

—There are lots of other decisions facing the County Commissioners that will effect all Villages residents living in Sumter County (the vast majority of us). Not the least important issue might be approval of the re-zoning of the Hacienda Hills CC parcel to permit the construction of a high-rise 286-unit apartment building.

So it’ll probably be important for all of us to begin to pay lots more attention to local Sumter County politics. You can be certain that the Developer will be very creative approaching the General Election and beyond, trying to regain control of the Sumter County Board. Keeping local politics in the control of the taxpayers will take our collective, continual attention.

So very well said and WARNED, but, how many will actually care ? Will do their homework ? Will keep an eye on things ? I have found it takes a LOT of time, searching, "digging" around to get ACTUAL facts and figures from REAL sources live government docs !

[queasy27]

I thought that Hacienda Hills CC was in Lake county.

And back to reality. :)

Be interesting to see how the Lake County Commissioners respond. In my casual view, they are generally pro development (which doesn't necessarily mean pro Developer). I don't recall any big battles or crises when the land for the new Lake County villages was sold a few years ago.

[Coal Miner]

Very exciting. I hope we can continue to remove incumbents who do things for their own self interests this Nov.

[J1ceasar]

Round one folks .

[jacksonbrown]

Anticipate a fast track to re-zone the Hacienda Hills CC parcel before the puppets leave office.

Should the current crop decide to fast track or enter into sweetheart deals, we property owners can sue, claiming

Qualified Immunity (https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/qualified_immunity)

1. They WILL BE voted out,

2 They WILL NOT have Sumter County taxpayers paying their legal bills. Even if they win their QI lawsuits, their personal costs will be enormous.

[Pillowtalk]

We also had to do the same thing. Switching back today also. What we need here and in our goverment is elected officials who put the country and the good of it’s people before their party. And also someone who represents all of us, instead of just half of us would help to bring us together to end to this divide.

[Two Bills]

The Beatles - Can't Buy Me Love - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srwxJUXPHvE)

[sharonl7340]

I have been a Democrat my entire adult voting life. I align more with Democratic thoughts and values, but changed my party affiliation for this election. I assumed I would go back online change it back over after the election yesterday, but I have been thinking that would be a mistake. This county is controlled by a Republican majority and if I change back then I can't vote in the primaries that will ultimately decide who the candidates (opposed or unopposed) in November will be. I think I will keep my party affiliation as Republican just to balance out the deeply conservative votes in these primaries. This same situation (that occured in this election) will continue to happen in future races and I want to be ready to cast my vote for candidates who will listen to the citizens they are supposed to serve. I think the term has always been a "yellow Democrat" for a person to change their party to win an election; I'll be a yellow Republican to hopefully effect some change in the elections.

[George Page]

“Elections have consequences“

[Madelaine Amee]

Somewhat surprisingly, the three candidates that challenged the three developer-supported Incumbents for positions as Sumter County Commissioners won the Republican Primary convincingly. The challengers will have to win the General Election in November, and there will be lots of developer-designed and funded challenges, probably for write-in candidates. The upcoming weeks will be interesting as this will be the first time in at least a decade when the Sumter County Board won’t be cleanly “in the pocket” of The Villages Developer.

What’s at risk for the Developer? Lots of things. Without a lot of study, how about...

—A repeal of the major change which has the new roads and infrastructure in the new southern end of The Villages funded by the taxpayers rather than the Developer as had been the practice until this year. The result of the change was a 25% increase in property taxes. The challengers all ran with the repeal of those tax increases as a major plank in their platforms.

—The possible repeal of the “One Sumter” procedure for the election of County Commissioners. The change in the electoral process goes back almost fifteen years and was designed and sponsored by the Developer. The result of the electoral change was that the County Board could be controlled by three members, all of whom have turned out to be choices of the Developer and financed by them. The result of course was pretty much complete control of the Board in getting anything the Developer wanted approved.

—There are lots of other decisions facing the County Commissioners that will effect all Villages residents living in Sumter County (the vast majority of us). Not the least important issue might be approval of the re-zoning of the Hacienda Hills CC parcel to permit the construction of a high-rise 286-unit apartment building.

So it’ll probably be important for all of us to begin to pay lots more attention to local Sumter County politics. You can be certain that the Developer will be very creative approaching the General Election and beyond, trying to regain control of the Sumter County Board. Keeping local politics in the control of the taxpayers will take our collective, continual attention.



Thank you for this information. In ignorance I missed the primary, but I can educate myself to make sure my General vote is counted.

[johnsre]

I think Hacienda Hills is in Lake County

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I have been a Democrat my entire adult voting life. I align more with Democratic thoughts and values, but changed my party affiliation for this election. I assumed I would go back online change it back over after the election yesterday, but I have been thinking that would be a mistake. This county is controlled by a Republican majority and if I change back then I can't vote in the primaries that will ultimately decide who the candidates (opposed or unopposed) in November will be. I think I will keep my party affiliation as Republican just to balance out the deeply conservative votes in these primaries. This same situation (that occured in this election) will continue to happen in future races and I want to be ready to cast my vote for candidates who will listen to the citizens they are supposed to serve. I think the term has always been a "yellow Democrat" for a person to change their party to win an election; I'll be a yellow Republican to hopefully effect some change in the elections.

Just remember, you can still vote Democrat in all general elections. And (as I discovered too late) if there's a primary with one party running with no other party opposing it, you can vote in that primary no matter what your affiliation is.

In other words:

If the Republican party has 3 candidates running and there's a Primary to determine which one gets the nomination..

and if there is no Democrat running for that particular position...

then the primary becomes a "universal primary" and every registered voter in the district can vote for that primary.

