Oren dropping suit for back pay

[dewilson58]

Sounds like Oren learned he is not entitled to back pay and has dropped trying to get it.

[Bill14564]

Sounds like Oren learned he is not entitled to back pay and has dropped trying to get it.

That isn't what he was quoted as saying.

Could be he has something else going on that he needs to spend time on over the next few months.

[dewilson58]

That isn't what he was quoted as saying.

Could be he has something else going on that he needs to spend time on over the next few months.

Given his history, I'm not sure I can believe what he says.

If he truly believed he is entitled, attorneys will spend time....not so much him.

That's why I said, sounds like.

[Stu from NYC]

Or there is not enough dollars behind it to make it practical to hire a lawyer to litigate this

[Normal]

It will be nice to see Oren get his 4 year shot as a commissioner without the Developer’s interruption of what the county residents want.

[Stu from NYC]

It will be nice to see Oren get his 4 year shot as a commissioner without the Developer’s interruption of what the county residents want.

Hopefully there will be a debate between the two so we can decide on our vote

[4$ALE]

It will be nice to see Oren get his 4 year shot as a commissioner without the Developer’s interruption of what the county residents want.

:confused: I thought he had a 4 year shot..... and blew it by lying. :shrug:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'm looking forward to watching from the sidelines, as I live in Lake County and have no vote in what goes on in Sumter.

[Rainger99]

Hopefully there will be a debate between the two so we can decide on our vote


Are there debates for county commissioner? If so, when and where? Are they streamed?

[Shipping up to Boston]

:confused: I thought he had a 4 year shot..... and blew it by lying. :shrug:

I don’t think he will be soliciting the ‘holier than thou’ vote in the district. Most of that block will sleep though primary day. No matter your persuasion politically, even those that have the ability to be candid....know this was an overzealous and over reach of a case. Did you really go to bed at night thinking....”Wow, thank God Oren is locked up for the past 75 days in the county jail....now I can sleep”. Most know nothing about the case but you really should. It just shows if the powers that be want you bad enough, they’ll find a way to make it stick. Add in a meddling chief executive and a certain TV ‘interested party’ with deep pockets....it’s a Lifetime Movie in the making.

[Stu from NYC]

I don’t think he will be soliciting the ‘holier than thou’ vote in the district. Most of that block will sleep though primary day. No matter your persuasion politically, even those that have the ability to be candid....know this was an overzealous and over reach of a case. Did you really go to bed at night thinking....”Wow, thank God Oren is locked up for the past 75 days in the county jail....now I can sleep”. Most know nothing about the case but you really should. It just shows if the powers that be want you bad enough, they’ll find a way to make it stick. Add in a meddling chief executive and a certain TV ‘interested party’ with deep pockets....it’s a Lifetime Movie in the making.

Very true. The Sun will keep reminding us that Miller lost a previous race before he came here and was convicted of a felony. The developer wanted him out and spent a considerable amount of money and favors to do so.

Wiley seems to be doing a good job and will be heavily favored and presumably financed by the developer.

Hopefully we will get to see them in a debate.

[tophcfa]

:confused: I thought he had a 4 year shot..... and blew it by lying. :shrug:

You thought wrong. He won a four year shot, against stacked odds, and had that shot pulled out from underneath him by a very powerful entity that both didn’t want him in the position he won, and wanted to make an example out of him. Like him or not, that’s what happened.

[Carla B]

Are there debates for county commissioner? If so, when and where? Are they streamed?

Don't think there were debates for county commissioners before. There didn't need to be since the "chosen" candidates seemed to always be assured of winning their respective races.

[BrianL99]

It will be nice to see Oren get his 4 year shot as a commissioner without the Developer’s interruption of what the county residents want.

I thought he was only re-instated, for the length of the term remaining?

& now he has to stand for election, against the Developer's backed candidate?

[Michael 61]

Don is very popular with most people you talk to in The Villages, and many share his political views . Will be an interesting race to watch for sure.

[Altavia]

I thought he was only re-instated, for the length of the term remaining?

& now he has to stand for election, against the Developer's backed candidate?

I'm not so sure sure the Developer supports DW as much as being against OM's obtuse anti-business views.

