2008 elections

Grandpa McCain for President Well it’s an election year and this will be my first ever unindorsement post. I am officially not backing John McCain. Grandpa McCain as everyone knows is the republican nominee in the 2008 presidential election that will take place this fall. I am not a republican and I am certainly not a democrat. I used to be an official card carrying member of the Republican Party, however, the rampant corruption, greed and dishonesty in the Republican Party at the national and state level has led me to become an independent. Since joining the Democratic Party is simply is not an option.  

While some may resort to tactics from the seemier side of politics to inhibit open political discussions here on the MCS website, we shouldn't let things like multiple-blog-topic hijack attempts succeed in deterring our exchanges about the issues facing Clay County residents in 2008.

Voters shouldn't forget, and we shouldn't be prohibited from debating, the many separate issues that combine to present local voters with an extraordinary opportunity to make extraordinary change in their government. This year, voters will likely decide:

If they want one unopposed candidate to serve as chairman of the County Commission for four consecutive years;

Since I'm running for the District 3 seat on the Board of County Commissioners this year, I received an invitation from the Northeast Florida Builders Association to attend a day of personal candidate interviews with the builders. I've let them know I won't be attending.

It has nothing to do with the fact that I want local government to adjust its approach to growth management and stop its continued ill-planned and rampant growth, or that I'm positive the builders will find one, maybe even both, of my opponents imminently more endorsable according to NEFBA's own interests.

I know all readers had to see the Mike Taylor for Sheriff campaign signs throughout Clay County yesterday.  They were placed at all, or most, polling locations throughout Clay County on the Public Right-of-way.  This is in violation of Clay County's sign ordinance.

One would think that someone running for Sheriff would at-least be familiar with, and abide by, the laws of Clay County.  Notice you did not see any other Sheriff candidates' signs out; they must know and respect the laws of Clay County.  

Clay County voters will be in an extraordinary political position this year, with a power to change their local government they haven't seen since choosing to adopt their home rule County Charter, thanks to the decision by David Owens to not seek re-election after 12 years as superintendent of our local public schools.

There will be the opportunity to select four people to the County Commission, which will be a majority on the new seven-member body that oversees county government. Clay County folks will be able to select someone new to serve as Superintendent of Schools, along with at least two of the five seats on the School Board. There will also be an election for Sheriff, Tax Collector and County Clerk of the Court.

If you want more information before voting on this amendment January 29, 2008, read the Staff Analysis for Senate Bills 2,4 & 6 D.

You can find them online at www.flsenate.gov , click on Bills under Publications, then at top Select Year 2007 D.   Just click on the bill number, scroll down to Staff Analysis and click on PFD Format and read the professional staff analysis prepared for legislators.   

Every fourth Monday, local chairs of Clay County Republican clubs and members of the Republican Executive Committee (REC) meet in the chambers of the Town of Orange Park.

Last night, Commissioner Rob Bradley was the speaker. And he did a great job.

At the end of the meeting, the chair of the REC always lets candidates introduce themselves and have a few minutes to address the crowd.

Commissioner Harold Rutledge was there. He, along with Commissioner Bradley, have filed for the new countywide Chairmanship. I think what we're going to hear over the next year is a phrase Comm. Rutledge used on more than one occasion: "Thanks for sending Rutledge to the Rescue."