[ts12755]

The developer will buy and own these three new ones in less than 6 months. Look at Washington DC, that's how they all get rich.

[ldovermiller]

Great, I'm glad these "three stooges" are going away!!

[toeser]

I think Hacienda Hills is in Lake County

It is absolutely in Sumter County.

[toeser]

The developer will buy and own these three new ones in less than 6 months. Look at Washington DC, that's how they all get rich.

No, they won't. One is my neighbor and he is loaded with integrity. You should not post things like that about people you do not know.

[robertj1954]

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WOW! Personally we changed from 'No Party' Affiliation' to 'Republican' in order to vote in the Primary. We are both Independents, but after research it was apparent that the 3 incumbents do(did) not deserve to be in those posts any longer. Some videos we saw of several Committee meetings, and how they treated our citizens (and in turn us all) soured us so much we HAD to vote.

This is good news - sure hope that we end up with more sincere and honest reps.

I must say - today we went online and switched back to NPA.

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The 3 incumbents learned the hard way what happens when you fail to support the people who put you in public office. I can’t add anything to what the other posters have already stated well. This is my message to the Developer. Elections have consequences!

[Deanmasser]

That’s great news! Need to interview these candidates to assure their support on these items. Than tell friends and neighbors and get out and Vote!!

[PompeyKing]

We are new to The Villages and registered to vote and voted. Can you share the website that allows you to change your party. Thanks,

[PennBF]

It would be an understatement to say I am proud of the residents who voted for the new and replacement Commissioner's. That is what Democracy is all about! I agree that allegedly they will be pursued to stay with the Developer and could be under severe pressure to "go with the Developer". Their challenge is to remain loyal to the many who believed in them and their integrity. Politics can be a dirty game and this is an opportunity to truly understand and represent the residents fairly. Again, thanks for your willingness to take on the role of fairly representing your neighbors! :ho:

[gatorbill1]

Good results - but the best thing for this area would be to have a needed two party system and just vote in the best people, no matter the party. We will not progress past Developer run area until then.

[champion6]

I though that Hacienda Hills CC was in Lake county.
And back to reality. :)
Be interesting to see how the Lake County Commissioners respond. In my casual view, they are generally pro development (which doesn't necessarily mean pro Developer). I don't recall any big battles or crises when the land for the new Lake County villages was sold a few years ago.Absolutely, positively, Hacienda Hills CC - all buildings and all the golf holes - are in Sumter County.

[DeanFL]

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For us both - we are NPA, and truly Independent voters. I don't really care about the D, R, I after a candiates name (too much anyway). What threw our votes against the incumbents was those videos taken from Committee Public meetings and how consituents were treated. Showed us 'true colors', and perhaps their bias and attitudes in the shadows when not in public. The non-stop full page ads in the Sun were turnoffs - funded by Who??? We vote on issues - and for encumbents, past actions in office. This was an 'easy vote' for us and -for now- pleased. We needed to clean house. As some other poster said, hope they don't get bought if they get elected in the General.
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[sharonl7340]

Sumter County Supervisor of Elections > Voters > Review My Registration Status (Voter Lookup) (https://sumter.electionsfl.org/Voters/Review-My-Registration-Status--Voter-Lookup)

Complete the form to see:

- Where to vote on election day
- Sample ballots
- Upcoming elections

You'll also be able to:

- Request a mail ballot
- Review/update your voter registration information
- Check the status of your mail ballot
- Review your voting activity for the past 12 months

[Fenster]

Somewhat surprisingly, the three candidates that challenged the three developer-supported Incumbents for positions as Sumter County Commissioners won the Republican Primary convincingly. The challengers will have to win the General Election in November, and there will be lots of developer-designed and funded challenges, probably for write-in candidates. The upcoming weeks will be interesting as this will be the first time in at least a decade when the Sumter County Board won’t be cleanly “in the pocket” of The Villages Developer.

What’s at risk for the Developer? Lots of things. Without a lot of study, how about...

—A repeal of the major change which has the new roads and infrastructure in the new southern end of The Villages funded by the taxpayers rather than the Developer as had been the practice until this year. The result of the change was a 25% increase in property taxes. The challengers all ran with the repeal of those tax increases as a major plank in their platforms.

—The possible repeal of the “One Sumter” procedure for the election of County Commissioners. The change in the electoral process goes back almost fifteen years and was designed and sponsored by the Developer. The result of the electoral change was that the County Board could be controlled by three members, all of whom have turned out to be choices of the Developer and financed by them. The result of course was pretty much complete control of the Board in getting anything the Developer wanted approved.

—There are lots of other decisions facing the County Commissioners that will effect all Villages residents living in Sumter County (the vast majority of us). Not the least important issue might be approval of the re-zoning of the Hacienda Hills CC parcel to permit the construction of a high-rise 286-unit apartment building.

So it’ll probably be important for all of us to begin to pay lots more attention to local Sumter County politics. You can be certain that the Developer will be very creative approaching the General Election and beyond, trying to regain control of the Sumter County Board. Keeping local politics in the control of the taxpayers will take our collective, continual attention.


KEEP BEATING THE DRUM!
Great post.
Many of the proposed plans are bad for the residents. Pure money grabs. Enough already!

[Stu from NYC]

Hopefully the developer will see what has happened and return to the days of yesteryear.

[Cbriggi]

I though that Hacienda Hills CC was in Lake county.

No all of hacienda hills buildings and three golf courses are in Sumter County. Although the golf course does abut lake county.

[Topspinmo]

Hopefully the developer will see what has happened and return to the days of yesteryear.

Not going to happen, the king is gone.