But DW has more intelligence and understanding of how the complexities of local governacance and business works.

OM who is a probably very nice person, is not so bright, never had clue how things work in the real world.

He was incompetent in his role and couldn't even comprehend the sunshine laws much less understand that at the end of the day, the tax prayers pay no matter how you split the check..

What happens to him was extream overkill and makes me sad but I don't think he has learned his lesson.

[Stu from NYC]

I thought he was only re-instated, for the length of the term remaining?

& now he has to stand for election, against the Developer's backed candidate?

Yup.

The one thing I worry about with Don is he is backed by the developer. Will see how independent he will be.

[Altavia]

Yup.

The one thing I worry about with Don is he is backed by the developer. Will see how independent he will be.

Don is he is one of the few people I've ever met who is truly as smart as he thinks he is :-)

[BrianL99]

I'm not so sure sure the Developer supports DW as much as being against OM's obtuse anti-business views.

But DW has more intelligence and understanding of how the complexities of local governacance and business works.

OM who is a probably very nice person, is not so bright, never had clue how things work in the real world.

He was incompetent in his role and couldn't even comprehend the sunshine laws much less understand that at the end of the day, the tax prayers pay no matter how you split the check..

What happens to him was extream overkill and makes me sad but I don't think he has learned his lesson.

From a distance, I came to a similar conclusion.


Don is he is one of the few people I've ever met who is truly as smart as he thinks he is :-)


Some might disagree.

[kaniess]

I'll be voting to restore Don Wiley to the commission. He knows how business works and his values align with most of our values. Miller was elected after a drastic property tax increase, promising to roll back the increase by punishing local businesses and future property buyers in Sumter County. Miller and his wife have a not so secret agenda to have a gold-plated animal shelter built.

[Normal]

I'll be voting to restore Don Wiley to the commission. He knows how business works and his values align with most of our values. Miller was elected after a drastic property tax increase, promising to roll back the increase by punishing local businesses and future property buyers in Sumter County. Miller and his wife have a not so secret agenda to have a gold-plated animal shelter built.

Wiley needs to go back to his drones, mistakes and pretend to know it all condescending attitude. Miller will do just fine. Besides the puppy mill Wiley runs, is already enough of a work load.

[Northwoods]

The OM campaign is encouraging independent and registered democrats to register republican to vote, and then switch back. Guess he sees a lot of backers in that group.

[MaryMS]

He was acquitted of the sham perjury charge.

[Northwoods]

Yes he was. Seems like a nice guy. Don’t vote for him because you feel sorry for him. Vote for the candidate that will do the best for Sumter county residents. My opinion is - Oren didn’t know how to navigate the “politics.” He had an all or nothing stance. And that didn’t help the Sumter Co residents.

[DrMack]

He was acquitted of the sham perjury charge.

It was a shame what was done to this man. It was all done so the Villages wouldn’t have to pay impact fees. I hope he spearheads an effort to double the impact fee. The family has robbed villagers long enough.

[DrMack]

Yes he was. Seems like a nice guy. Don’t vote for him because you feel sorry for him. Vote for the candidate that will do the best for Sumter county residents. My opinion is - Oren didn’t know how to navigate the “politics.” He had an all or nothing stance. And that didn’t help the Sumter Co residents.

I wouldn’t vote for someone who was backed by the developer. We know whose interests those candidates back. Hint, it isn’t the people’s.

[justjim]

Isn’t this Thread political and against TOTV rules?

[airstreamingypsy]

It will be nice to see Oren get his 4 year shot as a commissioner without the Developer’s interruption of what the county residents want.

I switched parties last night, so I'm able to vote in the primary. Just like last time, the developer is up to his old tricks.

[BrianL99]

Wiley needs to go back to his drones, mistakes and pretend to know it all condescending attitude. Miller will do just fine. Besides the puppy mill Wiley runs, is already enough of a work load.

None of my business, but be careful.

Some people that I would consider "public figures" are protected by TOTV and immune from public criticism.

Draconian punishment is sometimes administered, when protocol is not observed.

[I tried to send you a PM]

[dewilson58]

Isn’t this Thread political and against TOTV rules?

A few months ago there was a thread about Or.

