Politics

January 12 2021

Palm Bay appoints new City Manager

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PALM BAY, FLORIDA – On Thursday, January 7, 2021, the Palm Bay City Council voted to appoint Acting City Manager Suzanne Sherman to be the new City Manager of the City of Palm Bay. Ms. Sherman was hired as Palm Bay’s Deputy City Manager in January 2019 and has been serving in an interim capacity since the departure of former City Manager Lisa Morrell in July 2020.

“We have a new year and we need a new City Manager,” said Councilman Randy Foster, who brought the item forward for consideration.

Mayor Rob Medina expressed his support in Ms. Sherman saying, “Suzanne Sherman is a servant leader and what I’ve observed is not only a high level of morale, but a dedication to the people that work with her, a dedication to the City of Palm Bay, and a level of ethics that’s unwavering.”

Following the decision to appoint Ms. Sherman, the Palm Bay City Council voted to select Deputy Mayor Kenny Johnson to serve as the Council representative to handle contract negotiations. Contact details will be presented to City Council at the January 21, 2021 Regular Council Meeting.

Ms. Sherman boasts a long history with the City of Palm Bay, having been initially hired in January 2006 as a Budget Management Analyst. She subsequently held the positions of Risk Manager and Business Operations Division Manager. Ms. Sherman also served as Assistant to the City Manager and Acting Deputy City Manager for Palm Bay, until 2015 when she was hired as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Satellite Beach.

In addition to her extensive experience working in Brevard County, Ms. Sherman is also active in several professional organizations including the Florida City and County Management Association, the Space Coast Public Management Association, and the Florida League of Cities. She also attained her Certified Public Manager designation in 2012 and is an ICMA Credentialed Manager Candidate.

“It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to continue to serve Palm Bay in this capacity,” Sherman said. “Working with City Council and our leadership team, we will strive every day to meet the needs of our growing community by providing high quality, responsive services with integrity, prioritizing infrastructure improvements and support for our expanding residential and commercial sectors.”

January 7 2021

President-elect Joe Biden Announces Key Nominations for the Department of Justice

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These dedicated public servants and Justice Department veterans will restore the independence and integrity of the Justice Department, renew Americans’ faith in the rule of law, and work tirelessly to build a more equitable justice system

WASHINGTON – Today, President-elect Joe Biden announced key nominations for the Department of Justice: Judge Merrick Garland, nominee for Attorney General; Lisa Monaco, nominee for Deputy Attorney General; Vanita Gupta, nominee for Associate Attorney General; and Kristen Clarke, nominee for Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.

These nominees reflect the president-elect’s deeply held commitment to reaffirming the Department of Justice as a pillar of independence and integrity, and ensuring that the Attorney General and his senior leadership team are the American people’s lawyers — not the president’s law firm. These leaders will work with the dedicated career professionals at DOJ to restore the mission and independence of the department, always follow facts and the law, and serve and protect the American people with the integrity they deserve.

They will use the full extent of their authority to move us closer to the American ideal of equal justice under law — de-politicizing and rooting out systemic racism from our laws, restoring voting rights, prosecuting hate crimes, eliminating racial disparities in sentencing, ending mandatory minimums, and restoring trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve through reforms that make our communities safer.

President-elect Joe Biden said, “Our first-rate nominees to lead the Justice Department are eminently qualified, embody character and judgment that is beyond reproach, and have devoted their careers to serving the American people with honor and integrity. They will restore the independence of the Department so it serves the interests of the people not a presidency, rebuild public trust in the rule of law, and work tirelessly to ensure a more fair and equitable justice system. They are among the most accomplished legal minds in our country who also reflect the best of America’s full range of talents and background. I am honored they accepted this call to serve at such a critical time in our nation’s history.”

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said, “Fidelity to the rule of law forms the bedrock of America’s democracy. And in the face of both the damage that has been done to our Justice Department and our country’s long-overdue reckoning on racial injustice, these are the right leaders to meet this moment. These Justice Department veterans will not only help make sure justice is applied equally across our country, they will also restore integrity and independence to the Justice Department, helping rebuild the American people’s trust in the institution. And I look forward to working closely with them to help America live up to the words etched at the United States Supreme Court: Equal Justice Under Law.”

This tested slate includes some of the nation’s most accomplished public servants:

