[tophcfa]

So, the above thread title was cut and pasted from the news source that can not be mentioned on TOV. Apparently the three incumbents that are up for a contested re-election each received about $60,000 in contributions from an assortment of friends of the developers.

This clearly smells like payback for their votes to approve the 25% Sumter county property tax increase they all voted in favor of. This property tax clearly shifted the impact fee burden of new development from the developers to the existing homeowners of Sumter county.

Although I find this very disturbing and ethically questionable, I am not surprised by the news.

Furthermore, the three challengers of the incumbents have stated that they will not accept corporate contributions so that they will not have a conflict of interest and pledge to represent the taxpayers of Sumter county.

I know who I will be voting for.

[manaboutown]

It is simple. The developer wants to continue to control Sumter county. Remember One Sumter? ONE SUMTER ONE HOT ISSUE - News - Ocala.com - Ocala, FL

It's a company county now.

A slew of the T & D companies each kicked in big dough, lol.

[forebubba]

It's no longer a democracy when you don't get enough signatures to get on the ballot but can buy your way on for a couple of $1000 . Then all 3 get $60000 each for their campaigns.
About taxes...all that vacant land that brought in very little taxes is now covered with homes paying property taxes. Why a 25% increase for all of us?????

[PennBF]

Nothing says it is wrong to accept contributions for a campaign. The company I worked for had a firm policy to avoid even the image of being dishonest. This appears to be an attempt to buy the votes and although
that is legal it does have the image of being dishonest or corrupting the election and that should be avoided at all costs?

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Am I missing something ? Are campaign contributions still legal . Doesn’t Sumter County still rank close to bottom for taxes in Florida and also booming in every business sector

[Stu from NYC]

Interesting, we have a lot to learn about how the county is run

[champion6]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

So, the above thread title was cut and pasted from the news source that can not be mentioned on TOV. Apparently the three incumbents that are up for a contested re-election each received about $60,000 in contributions from an assortment of friends of the developers.

This clearly smells like payback for their votes to approve the 25% Sumter county property tax increase they all voted in favor of. This property tax clearly shifted the impact fee burden of new development from the developers to the existing homeowners of Sumter county.

Although I find this very disturbing and ethically questionable, I am not surprised by the news.

Furthermore, the three challengers of the incumbents have stated that they will not accept corporate contributions so that they will not have a conflict of interest and pledge to represent the taxpayers of Sumter county.

I know who I will be voting for.

In my opinion, the election of Sumter County commissioners will be determined by the Aug. 18 Primary. This is because the three incumbents and the three challengers are all on the Republican ballot.

Because Florida is a closed primary state, you must be registered as a Republican to receive a a Republican ballot on Primary Day. If you are registered as a Democrat or an Independent, you won't get a Republican ballot and won't be able to cast the vote you desire.

July 20 is the deadline to change your party registration for the Aug. 18 Primary. You can do so here: Florida Voter Registration System Of course, you can change back after the Primary.

[renrod]

Originally Posted by champion6

In my opinion, the election of Sumter County commissioners will be determined by the Aug. 18 Primary. This is because the three incumbents and the three challengers are all on the Republican ballot.

Because Florida is a closed primary state, you must be registered as a Republican to receive a a Republican ballot on Primary Day. If you are registered as a Democrat or an Independent, you won't get a Republican ballot and won't be able to cast the vote you desire.

July 20 is the deadline to change your party registration for the Aug. 18 Primary. You can do so here: Florida Voter Registration System Of course, you can change back after the Primary.

This is the important part!!
July 20 is the deadline to change your party registration for the Aug. 18 Primary. You can do so here: Florida Voter Registration System Of course, you can change back after the Primary.[/QUOTE]

[mixsonci]

I just did it, I changed parties just for this primary, they want to be sneaky, hopefully we can beat them at their own game.

[peachpit]

Thank you, just changed from Democrat to Republican.
The problem I have with the property tax increase is the way it was done.
Years ago we had a new hire residing in Florida. He bragged about a law whereby their property values could only increase a maximum of 3% a year.
I assumed (Incorrectly) in following that property taxes would follow and have a maximum 3% increase.
Glad these commissioners brought me up to speed. Now I’m ready to drain the swamp and vote them out of office.
Can’t believe I’m a Republican. Sure hope my friends and family don’t find out about this.

[ColdNoMore]

I'm sure it is just pure coincidence that campaign donations occurred to those making the decision after, the burden was placed on us taxpayers...instead of the developer.

It just has to be only a coincidence...right?

[tophcfa]

Well, in this very divided political climate, it appears members of both parties finally agree on something and appear to be working toward a common goal. It appears many people on both sides of the isle do not like their local county commissioners being bought and very much still have a bad tase in their mouths from having a 25% property tax increase jammed down their throats. Vote the three incumbent bums in contested elections out of office!

wife and i will vote to remove the incumbents after they raised taxes to pay for the developers infrastructure.. disgraceful

[Don Wilson]

That's 2 of us!

[Stu from NYC]

What happens to the $ 60,000 or more if it is not spent on their campaign?