At that time, I learned LOCAL offices are okay.

Have Fun!!

[dewilson58]

Yup.

The one thing I worry about with Don is he is backed by the developer. Will see how independent he will be.

Don's integrity is worth of more than $1,000.

:highfive:

[Stu from NYC]

Don's integrity is worth of more than $1,000.

:highfive:

I would certainly hope so

[justjim]

A few months ago there was a thread about Or.

At that time, I learned LOCAL offices are okay.

Have Fun!!

So it’s ok to talk and express opinions on local politics but not at the State or Federal level. Interesting.

[JMintzer]

Yup.

The one thing I worry about with Don is he is backed by the developer. Will see how independent he will be.

Nothing could be further from the truth...

He's had more than a few run ins with the developer, who are not please with him at times...

[justjim]

Most States have Open primaries. Florida, as we know, is closed since 1913. Non-partisan elections do not exist, even at the local level, which eliminates thousands of independent voters. Independents do not belong to either party. I said that to guess that most of us formerly came from States that have open non-partisan elections at the local level. As Joe Friday use to say “just the facts, mam”. Now who will be the first to say “go back from where you came from if you don’t like it”?

[cherylncliff]

Very true. The Sun will keep reminding us that Miller lost a previous race before he came here and was convicted of a felony. The developer wanted him out and spent a considerable amount of money and favors to do so.

Wiley seems to be doing a good job and will be heavily favored and presumably financed by the developer.

Hopefully we will get to see them in a debate.

He is not a convicted felons. The courts reversed that travesty that was called a trial.

[Stu from NYC]

He is not a convicted felons. The courts reversed that travesty that was called a trial.

I agree but that is what the developer will say via his newspaper

[Stu from NYC]

Nothing could be further from the truth...

He's had more than a few run ins with the developer, who are not please with him at times...

In the past I would agree with you. I would bet that the paper will heartily endorse Don for commissioner and campaign against Miller

[JMintzer]

In the past I would agree with you. I would bet that the paper will heartily endorse Don for commissioner and campaign against Miller

That's an interesting assumption that has no basis in history...

[Carla B]

That's an interesting assumption that has no basis in history...

We'll see about that.

[JMintzer]

We'll see about that.

That would be what may happen in the future, no?

[Stu from NYC]

That's an interesting assumption that has no basis in history...

Not an assumption at all. It is a prediction, nothing more nothing less

[dewilson58]

So it’s ok to talk and express opinions on local politics but not at the State or Federal level. Interesting.

Don't shoot the ____________.

[dewilson58]

He is not a convicted felons. The courts reversed that travesty that was called a trial.

But he WAS convicted.
Check the court records.
Yes, things happened since.............but he was convicted.

:ho:

[mtdjed]

But he WAS convicted.
Check the court records.
Yes, things happened since.............but he was convicted.

:ho:

Somehow, I view this situation from a different viewpoint and I have to admit I am a casual observer.

1/ I think he did violate the Florida Sunshine law regarding improper conversations. Personally, as I understand that law (limited), I think it is anti productive. To make things clear, my understanding is that discussion about issues with co- supervisors outside of public forum is not allowed.

2/ From what I understand, his crime of conviction was not for the Violation of the Sunshine law, but rather for Lying to state investigators whether he had discussions that violated the Florida Sunshine Law.

3/ His conviction was overturned upon appellate review that he did indicate later that he may have had those banned discussions.

What those discussions were about is another issue.

Was jail time even justified - in my opinion an unreasonable punishment for the whole issue.

Is he innocent, probably not regarding the Sunshine Law (He knew the rules). But Jail?

Thinking back on your life, have you ever done anything that violated a law? Speeding, theft (Pencil, tablet, software), insurance claim, tax deductions, etc.

Most of us are probably guilty of something. Would we have denied it? Yes, until the proof is evident. Then consent, I forgot whatever.

Not a Daily Sun issue or Village issue. We all create our own footprints. Be prepared to justify where they are. Don't blame others.

[ithos]

This thread would have been more beneficial for me if it was more focused more on the policy differences between the potential candidates.

Normally some ones party affiliation would affect my decision but not so much on the local level. The last thing I want is a politician who is a rubber stamp.

