Why Local Elections Should Matter To You
Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 03:10:44 AM PDT
So much of our political focus, especially this year, is on the presidential candidates, that down ticket candidates seem to have a much more difficult time catching the attention of the media, the voters and especially contributors.
But it's those local elections that are the spawning grounds of our future leaders. City leaders become county leaders. County leaders become state leaders. State leaders go to congress and so on and so on.
Living in a state like Florida we get to see this truth play out on a regular basis, especially as a breeding ground for the most asinine right wing idiots that you can only make you scratch your head and wonder "who really votes for these people?"
And we see more and more the importance of cutting these people off early, before they have the chance to climb the food chain and assert their influence to an even wider audience.
Follow me below the fold for two specific examples from one of our worst "pools" down here - Hillsborough County (Tampa).
The posterchild for this theory is Rhonda Storms, former Hillsborough County Commissioner who gained notoriety a couple of years back when she convinced the county commission to ban any support of gay pride events after finding a gay pride display in one of the county libraries. Unfortunately she ran for the state Senate in 2006 and we were unable to prevent her election.
Her most stellar legislative example this session is her “Academic Freedom Act” that would
permit public schools teachers to present evidence in class that contradicts the theory of biological and chemical evolution.
You can read a link to a local article here.
Following in her legacy is another Hillsborough County Commissioner, Brian Blair. His claim to fame, prior to his election, was his pro wrestling career. The issue that has raised his ire recently is a "Day of Silence" that is an annual event organized in many high schools to commemorate gays and lesbians who have lost their lives because of anti-gay violence. While there are several links available, I'll post this one, only because of the sartorial splendor or Brian Blair's wrestling trunks.
This "Day of Silence" has pushed Commissioner Blair over the edge because, in his words
..is a nationwide push to promote the homosexual lifestyle in public schools.
Here is his "Citizen's Update form Brian Blair" of April 7, 2008:
Dear Friends,
I have always believed that all citizens are equal and should be treated accordingly. On the other hand, no group of citizens should be given government sanction and support to promote their social and sexual agenda upon the rest of us and especially, our children. The attached email provides information about a "Day of Silence" for homosexuals in our schools. Considering the fact that the same school system does not want to allow just one Minute of Silence in the classroom for God, this is preposterous.
I encourage every parent of children in the participating schools to voice their opposition to this proposal to the school administration, the School Board the newspapers and to family and friends. Can you imagine asking for a "Day of Cheer for Heterosexuality?" If no action is taken to change this policy, then perhaps it is time for another surgical strike from the majority; a "Day of Abstention" from school participation might be considered.
Kindest Regards,
Brian Blair
Hillsborough County Commissioner
District 6 - Countywide
Commissioner Blair is running for re-election this year. His is a countywide seat and one has to wonder if this really is representative of all of Hillsborough County. In my mind, this is exactly the type of candidate we should try, at all costs, to work to defeat to keep him from following in the footsteps of his obvious mentor, Ronda Storms.
Fortunately, he is being challenged by a viable Democratic challenger, Kevin Beckner, who appears to have a very good chance of nipping Blair's political career in the bud.
I'd strongly suggest visiting Kevin's website and dropping a couple of dollars Kevin's way. Even if you don't live in Hillsborough County, even if you don't live in Florida, who knows where a candidate like Brian Blair could end up next?
If you won't do it for us in Florida, how about for the pooties?
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