- April 26, 2024
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+ Never before in Flagler history have local elections been so divisive
Dear Editor:
Like me, some of you are receiving angry questions about “What are you Republicans doing to our Flagler democracy this year?” Unfortunately those angry questions are well justified, but most Republicans are just as angry. We didn’t cause it and never would have done so.
It was intentionally caused by a handful of extremists in a new Ronald Reagan Assembly, which also has a majority of members, including me, who are working hard to urge Flagler residents to vote.
It is scary how a small number of Flagler residents used a flaw in Florida law to block about two-thirds of Flagler’s registered voters from being allowed to help select our next county commissioners. Worse, those excluded two-thirds of voters, all registered non-Republicans, also are excluded from voting for clerk of court in the August primary, where these three essential officials will be effectively elected.
The three candidates with massive, proven experience are strongly against depriving two-thirds of Flagler voters the opportunity to help select their representatives.
Conversely, all three Republican opponents for those seats, each with zero elected experience, have publicly said: “It is legal.” Yes, it does give them a far better chance to “steal” their elections, but it sure isn’t “democracy in action.”
Many times over many past decades, parties have decided they did not have a suitable candidate to compete with either an elected official up for re-election, or an outstanding candidate from the other party. This year, Property Appraiser Jay Gardner, Tax Collector Suzanne Johnston and County Commissioner Barbara Revels all ran unopposed and were automatically re-elected.
Often, one party has two candidates competing for the same position in a primary in which the other party has no candidate. By law, that primary is officially open, where all registered Flagler voters can select who will serve all of us.
But the “flaw” unfortunately allows the use of a write-in candidate (not named on the ballot) who pays zero to get on the ballot and never expects to win (vs. filing 651 accepted petition cards or paying $2,880 to qualify as a commissioner “party candidate”). Since there then must be an election vote on the November ballot between the write-in and August primary winner, only those registered in the same party as the August candidates are allowed to vote in the August primary.
State officials in power have used this flaw to control the outcome of voting in gerrymandered voting districts. I say that’s terrible. What’s new and worse is using it locally for the first time.
Listen to any County Commission meeting. From the dialogue, you will find it impossible to figure out the political party of any elected official. All work for the good of all Flagler residents, although their viewpoints on any topic may vary. They signed an oath to do that.
Any group that works to improve Flagler’s pathetic 12% to 15% voter turnout earns my praise. But those few who insist that all candidates must adamantly agree with their extreme views or be shunned should move away. Contriving to prevent many from voting was the first step used 75 years ago in Germany.
Within local political parties, we need a blending together of people, ideas and goals, as well as respect for those with different but still positive views about Flagler.
Extremism and hateful actions need to be proven totally non-productive and not accepted by the majority of us.
Please vote. It is critically important.
Ed Caroe
Palm Coast
+ Thanks to everyone for supporting the Humane Society
Dear Editor:
We’d like to thank everyone who helped us after the terrible accident that could have cost two of our wonderful dogs their lives. Things could have been tragic but I am delighted to say that both of the dogs are doing great.
It didn’t look good for Stella, who suffered a broken leg, broken hip and fractured pelvis. But, due to the good offices of a fantastic and generous orthopedic veterinarian in Jacksonville, Stella’s surgery was performed at a greatly reduced cost. She came through the surgery with flying colors and is now resting in a quiet foster home while her bones knit back together. She’s pain free and walking around so we know that her future is rosy. When’s she’s fully recovered, she’ll be ready for adoption and will make some family a great companion.
And everyone but us gave up on ever finding Rondo again after he ran off following the accident. We searched for him every single day, papering the area with posters and talking to everyone we saw. Then last week, after being gone for 11 days, Rondo was spotted on the side of Interstate 95, only a short distance from where the accident occurred.
He was in the northbound lanes, however, which means he had crossed the interstate at least once. Thankfully, when we got him, he was in super shape. Also, his ordeal did not affect his great disposition or friendly nature. He’s resting and putting on some weight now but he’ll be ready to go home shortly.
We’ve been inundated with calls from people who would love to adopt Rondo. But, of course, he can only go home with one family. Not to worry, though! We have more than 100 dogs, 250 cats, four birds and seven rabbits in the shelter right now, all of which are eagerly waiting for their forever home, too.
This wonderful news leads us right up to the ASPCA Raechel Ray $100,000 Challenge, which starts on Aug. 1 and runs through Oct. 31. Our target number is at least 650 cats’ and dogs’ lives saved during the next three months, which is what we need to do to stay in contention for the big prize. So, keep checking our website (www.flaglerhumanesociety.org) and our Facebook page for special adoption promotions over the next three months. With your help and support, we can do it!
Diane Voigt
President of the Board of Directors
Flagler Humane Society
