We need a grownup in that slot

District 2, now there’s a dilemma.

The incumbent: Four years, no leadership or vision.

The challenger: Friend of development.

What’s a Citrus County voter to do?

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Let’s be honest about the Citrus County Commission District 2 race between Commissioner Diana Finegan and challenger Stacey Worthington. It’s not exactly a woo-hoo for the ages. Both candidates have far more negatives with segments of the community than positives.

Whoever wins on Aug. 18 should know there’s already a sizable, and loud, contingent ready to pounce on her first mistake.

Here we go.
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It’s the second go-round for these two. Four years ago, in a primary closed to non-Republicans due to political shenanigans, Finegan won rather handily: 57%.

Two things have happened since then. Finegan’s term, as I’ll explain in detail shortly, hasn’t been all that great. Very few successes. Instead, the term is marred by poor behavior, lack of respect for others, and no initiative.

Worthington, on the other hand, dug deeper into her community. I wrote about this long before the current election season started because it’s so rare for losing candidates to work harder for their community. Usually, they slink away angry.

So, before we talk about the incumbent, let’s discuss the challenger.

Stacey and I are friendly, though not at all close. In fact, we met during her 2022 campaign. I’d characterize our relationship as “hiya” friends, the same as I have with Diana, now that I think about it.

When Stacey ran four years ago, she somewhat played her role with the Planning and Development Commission because she was reviewing big developments while most people just talked about it. That didn’t resonate with voters, and even less today. In fact, her PDC experience is a detriment to some because of her numerous yes votes for development.

We have argued about this so many times, I’ve lost count. Stacey's explanations for supporting these projects — the developer did everything required — are weak at best. Her reputation in the slow-growth community is of one who will be a rubber stamp to development. Fair or not, that’s a reputation Stacey has done little to dissuade.

She’s also seen to many as Josh Wooten’s puppet. Stacey has tried to distance herself from Wooten and the mess he’s created this election season, but she can’t shake him that easily.

Should Worthington win, her challenge will be to prove detractors wrong.

Now. Let’s discuss the incumbent.

I had high hopes for Commissioner Finegan, despite red flags during the 2022 campaign. The biggest flag is that she shut herself off from people with whom she disagrees…and that has carried on her entire tenure.

It’s simply a matter of maturity and leadership. Very little with Finegan. She constantly interrupts colleagues and talks down to people. County Commission meetings have no continuity, no rhythm. This constant hauling up staffers to answer questions when the Administrator is sitting right there (unless he’s absent) is aggravating. There is no free flow of ideas. It’s the Diana Finegan show.

Finegan is GREAT at promoting herself, but when’s the last time you saw her engage colleagues in a meaningful and supportive manner? Yeah, me neither.

Finegan is a divider, not a builder. I haven't a clue what her vision is for Citrus County.

Other Finegan points:

— She’s Library Guy’s favorite commissioner. Endorsed by him four years ago, and again this year. Just want to mention that this community’s No. 1 nemesis thinks very highly of Commissioner Finegan.

— Finegan wants to cut taxes, and she makes a big deal about it all the time. That isn’t enough, folks. Saying no is easy. She hasn’t offered a single alternative. Not only that, but she also constantly harangues colleagues who dare suggest we have issues that need financial solutions. 

What is Finegan’s budget plan? Where should we reduce spending? How are we paying for roads in five years? Others need to chime in, but Finegan is silent on our future.

— Never acknowledged her role in the May 12 fiasco meeting. She owns half that debacle. Instead, she laughed it off or blamed it all on the other guy.

So, how does one decide? For me, it’s the Wilton Simpson method. You may recall me telling Wilton one time that I disagree with his politics but would support him to run the state because he’s a man of his word.

Integrity means everything. Simply, who do you trust?

Me, I’m growing weary of Finegan’s act. Not thrilled with Worthington, and if Diana was a successful, encouraging commissioner, this conversation would go a lot differently.

My view: District 2 needs mature representation. Someone who is locked in on the community, who understands budgets and citizen needs, and is respectful of colleagues and others regardless of their opinions.

You tell me: Which District 2 candidate best fits that description?

That’s my Tuesday. Have a great one, friends.

​Join the discussion on our Facebook page.
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