Bill’s Primary Votes
I’ve done it for the entirety of my radio career, tell folks how and why I vote in our elections.
While some like to call them endorsements, I don’t think so.Endorsement implies emotional investment that is just not present in my choices. I evaluate the candidates, information available about them, their positions and how they handle the issues if they interview with me. I weigh them against my political philosophy and make a decision. It’s that simple and I don’t care if anyone agrees with me or not. That’s entirely your call. Here are mine:
US Senator
Ashley Moody- others can’t and won’t get close.
Governor
Paul Renner- the most ready to serve in the job, but he won’t get there.Sadly, Byron Donalds will win this nomination and likely the governorship in spite of concerns many have.
Lt. Governor Jay Collins got in too late and can’t catch up. I’d like to see Donalds keep him around, but have my doubts. James Fishback is a joke and has demonstrated his incompetence throughout the campaign.The other also rans are just that and never had a prayer.
Had the Republicans consolidated behind one opponent to challenge Donalds, that candidate may have had a shot, but this is a done deal.
CFO
Blaise Ingolia- While the state needs to be looking at its own finances, Ingoglia doesn’t get to control that. He’s done a good job pointing out the waste at many local governments and that needs to continue.
Commissioner of Agriculture
Wilton Simpson- while I’m not a fan of his State Senate work, he’s done well in this job.
State Representative
D-31
Matt Woodside gets my vote. His philosophy and focus most closely matches with mine and he presents well.He is the most ready of these candidates to take on this job. Matt was clearly the best interview of these candidates, all of whom made the effort to appear. Marcus Herman interviewed well, also. Robyn Hattaway was a bit of a surprise and came across as less prepared than I anticipated. She waffled on the Property Tax issue and appeared to playing defense as opposed to having a plan. Mindy Gibson presented well, but is no where close to the philosophy I expect from a Republican candidate when it comes to taxes and spending.
D-32
Mark Lightner is clearly the best choice in this race. He is a principled conservative who is grounded in his faith and family. He made a good showing against Debbie Mayfield in the Senate Primary last time out and has been working hard against a rookie Republican Representative who has wrapped himself in popular politicians and promised votes while accomplishing little.
School Board D-1
Megan Wright is the incumbent here and has done a good job in her first term.She has a clear handle on the issues in play and is the right choice to keep this board moving in the right direction.
School Board D-2
Gene Trent gets my vote for much the same reason. He’s served well and been part of the reason the board has been moving in the right direction. His opponents are philosophical opposites of the current board and are weak on fiscal issues.
School Board D-5
Tammy Dennis is clearly the most ready to take on this role, although her stance on spending concerns me. She could not tell me where she would consider any cuts and in hindsight came up with “administration.” Her opponents presented well, but were not in line with priorities I would expect in this position.
County Commission D-1
Rick Heffelfinger interviewed very well, clearly the leader of candidates who appeared. Micah Loyd did not appear, so I can not speak to his capabilities, but Rick gets the vote in this race.
County Commission D-4
Adam Dyer, while young, interviewed well. He’ll need to learn his way into this job, but an empty seat would be a better vote than the incumbent. Adam’s new to public service as an elected official in Indian Harbour Beach, but that experience will serve him well. He has integrity which is missing in this seat now. If we’re tired of politicians telling us one thing and then doing another, a vote for change is necessary.
Judicial Races
County Court Judge Group 3
Timi DeAnn Tucker gets my vote. She was strong in her interview and her philosophy and temperament will serve Brevard well.
Circuit Judge Group 4
Robert Segal is the incumbent and earned my vote in the interview. I’m not a fan of removing incumbents who are serving well.Challenger Larry Freeeman is clearly a smart guy and will serve well someday should he run again.
Circuit Judge Group 13
George Gaspard also had an outstanding interview. He’s a smart guy with good handle on what this job should be