[Stu from NYC]

Normally some ones party affiliation would affect my decision but not so much on the local level. The last thing I want is a politician who is a rubber stamp.

Or his vote is bought and paid for

[Normal]

Hopefully we all want what is right, and not what greed dictates when selection time comes.

What Oren did was what was right in his own mind. Greed and gobbling money he already doesn’t need didn’t drive him to turn down the back pay due him.

Wiley also wants is right by being informative and even devoting time to his analysis of progress here. It appears he thinks he is right by supporting the developer and more business through his videos as advertisements to move to the villages which isn’t always a bad thing.

Many want a balance, not a heavy handed government. We just want a fair balance. This fall should be interesting.

[BrianL99]

Hopefully we all want what is right, and not what greed dictates when selection time comes.

What Oren did was what was right in his own mind. Greed and gobbling money he already doesn’t need didn’t drive him to turn down the back pay due him.

Wiley also wants is right by being informative and even devoting time to his analysis of progress here. It appears he thinks he is right by supporting the developer and more business through his videos as advertisements to move to the villages which isn’t always a bad thing.

Many want a balance, not a heavy handed government. We just want a fair balance. This fall should be interesting.

Government works best, when there's diversity of opinion, goals and perspectives.

[Rainger99]

But he WAS convicted.
Check the court records.
Yes, things happened since.............but he was convicted.

In Florida, if an appeal has been taken from a judgment of guilty in the trial court, that conviction does not become final until the judgment of the lower court has been finally affirmed by the appellate courts.

Felony conviction on appeal, voting | My Florida Legal (https://www.myfloridalegal.com/ag-opinions/felony-conviction-on-appeal-voting)

[Altavia]

So what happened since?

+10,000 new homes.

New roads, new Villages/homes, multiple golf course s, Middleton and 3 new Charter Schools built or under way.

Eastport well under way.

+20,000 jobs retained.

Sumter County property taxes reduced 9% substantially because +10,000 new homes sold.

Over $5 billion in new home revenue resulting in over $50 million in new incremental property taxes to the county.

Mega industrial site approved projected to bring more than 25,000 jobs to Sumter on the Monarch Ranch, to prepare the 2,866 acres for 16 million square feet of industrial uses.

25,000 jobs to Sumter on the Monarch Ranch | dailycommercial.com (https://www.dailycommercial.com/story/news/2014/08/03/article-1a1a920c-ad22-5973-877c-ec6d254653f5-html/64903824007/)

[mraines]

It will be nice to see Oren get his 4 year shot as a commissioner without the Developer’s interruption of what the county residents want.
The Developer is already trying to stop him from being elected. I hope he does get elected but the Develper will be after him again for suire.

[Michael 61]

So what do you think OM will do for the residents of elected?

Seems Oren just rides the “anti-developer” train and does little else. Don Wiley was a great, independent commissioner in the past, and will be great again! Don has integrity and holds the respect of most Villagers. When you bring up his name, you get nothing but positive responses.

[JMintzer]

Seems Oren just rides the “anti-developer” train and does little else. Don Wiley was a great, independent commissioner in the past, and will be great again! Don has integrity and holds the respect of most Villagers. When you bring up his name, you get nothing but positive responses.

https://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m43fmnEFfl1rqfhi2o1_400.gif

[ithos]

Don's integrity is worth of more than $1,000.

:highfive:

His most impressive occupation in his background:

Reactor Controls Leading Chief Petty Officer
US Navy
Jul 1979 - Jul 1999 · 20 yrs 1 mo
(LinkedIn)

[Stu from NYC]

You predictions are fine, but they are not based in history, which has been my point all along...

Went thru the election when three guys went to replace the developers three stooges and saw how the whole thing played out so history is on my side.

Day after day the sun ragged on the candidates to replace the stooges.

[Stu from NYC]

You predictions are fine, but they are not based in history, which has been my point all along...

So far Wiley and the other two developer candidates have received about $ 85,000 in contributions. Now Miller has about $ 4000.

Do you see a trend starting?

[birdawg]

It’s about character once a Democrat always a Democrat. Remember they don’t work for you.