[Carla B]

Just remember, you can still vote Democrat in all general elections. And (as I discovered too late) if there's a primary with one party running with no other party opposing it, you can vote in that primary no matter what your affiliation is.

In other words:

If the Republican party has 3 candidates running and there's a Primary to determine which one gets the nomination..

and if there is no Democrat running for that particular position...

then the primary becomes a "universal primary" and every registered voter in the district can vote for that primary.

I don't understand. As far as I know, Florida is a closed primary state. Just in order to vote in this primary many of us went through the process of changing from NPA, Democrat, or whatever, to Republican.

[rmd2]

Yeaaa! Congratulations to Estep, Miller and Search in winning the Sumter County Commissioner positions.
In 2020 two more Sumter County Commissioner persons need to be removed - vote out Developer puppets--Breeden and Gilpin. These Commissioners treated us like DIRT when they raised our taxes by 25% and ignored us in meetings when we tried to discuss it. Whenever there is a case of expenses to be paid it's better for US to pay for them rather than the Developer - right Breeden and Gilpin? You're next to go!

[merrymini]

Florida is a closed primary state. That means that if you are not affiliated with either party, you cannot vote in a primary. There should be a referendum on the November ballot for Florida to become a open primary state, allowing independents to vote in primaries. I will vote for this because, I believe, independents have the right to vote in primaries just like everyone else.

[New Englander]

Florida is a closed primary state. That means that if you are not affiliated with either party, you cannot vote in a primary. There should be a referendum on the November ballot for Florida to become a open primary state, allowing independents to vote in primaries. I will vote for this because, I believe, independents have the right to vote in primaries just like everyone else.

:agree:

[PennBF]

Is there a "Recall" procedure in Florida, where in case you have an elected official that is not truly representing the people can be recalled? I am thinking of the last 2 Commissioner's which we are stuck with until 2022?:ohdear:

[jojo]

No, they won't. One is my neighbor and he is loaded with integrity. You should not post things like that about people you do not know.

I also have a neighbor with the highest integrity who was elected and agree with your response. He is not anti-developer but will not be bought. He does not have an agenda other than serving the people.

[KRM0614]

Most importantly controlling the message to the residents, the public and nationally.

[EviesGP]

I also have a neighbor with the highest integrity who was elected and agree with your response. He is not anti-developer but will not be bought. He does not have an agenda other than serving the people.

I third this statement! I am friends with one of them, as well. And, he is not anti-developer. He just wants honesty and integrity. Something that was CLEARLY lacking with these folks.

I love TV, and all that is has to offer. I am grateful for what Morse and Schwartz did, and look forward to the future here. I am not against them making money(as much as possible), and capitalism itself. I would, if I could. But, IMO, the impact fees associated with the expansion and build-out should be paid by the developer, not the tax payers. And, the developer should try to recoup those expenses, by pricing that into the sale of the homes. That's how it works everywhere else that I know of, and it should here. This is the first place that I've seen where you have a mortgage, and then assume a bond, for the build(which occurred years before)? Just my opinion. Thanks!

[njbchbum]

I think Hacienda Hills is in Lake County

Not according to Sumter County tax record!
Owner's Name THE VILLAGES OPERATING COMPANY
Site Address 1200 MORSE BLVD, LADY LAKE, FL 32159
Mail Address 3619 KIESSEL RD, THE VILLAGES, FL 32163
Use Desc. (code) CLUB / LODGE / UNION HALL (07700)

[Ndomines]

After seeing the past performances of the Commissioners Open meetings is it any wonder they got the boot?
Apparently they forgot that it’s the people not special interests they represent. OR maybe they never forgot who they represent.
KUDOS to the developers for all they have accomplished I only wish they had lived up to the promise of the small town, age restricted lifestyle as envisioned by Mr Schwartz.
Now we have URBAN SPRAWL.
Traffic jams, people living in The Villages who are under 40 with very loud mufflers on their motorcycles, pounding sub woofers going by in their loud cars, everyday lawn mowers running that never seem to get the neighbors lawns done. When we bought our home, and like so many others, we were told this is the last of new construction.
It’s impossible to turn back the clock but it is possible stop the lies and get about the business of
Making sure folks get what they paid for.

Somewhat surprisingly, the three candidates that challenged the three developer-supported Incumbents for positions as Sumter County Commissioners won the Republican Primary convincingly. The challengers will have to win the General Election in November, and there will be lots of developer-designed and funded challenges, probably for write-in candidates. The upcoming weeks will be interesting as this will be the first time in at least a decade when the Sumter County Board won’t be cleanly “in the pocket” of The Villages Developer.

What’s at risk for the Developer? Lots of things. Without a lot of study, how about...

—A repeal of the major change which has the new roads and infrastructure in the new southern end of The Villages funded by the taxpayers rather than the Developer as had been the practice until this year. The result of the change was a 25% increase in property taxes. The challengers all ran with the repeal of those tax increases as a major plank in their platforms.

—The possible repeal of the “One Sumter” procedure for the election of County Commissioners. The change in the electoral process goes back almost fifteen years and was designed and sponsored by the Developer. The result of the electoral change was that the County Board could be controlled by three members, all of whom have turned out to be choices of the Developer and financed by them. The result of course was pretty much complete control of the Board in getting anything the Developer wanted approved.

—There are lots of other decisions facing the County Commissioners that will effect all Villages residents living in Sumter County (the vast majority of us). Not the least important issue might be approval of the re-zoning of the Hacienda Hills CC parcel to permit the construction of a high-rise 286-unit apartment building.

