 Happy Monday! Welcome to America’s Birthday week.
If ever you wonder why I chose a writing career in county politics, without moving up the ladder to the state capital or Washington, D.C., Thursday night’s display of awfulness explains it. I don’t recall ever being so disappointed in a political debate. I mean…ever. Local, state, or national.  Jesse Rumson was not my favorite candidate.
I told him that the first time we met. Local Trump-leaning Republicans wanted to use Jesse’s Jan. 6, 2021 “sedition panda” fame in a County Commission District 5 race against Holly Davis, whom they loathe. After 15 minutes of conversation, I quickly surmised Jesse hadn’t a clue what he was doing. Nothing since then has changed my mind.  Here’s a fun Thursday topic: campaign donations.
To say I spend an inordinate amount of time poring over campaign reports is the understatement of the day. I break these things down into ridiculous details, convincing myself that this data actually means anything. For example, I discovered one day that I could come up with the average contribution per donor. I reasoned this would give me a better understanding of a candidate’s reach.  It’s Wednesday, so let’s have a grown-up discussion about library books.
A Floral City man wants the library director to eliminate a bunch of books because of their LGBTQ subject matter. There’s no actual reason given for his request, other than he’s offended.  We interrupt this week of scintillating political chat for another rendition of government vs. government.
While I loathe this topic, the recent escapades of Citrus County and the City of Inverness have piqued my interest if only for the odd history. First, the news: The tourism funding agreement between the county and the city is dead for now. It seemed like such a simple idea. The county gives the city $150,000 a year for tourism programs, and all is well.  Happy Monday! So much on my mind.
If you haven’t caught onto the #loveforlahera movement by golly, what are you waiting for? I was out Saturday afternoon at Crump’s Landing for the big fundraiser, and there was an unmistakable spirit about the place.  A Friday story:
Before introducing you to Kevin, the gentleman on my left, a quick word about the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. Their names are Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. Bill and Bob. The organization marked its 89th anniversary on June 10. Remember that: Bill and Bob.  My best friend barks in his sleep.
Buddy’s dreamland consists of chasing rabbits of his youth. I never hear him bark while awake. The other night he started howling; I switched on the light and he was sound asleep. Of all things, Buddy is at most peaceful. He doesn’t raise a fuss. Whimpers a little when he’s ready for a walk and then spends his outdoor time rolling around in the grass.  If you ever want to know how I spend my days, it’s this:
Attend candidate forums. That’s where I was Tuesday in Pine Ridge listening to County Commission candidates. I have another one on my calendar this week (though I may skip it), and a few others scattered about.  Florida Politics image. A few final thoughts on the sheriff’s ballot qualifying because, as you know, I analyze stuff to death…
— Let’s hope the brain trust behind Dave Vincent’s campaign already have the next steps plotted out. Dave has to be very, very careful here. He just scored a huge boost Friday when competitors Calvin Adams Jr. and Doug Alexander bowed out, throwing their support to Dave. That’s great. Both represented plenty of supporters, and all three united in wanting the incumbent defeated in the Aug. 20 primary. |
AuthorMike Wright has written about Citrus County government and politics for 37 years. 
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