[Stu from NYC]

It’s about character once a Democrat always a Democrat. Remember they don’t work for you.

On a local level do not think that party affiliation is that important.

Also as we get older we do tend to see the world differently

[4$ALE]

Went thru the election when three guys went to replace the developers three stooges and saw how the whole thing played out so history is on my side.

Day after day the sun ragged on the candidates to replace the stooges.

:shrug: Maybe it's just me...... I thought this reply was pretty sophomoric. I then looked it up and now I am convinced it is.

From Merriam-Webster:

sophomoric

1
: conceited and overconfident of knowledge but poorly informed and immature
a sophomoric argument
2
: lacking in maturity, taste, or judgment
sophomoric humor

SMH and YMMV :oops: Name calling seems to take away from your argument.

[Normal]

It’s about character once a Democrat always a Democrat. Remember they don’t work for you.

Did you mean…

It’s about character once working for the Builder always working for the Builder. Remember they don’t work for you.

That makes more sense.

[Gatorfan1]

The one thing that no one has said is that Owen represented all of Sumter County. He spent time with residents in Webster, Tarrytown, St. Catherine, Center Hill, Bushnell, Coleman, Lake Panasoffkee, Wildwood, The Villages, Wahoo and more. He represented all of Sumter County. Can any of the others say they have done that? Big No! You will vote for who you want but I hate what happened to Owen and I have nothing but respect for him.

[JoMar]

So far Wiley and the other two developer candidates have received about $ 85,000 in contributions. Now Miller has about $ 4000.

Do you see a trend starting?

I sure hope so

[Stu from NYC]

Do you know who made those contributions?

Read todays Sun and see the comments made about Wiley, all favorable and than Miller all negative and feel free to say I know what I am talking about.

Bet just about all of Wiley contribution came from either the developer or his allies.

[Normal]

Read todays Sun and see the comments made about Wiley, all favorable and than Miller all negative and feel free to say I know what I am talking about.

Bet just about all of Wiley contribution came from either the developer or his allies.

In 2020 the builder spent 8 dollars per vote and lost overwhelmingly by a ratio of 2:1. The other three including Miller spent a little less than 40cents per vote. It will be the same this time around.

[Stu from NYC]

You don’t like the Developer, do ya?

I think the developer has done a great job building this place and we are very happy to be there.

What I do not like is his political influence that he uses to get his way which is not always in the best interest of us villagers.

[Stu from NYC]

In 2020 the builder spent 8 dollars per vote and lost overwhelmingly by a ratio of 2:1. The other three including Miller spent a little less than 40cents per vote. It will be the same this time around.

Not so sure. Last time villagers were not happy with the 24% increase in real estate taxes and took it our on the existing commissioners.

This time around Don Wiley is looked on variably by most do so most people will probably vote for him.

[Michael 61]

I think the developer has done a great job building this place and we are very happy to be there.

What I do not like is his political influence that he uses to get his way which is not always in the best interest of us villagers.

Thanks for responding and sharing your opinion. Not everyone feels The Developer is working against the interests of most villagers - most new residents I socialize and interact with have positive things to say about The Developer. - Not sure I would have moved here if I felt The Developer would be actively working against my interests, but that’s just me.

[shut the front door]

I wouldn’t vote for someone who was backed by the developer. We know whose interests those candidates back. Hint, it isn’t the people’s.

Bingo. When the developer pulls his puppet strings, you can bet it will cost US money, not him.
The developers have spent decades doing things on the cheap, and then handing over responsibility for maintenance and repairs to the residents.

[Rainger99]

Bingo. When the developer pulls his puppet strings, you can bet it will cost US money, not him.
The developers have spent decades doing things on the cheap, and then handing over responsibility for maintenance and repairs to the residents.

I often hear this. Can someone provide examples?

[shut the front door]

Thanks for responding and sharing your opinion. Not everyone feels The Developer is working against the interests of most villagers - most new residents I socialize and interact with have positive things to say about The Developer. - Not sure I would have moved here if I felt The Developer would be actively working against my interests, but that’s just me.

Yep, most "NEW" residents. Once you've been here a while, you will not like having your wallet dipped into every time the developer finds a way to shift expenses.