So it’ll probably be important for all of us to begin to pay lots more attention to local Sumter County politics. You can be certain that the Developer will be very creative approaching the General Election and beyond, trying to regain control of the Sumter County Board. Keeping local politics in the control of the taxpayers will take our collective, continual attention.

[Indydealmaker]

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.
.
WOW! Personally we changed from 'No Party' Affiliation' to 'Republican' in order to vote in the Primary. We are both Independents, but after research it was apparent that the 3 incumbents do(did) not deserve to be in those posts any longer. Some videos we saw of several Committee meetings, and how they treated our citizens (and in turn us all) soured us so much we HAD to vote.

This is good news - sure hope that we end up with more sincere and honest reps.

I must say - today we went online and switched back to NPA.

.
.
.

Electing those duds is just jumping from the frying pan into the fire!

[jimjamuser]

After seeing the past performances of the Commissioners Open meetings is it any wonder they got the boot?
Apparently they forgot that it’s the people not special interests they represent. OR maybe they never forgot who they represent.
KUDOS to the developers for all they have accomplished I only wish they had lived up to the promise of the small town, age restricted lifestyle as envisioned by Mr Schwartz.
Now we have URBAN SPRAWL.
Traffic jams, people living in The Villages who are under 40 with very loud mufflers on their motorcycles, pounding sub woofers going by in their loud cars, everyday lawn mowers running that never seem to get the neighbors lawns done. When we bought our home, and like so many others, we were told this is the last of new construction.
It’s impossible to turn back the clock but it is possible stop the lies and get about the business of
Making sure folks get what they paid for.
Yes, LOUD lawnmowers without mufflers. In my opinion ALL lawnmowers in TV land should be electric. Soon all cars and trucks will be. I hope lawnmowers soon follow.

[Advogado]

Is there a "Recall" procedure in Florida, where in case you have an elected official that is not truly representing the people can be recalled? I am thinking of the last 2 Commissioner's which we are stuck with until 2022?:ohdear:

Unfortunately, as far as I can determine, in Sumter County there is no way for voters to recall the Commissioners. See, e.g., Laws governing recall in Florida - Ballotpedia (https://ballotpedia.org/Laws_governing_recall_in_Florida)

Gilpin and Breeden can be ousted by the Governor and the State Senate, but you know that that is not likely to happen. Executive Suspensions - The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/ExecutiveSuspensions)

[Advogado]

[QUOTE=OrangeBlossomBaby;1819752]Just remember, you can still vote Democrat in all general elections. And (as I discovered too late) if there's a primary with one party running with no other party opposing it, you can vote in that primary no matter what your affiliation is.

In other words:

If the Republican party has 3 candidates running and there's a Primary to determine which one gets the nomination..

and if there is no Democrat running for that particular position...

then the primary becomes a "universal primary" and every registered voter in the district can vote for that primary.[/QUOTE

Not exactly. The Florida constitution provides for a Universal Primary Contest if the winner of the a primary will face NO opposition in the General Election, i.e., not necessarily opposition from a Democrat. For that reason, the Developer and his puppets ran fake write-in candidates Wahl and Prince-- thereby disenfranchising over 45,000 voters who should have, under the law, been entitled to vote in yesterday's primary.

[biker1]

Everyone could have voted if they were willing to change their voter registration to Republican. After the primary they can change it back. Clearly this is a bit of an inconvenience and should be unnecessary. I do know people who did do this and I encouraged others to do so. Fortunately it all worked out OK.

[QUOTE=OrangeBlossomBaby;1819752]Just remember, you can still vote Democrat in all general elections. And (as I discovered too late) if there's a primary with one party running with no other party opposing it, you can vote in that primary no matter what your affiliation is.

In other words:

If the Republican party has 3 candidates running and there's a Primary to determine which one gets the nomination..

and if there is no Democrat running for that particular position...

then the primary becomes a "universal primary" and every registered voter in the district can vote for that primary.[/QUOTE

Not exactly. The Florida constitution provides for a Universal Primary Contest if the winner of the a primary will face NO opposition in the General Election, i.e., not necessarily opposition from a Democrat. For that reason, the Developer and his puppets ran fake write-in candidates Wahl and Prince-- thereby disenfranchising over 45,000 voters who should have, under the law, been entitled to vote in yesterday's primary.

[Ndomines]

Already see it. Expand the tax base with sweetheart deals to developers then rake in the windfall from tax revenues and build new Palaces, new police headquarters, new courthouses, new public office buildings from which the entrenched politicians can operate in wall to wall carpeted, soundproof climate controlled offices while they sit at their mahogany desks and convince themselves that it all happened because the people who they bamboozed want to showcase what we the voters are so proud of.
Look around folks. Check out the public offices under construction all around THE VILLAGES, we are paying for it and our payback is urban sprawl.
There remains to many mutual admiration croonies spending
Tax revenues unchecked.

Good job, voters of Sumter County: 3 down! 2 to go! In 2022, we need to finish the cleansing of the County Commission by voting out the two remaining Developer puppets--Breeden and Gilpin.

Let's watch what happens between now and the departure of Butler, Burgess, and Printz after the general election in November. They may try to poison the well for the incumbents by tying the County into as many sweetheart contracts with
the Developer as possible.

[PennBF]

How many know the residents pay the majority of the costs to maintain the Sumter Landing maintenance even though the merchants and Developer get the usage of the facilities, business, and tourisiam? How many know that at times the Project Wide and Amenity funds are intermixed at the whim of the Villages? You should know Project Wide is for repairs and replacements has no cap while Amenity fees have cap? You pay project wide on your taxes and Amenity monthly! Just some rather things that go by the board! :ohdear:

[clwahlstrom]

It takes a “village.”

[Advogado]

[QUOTE=biker1;1820008]Everyone could have voted if they were willing to change their voter registration to Republican. After the primary they can change it back. Clearly this is a bit of an inconvenience and should be unnecessary. I do know people who did do this and I encouraged others to do so. Fortunately it all worked out OK. [QUOTE]


You are right, of course. But in running the fake candidates, the Developer and his puppets were correctly presuming that relatively few voters would actually change registrations to regain their right to vote.

Fortunately, as you say, despite their skirting of campaign contribution limits, their lie-filled misleading ads, and their use of fake candidates to wrongfully disfranchise over 45,000 voters, the puppets were trounced.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I'm unaffiliated and didn't realize until too late that there were primaries for local elections (most of our town elections in my town up north were one Dem vs. one GOP and sometimes an independent, so there weren't ever any primaries needed - several seats ran unopposed and maybe would get 10 write-ins on election day for someone else).

We are in MA from where you relocated I believe, and after college, a friend of mine wrote in my Dad's name for tree warden/commissioner (tree whatever) and he lost by 2 votes! That would have been a surprise. . .

sportsguy

[starflyte1]

Somewhat surprisingly, the three candidates that challenged the three developer-supported Incumbents for positions as Sumter County Commissioners won the Republican Primary convincingly. The challengers will have to win the General Election in November, and there will be lots of developer-designed and funded challenges, probably for write-in candidates. The upcoming weeks will be interesting as this will be the first time in at least a decade when the Sumter County Board won’t be cleanly “in the pocket” of The Villages Developer.

What’s at risk for the Developer? Lots of things. Without a lot of study, how about...

—A repeal of the major change which has the new roads and infrastructure in the new southern end of The Villages funded by the taxpayers rather than the Developer as had been the practice until this year. The result of the change was a 25% increase in property taxes. The challengers all ran with the repeal of those tax increases as a major plank in their platforms.

—The possible repeal of the “One Sumter” procedure for the election of County Commissioners. The change in the electoral process goes back almost fifteen years and was designed and sponsored by the Developer. The result of the electoral change was that the County Board could be controlled by three members, all of whom have turned out to be choices of the Developer and financed by them. The result of course was pretty much complete control of the Board in getting anything the Developer wanted approved.

—There are lots of other decisions facing the County Commissioners that will effect all Villages residents living in Sumter County (the vast majority of us). Not the least important issue might be approval of the re-zoning of the Hacienda Hills CC parcel to permit the construction of a high-rise 286-unit apartment building.

So it’ll probably be important for all of us to begin to pay lots more attention to local Sumter County politics. You can be certain that the Developer will be very creative approaching the General Election and beyond, trying to regain control of the Sumter County Board. Keeping local politics in the control of the taxpayers will take our collective, continual attention.

Is it too late for the Developer to put up 3 Dems to run against the primary winners?

I totally agree with what you said, that the Developer will be very creative approaching the General Election and try to regain control of the commission.

[JoMar]

Ah the views through rose colored glasses.......wait a couple years and these conversations will return.

[Love2Swim]

Somewhat surprisingly, the three candidates that challenged the three developer-supported Incumbents for positions as Sumter County Commissioners won the Republican Primary convincingly. The challengers will have to win the General Election in November, and there will be lots of developer-designed and funded challenges, probably for write-in candidates. The upcoming weeks will be interesting as this will be the first time in at least a decade when the Sumter County Board won’t be cleanly “in the pocket” of The Villages Developer.

What’s at risk for the Developer? Lots of things. Without a lot of study, how about...

—A repeal of the major change which has the new roads and infrastructure in the new southern end of The Villages funded by the taxpayers rather than the Developer as had been the practice until this year. The result of the change was a 25% increase in property taxes. The challengers all ran with the repeal of those tax increases as a major plank in their platforms.

—The possible repeal of the “One Sumter” procedure for the election of County Commissioners. The change in the electoral process goes back almost fifteen years and was designed and sponsored by the Developer. The result of the electoral change was that the County Board could be controlled by three members, all of whom have turned out to be choices of the Developer and financed by them. The result of course was pretty much complete control of the Board in getting anything the Developer wanted approved.

—There are lots of other decisions facing the County Commissioners that will effect all Villages residents living in Sumter County (the vast majority of us). Not the least important issue might be approval of the re-zoning of the Hacienda Hills CC parcel to permit the construction of a high-rise 286-unit apartment building.

So it’ll probably be important for all of us to begin to pay lots more attention to local Sumter County politics. You can be certain that the Developer will be very creative approaching the General Election and beyond, trying to regain control of the Sumter County Board. Keeping local politics in the control of the taxpayers will take our collective, continual attention.

great summary, thanks.

[Northwoods]

Hacienda Hills... The Developer wants to build a nice apartment complex with a pool (SWIM UP BAR) and restaurant. All residents have access. Or... you can have a parking lot. You don't get to dictate what is on that site. (Neither do the new commissioners).

Remember Katie Bell's? You want the Developer to build a restaurant for Villagers so they can order a water with lemon and split the entree.

So many people complain that The Developer is abandoning the older sections of The Villages. The Developer is willing to provide housing for some of the older residents that don't want the maintenance of a house anymore. The complex will feature a new pool and a new restaurant.

But many of you don't want that. You would prefer a parking lot.

[THUNDERCHIEF]

Awesome- get the bum;s out

[Halibut]

Not according to Sumter County tax record!
Owner's Name THE VILLAGES OPERATING COMPANY
Site Address 1200 MORSE BLVD, LADY LAKE, FL 32159

Was there perhaps some sweet gerrymandering to have a facility with a Lady Lake address and zip code be part of Sumter County?

[Rwirish]

No surprising at all.

[J1ceasar]

Commissioners dictate what can and cannot be built by voting down approval permits.

[J1ceasar]

Suddenly, three new Cadillacs will appear in certain Drive ways after the voting is November.

Just a joke folks don't take this seriously

[M2inOR]

Was there perhaps some sweet gerrymandering to have a facility with a Lady Lake address and zip code be part of Sumter County?

Postal mailing addresses aren't the same as county boundaries.

Pull up the county map, and you will see that the physical location of the country club and parking lot was in Sumter, and part of the golf course is in Lake county.

So there likely are several parcels in county records with different assessments. Visit the county web sites to see for yourself. This occurs in many jurisdictions.

No gerrymandering. A straight line county boundary in that area separating Sumter and Lake counties.

[npwalters]

Hacienda Hills... The Developer wants to build a nice apartment complex with a pool (SWIM UP BAR) and restaurant. All residents have access. Or... you can have a parking lot. You don't get to dictate what is on that site. (Neither do the new commissioners).

Remember Katie Bell's? You want the Developer to build a restaurant for Villagers so they can order a water with lemon and split the entree.

So many people complain that The Developer is abandoning the older sections of The Villages. The Developer is willing to provide housing for some of the older residents that don't want the maintenance of a house anymore. The complex will feature a new pool and a new restaurant.

But many of you don't want that. You would prefer a parking lot.

I'm guessing you don't live in that single family neighborhood that is on the verge of being changed forever. Yes, many of us would prefer a parking lot.

[Heyitsrick]

Florida is a closed primary state. That means that if you are not affiliated with either party, you cannot vote in a primary. There should be a referendum on the November ballot for Florida to become a open primary state, allowing independents to vote in primaries. I will vote for this because, I believe, independents have the right to vote in primaries just like everyone else.

I don't understand this line of thinking. Yes, I know there are open primary states, so it's a fait accompli in those cases. But why should people who are not part of a particular political group be able to help determine whom that group decides to run as candidates?

In my view, if you really want to have a say, then join that party. Or, support candidates from another party to run against whomever the other party has chosen.

You've stated that you have "no party affiliation". So why should you have any power in a primary that's selecting people who do have a party affiliation? It's like "I have no desire to join your club, but I want to be able to help decide who gets to run for office in your club". I don't get that.

[merrymini]

I don't understand this line of thinking. Yes, I know there are open primary states, so it's a fait accompli in those cases. But why should people who are not part of a particular political group be able to help determine whom that group decides to run as candidates?

In my view, if you really want to have a say, then join that party. Or, support candidates from another party to run against whomever the other party has chosen.

You've stated that you have "no party affiliation". So why should you have any power in a primary that's selecting people who do have a party affiliation? It's like "I have no desire to join your club, but I want to be able to help decide who gets to run for office in your club". I don't get that.

I do not join a party because I pick the people individually from either party that I feel best represents the interests of the constituents they will stand for. I do not swallow the fish whole but by being NPA, I do not get to vote in ANY primary and do not think that is FAIR. Both parties do not want NPA’s to vote because by not being affiliated, they cannot tie you to their party. I could switch parties continuously and vote In primaries all the time but would prefer to have that right as an NPA.

[Heyitsrick]

I do not join a party because I pick the people individually from either party that I feel best represents the interests of the constituents they will stand for. I do not swallow the fish whole but by being NPA, I do not get to vote in ANY primary and do not think that is FAIR. Both parties do not want NPA’s to vote because by not being affiliated, they cannot tie you to their party. I could switch parties continuously and vote In primaries all the time but would prefer to have that right as an NPA.

You talk about being "FAIR", but you've made your choice. The choice of NPA - at least in Florida - is that you don't get to vote in political party primaries. You knew that going in, no?

I don't know what being "tied to a party" means, as you say it. Are you talking about junk mail and robo calls for campaign donations? Is it that you don't want someone seeing your name on a voting roll? Whatever the case is, part of the deal of NPA - in Florida - is that it lives up to its name. If you're not affiliated with a party, you get excluded from things like primaries for any party. Seems fair to me. Otherwise, it's a "have your cake and eat it, too" scenario.

Also, what difference does it make if you're a registered R or D (or whatever)? You can vote for whomever you wish in the general elections.

[Topspinmo]

Yes, LOUD lawnmowers without mufflers. In my opinion ALL lawnmowers in TV land should be electric. Soon all cars and trucks will be. I hope lawnmowers soon follow.

Dream on! Not in our life time.

[Topspinmo]

Hacienda Hills... The Developer wants to build a nice apartment complex with a pool (SWIM UP BAR) and restaurant. All residents have access. Or... you can have a parking lot. You don't get to dictate what is on that site. (Neither do the new commissioners).

Remember Katie Bell's? You want the Developer to build a restaurant for Villagers so they can order a water with lemon and split the entree.

So many people complain that The Developer is abandoning the older sections of The Villages. The Developer is willing to provide housing for some of the older residents that don't want the maintenance of a house anymore. The complex will feature a new pool and a new restaurant.

But many of you don't want that. You would prefer a parking lot.

A apartment or two fine, but they will be popping up like assisted living on every corner. At some point this will affect resales. So, if you can’t sale you’re home you can’t move into apartments. Laugh now but wait when they pop up of CR42 in open fields, polo fields, glenview, lopez, and work way south when developers properties become to runs down and defunct?

[KRM0614]

Nothing will change. Money is the pivotal driver in everything here. There may have been a vision 40 yrs ago however TV strayed from that exponentially. The lack of honesty the aggressive sales tactics the control of the messaging thru media just makes the vision merely that. Everything here is nothing like the commercials.

[chas39]

Amen

[jimjamuser]

Hacienda Hills... The Developer wants to build a nice apartment complex with a pool (SWIM UP BAR) and restaurant. All residents have access. Or... you can have a parking lot. You don't get to dictate what is on that site. (Neither do the new commissioners).

Remember Katie Bell's? You want the Developer to build a restaurant for Villagers so they can order a water with lemon and split the entree.

So many people complain that The Developer is abandoning the older sections of The Villages. The Developer is willing to provide housing for some of the older residents that don't want the maintenance of a house anymore. The complex will feature a new pool and a new restaurant.

But many of you don't want that. You would prefer a parking lot.
I liked Katie Belles, as did a lot of people. I was a fun place. But you are right. The developer gets to "dictate"! And that makes us......What?

[Stu from NYC]

I liked Katie Belles, as did a lot of people. I was a fun place. But you are right. The developer gets to "dictate"! And that makes us......What?

Gets me that people say that Katie Belles closed due to people coming in and not ordering anything.

All management had to do is have a certain minimum charge per person and the problem goes away.

[biker1]

The old Katie Belle’s did have a minimum you had to spend for some performances. Some performances also had a charge for each seat at a table. I am not sure what the new Katie Belle’s was doing in that regard. The old Katie Belle’s was a lot of fun with the right band. I saw Uncle Bob there a number of times.

Gets me that people say that Katie Belles closed due to people coming in and not ordering anything.

All management had to do is have a certain minimum charge per person and the problem goes away.

[JoMar]

The old Katie Belle’s did have a minimum you had to spend for some performances. Some performances also had a charge for each seat at a table. I am not sure what the new Katie Belle’s was doing in that regard. The old Katie Belle’s was a lot of fun with the right band. I saw Uncle Bob there a number of times.

The old Katie Belle's did go to a minimum when there was entertainment, attendance decreased whenever they applied the charge. Reconfiguring allowed less space but evidently they couldn't make the business plan.

[JoMar]

Nothing will change. Money is the pivotal driver in everything here. There may have been a vision 40 yrs ago however TV strayed from that exponentially. The lack of honesty the aggressive sales tactics the control of the messaging thru media just makes the vision merely that. Everything here is nothing like the commercials.

All a matter of opinion.....assume you stay because a significant other like it here?

[jimjamuser]

Dream on! Not in our life time.
Better tell Tesla' sElon Musk that! Tell that boy that he is just wastig his time. Maybe some believe that loud noises are good for people. Science says otherwise. Learn science or live in a dark age forever.

[jimjamuser]

A apartment or two fine, but they will be popping up like assisted living on every corner. At some point this will affect resales. So, if you can’t sale you’re home you can’t move into apartments. Laugh now but wait when they pop up of CR42 in open fields, polo fields, glenview, lopez, and work way south when developers properties become to runs down and defunct?
Not to worry. No worries mate. We all will be paying our amenity fees in heaven or the warm whatever.

[Jayhawk]

I liked Katie Belles, as did a lot of people. I was a fun place. But you are right. The developer gets to "dictate"! And that makes us......What?

A customer. Free to buy or not any product or service offered for sale. Don't like it? Move on.

[npwalters]

Gets me that people say that Katie Belles closed due to people coming in and not ordering anything.

All management had to do is have a certain minimum charge per person and the problem goes away.

I'm with you. We visited Katie Belles several times and enjoyed it. I can promise you that my table, nor any of the tables near us, were ordering water with lemon. There was always a wait list in the high season. I'm sure the overhead vs income was the deciding factor but sure did hate to see it go.

[biker1]

The several times I was at the old Katie Belle's, with minimum charges and seat charges, were completely sold out. I can't speak to the new Katie Belles's - was never really interested in going there.

The old Katie Belle's did go to a minimum when there was entertainment, attendance decreased whenever they applied the charge. Reconfiguring allowed less space but evidently they couldn't make the business plan.

[WindyCityzen]

It’s a five person board, correct? Three votes would be a majority. Did they shrink the board size in the One Sumter plan? I’m confused what’s wrong.

[Topspinmo]

Somewhat surprisingly, the three candidates that challenged the three developer-supported Incumbents for positions as Sumter County Commissioners won the Republican Primary convincingly. The challengers will have to win the General Election in November, and there will be lots of developer-designed and funded challenges, probably for write-in candidates. The upcoming weeks will be interesting as this will be the first time in at least a decade when the Sumter County Board won’t be cleanly “in the pocket” of The Villages Developer.

What’s at risk for the Developer? Lots of things. Without a lot of study, how about...

—A repeal of the major change which has the new roads and infrastructure in the new southern end of The Villages funded by the taxpayers rather than the Developer as had been the practice until this year. The result of the change was a 25% increase in property taxes. The challengers all ran with the repeal of those tax increases as a major plank in their platforms.

—The possible repeal of the “One Sumter” procedure for the election of County Commissioners. The change in the electoral process goes back almost fifteen years and was designed and sponsored by the Developer. The result of the electoral change was that the County Board could be controlled by three members, all of whom have turned out to be choices of the Developer and financed by them. The result of course was pretty much complete control of the Board in getting anything the Developer wanted approved.

—There are lots of other decisions facing the County Commissioners that will effect all Villages residents living in Sumter County (the vast majority of us). Not the least important issue might be approval of the re-zoning of the Hacienda Hills CC parcel to permit the construction of a high-rise 286-unit apartment building.

So it’ll probably be important for all of us to begin to pay lots more attention to local Sumter County politics. You can be certain that the Developer will be very creative approaching the General Election and beyond, trying to regain control of the Sumter County Board. Keeping local politics in the control of the taxpayers will take our collective, continual attention.


Little late IMO should of happen 4 or 5 years ago. But, that don’t mean it would of fixed anything or made it better or worse? We’ll see what future hold?

[kcrazorbackfan]

Nothing will change. Money is the pivotal driver in everything here. There may have been a vision 40 yrs ago however TV strayed from that exponentially. The lack of honesty the aggressive sales tactics the control of the messaging thru media just makes the vision merely that. Everything here is nothing like the commercials.

WTH are you talking about with the “aggressive sales tactics”? Give examples of how you’re feelings were hurt....

We just bought our 2nd home from The Villages last week and never during the purchase of either home were we pressured to buy or were told anything that wasn’t actual fact.

Some of you need to GROW UP and quit whining about everything.

This is life; it’s not Disneyland.

[Advogado]

It’s a five person board, correct? Three votes would be a majority. Did they shrink the board size in the One Sumter plan? I’m confused what’s wrong.

It is, indeed, a five-person Commission. Therefore, the EMS team, when elected in November, will constitute a majority. One Sumter did not affect the size of the Board.

[Bonnevie]

Hacienda Hills... The Developer wants to build a nice apartment complex with a pool (SWIM UP BAR) and restaurant. All residents have access. Or... you can have a parking lot. You don't get to dictate what is on that site. (Neither do the new commissioners).

Remember Katie Bell's? You want the Developer to build a restaurant for Villagers so they can order a water with lemon and split the entree.

So many people complain that The Developer is abandoning the older sections of The Villages. The Developer is willing to provide housing for some of the older residents that don't want the maintenance of a house anymore. The complex will feature a new pool and a new restaurant.

But many of you don't want that. You would prefer a parking lot.


So you expect the older residents who are probably living with a paid off mortgage and no bond to want to move into apartments that cost about $1700 for a one bedroom one bath unit, extra for covered parking just so they can have a swim up bar????

and the old Katie Bell's was always packed with people at the bar. one of the few places in The Villages opened late and there seemed to be some heavy drinking. as someone once said, anyone with a liquor license can make money.

[Northwoods]

So you expect the older residents who are probably living with a paid off mortgage and no bond to want to move into apartments that cost about $1700 for a one bedroom one bath unit, extra for covered parking just so they can have a swim up bar????

and the old Katie Bell's was always packed with people at the bar. one of the few places in The Villages opened late and there seemed to be some heavy drinking. as someone once said, anyone with a liquor license can make money.

Have you priced Independent Living Facilities? $1700 is a bargain. Plus... you still have access to all Villages amenities.

I know a few people (in their early 80's) that think the Brownwood Lofts are very appealing.

And I don't think people are going to move to the apartments for the swim up bar. I'm saying that as a Villager resident with access to the apartment amenities, I'M interested in the swim up bar.

[pauld315]

I though that Hacienda Hills CC was in Lake county.

Unless Sumter County was inspecting restaurants in Lake County, then you were incorrect in your thinking.

Hacienda Hills Country Club Restaurant | Sumter County | Restaurant Inspections | tallahassee.com (https://data.tallahassee.com/restaurant-inspections/sumter/hacienda-hills-country-club-restaurant/sea7000327/6148196/)

[pauld315]

Was there perhaps some sweet gerrymandering to have a facility with a Lady Lake address and zip code be part of Sumter County?

A lot of the homes north of 466 near Morse has a Lady Lake address and zip code but is actually in Sumter County. That is a post office thing, not a juridstictional one.

[pauld315]

Suddenly, three new Cadillacs will appear in certain Drive ways after the voting is November.

Just a joke folks don't take this seriously

Yes to the outgoing commissioners as they assume their new jobs working directly for the developer as payback

[pauld315]

Have you priced Independent Living Facilities? $1700 is a bargain. Plus... you still have access to all Villages amenities.

I know a few people (in their early 80's) that think the Brownwood Lofts are very appealing.

And I don't think people are going to move to the apartments for the swim up bar. I'm saying that as a Villager resident with access to the apartment amenities, I'M interested in the swim up bar.

Where has the developer ever said there will be a swim up bar ? It will probably be a family pool like the one they took down so I would doubt that is true. Before anybody says no, it wasn't a family pool it was a country club pool let me remind you all the country club pools allow any age in there as long as you are visiting somebody with a priority membership.

[queasy27]

Some of you need to GROW UP and quit whining about everything.

Honestly, I like hearing from the kvetchers, just like I do the rose-tinted Developer fans. It would be depressing to live in Stepford where everyone thinks and acts the same.

[Stu from NYC]

Honestly, I like hearing from the kvetchers, just like I do the rose-tinted Developer fans. It would be depressing to live in Stepford where everyone thinks and acts the same.

Better to get a diverse group of comments. If everyone thought the same would be rather boring.

[Number 10 GI]

So you expect the older residents who are probably living with a paid off mortgage and no bond to want to move into apartments that cost about $1700 for a one bedroom one bath unit, extra for covered parking just so they can have a swim up bar????

and the old Katie Bell's was always packed with people at the bar. one of the few places in The Villages opened late and there seemed to be some heavy drinking. as someone once said, anyone with a liquor license can make money.

Doesn't seem like the Lofts is having any problem finding renters for those high rent apartments. There are people who will rent them.
Apparently Katie Bell's wasn't making enough money to keep the doors open. It's called profit and loss, when it's all loss no business will be able to keep it's doors open. No, having a liquor license will not guarantee the success of a bar, if it did there would be a bar on every street corner.