Judge Merrick Garland, a Department of Justice veteran and independent jurist on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, is nominated to serve as Attorney General. A consensus-building voice, Judge Garland has worked under Democratic and Republican administrations. He led investigations into some of the most high-profile cases and crises in modern history, including the “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski, and coordinated the government’s response to the Oklahoma City bombing. Judge Garland’s nomination underscores the President-elect’s commitment to restore integrity and the rule of law, boost morale of the dedicated career professionals at DOJ, and build a more equitable justice system that serves all Americans.
Lisa Monaco, a veteran prosecutor and dedicated public servant, is nominated to serve as Deputy Attorney General. Monaco served in the Department of Justice for fifteen years, as Assistant Attorney General for National Security, a senior official in the Office of the Deputy Attorney General and as a career prosecutor. She has been a trailblazer for women in national security. She was the first woman confirmed as Assistant Attorney General for National Security and was one of the most senior women on President Obama’s national security team. She has demonstrated that public service is about service to the American people. In her career, she has prosecuted a range of cases from violent crime to fraud and public corruption, served as counsel and Chief of Staff to then-FBI Director Robert Mueller, and worked tirelessly to keep the American people safe as White House Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Advisor. Monaco will help manage the Department effectively and with integrity on day one.
Vanita Gupta is nominated to serve as Associate Attorney General. A former Acting Assistant Attorney General and one of the best-known and most respected civil rights attorneys in America, Gupta has spent her career fighting successfully for greater equity in our justice system and advancing the rights and dignity of every American. Gupta served as Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division — the chief civil rights prosecutor for the United States. She is a successful consensus builder on tough issues, with years of experience managing complex settlements and advocacy experience. As the Indian-American daughter of immigrants, she would be the first woman of color to serve in this role.
Kristen Clarke, a veteran of the Department of Justice, is nominated to serve as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Clarke has extensive civil rights experience, starting her career in civil rights as a career attorney in the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice where she handled cases of police misconduct, hate crimes, human trafficking, voting rights, and redistricting cases. She has been a champion of systemic equity and equal justice throughout her career, including in her current role as president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and when she served as the head of the Civil Rights Bureau for the New York State Attorney General’s Office.

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January 7 2021

Federal prosecutor doesn’t rule out charging President Donald Trump for inciting Capitol riot

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CNBC is reporting that a top federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C. on Thursday did not rule out charging President Donald Trump in connection with inciting a riot where his supporters invaded the U.S. Capitol complex.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin said the Department of Justice will consider lodging criminal charges against anyone who played a role in the riot.

When a reporter asked in a press conference if he was eyeing Trump’s role in sparking the chaos, Sherwin stated “I don’t want to sound like a broken record. we’re looking all actors here.

“Anyone who had a role and where the evidence fits a crime,” he said.

The White House counsel had warned the President that he could be charged because of his remarks at the rally, where he urged his supporters to march to the Capitol. This was reported by the New York Times.

November 24 2020

PALM BAY NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS SWEARING CEREMONY

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Swearing ceremony

November 4 2020

LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS IN BREVARD COUNTY

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A contentious and hard-fought election cycle came to an end in Brevard County on Tuesday (11/3). While the nation was enthralled with the Presidential and Congressional elections, many Brevard County residents finally got to see the results of their mail in ballots, early votes, and trips to the polls.

The Mayoral races in Palm Bay gave Candidate Rob Medina a win by a substantial 9% margin, with opponent Kay Maragh unable to muster enough momentum to defeat the Republican candidate.

In Melbourne, the Mayoral race was a little tighter, with four candidates on the ballot; but Vice Mayor Paul Alfrey was able to amass 38.4% of the votes to secure a victory. Candidate Hazel Buggs and CJ Johnson, came in 2nd and 3rd respectively, while Molly Tasker trailed in 4th.

Similarly, in Cocoa Beach, there was a four-candidate contest with Michael Blake receiving 37% of the votes to become Cocoa Beach’s next Mayor.

Next, the race between current Palm Bay Mayor Willian Capote and Kristine Isnardi started off close, but Isnardi was able to pull off a win with 58.9% of the votes.

Additionally, the highly publicized fight for Palm Bay City Council Seats 2 & 3, were won by Donny Felix with 51.8% of the votes for Seat 2 and Randy Foster with 60.8 for seat 3.

Finally, outspoke candidate Randy Fine held on to his District 53 seat, in the closest of the five Florida Legislature races, by defeating Democrat Phil Moore, 55.5% to 44.2%.

These local elections had a tremendous turnout with over 80% of Brevard residents casting their votes. A majority of whom took advantage of mail-in and early voting. In total, 363,191 ballots were cast.

As you can see, many people took these elections seriously and made their voices heard. A full list of election results is below.

Brevard County Sheriff

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Wayne Ivey	229,966	66.2%
Alton Edmond	117,652	33.8%

100% of precincts reporting

County Commission District 1

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Rita Pritchett	42,629	67.9%
Dwight Seigler	20,186	32.1%

100% of precincts reporting

County Commission District 3

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
John Tobia	37,273	55.7%
Sanjay Patel	29,568	44.2%
WRITE-IN	103	0.2%

County Commission District 5

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Kristine Isnardi	38,476	58.9%
William Capote	26,813	41.1%

100% of precincts reporting

Canaveral Port Authority District 4

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Kevin Markey	84,566	60.7%
Paul “Coach” Kellem	54,860	39.3%

100% of precincts reporting

Soil And Water Conservation Group 1

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Adam Tritt	159,104	54.2%
Henry “Boo” Minneboo	134,193	45.8%

Cocoa Mayor

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Michael C. Blake	3,139	37.0%
Jake Williams Jr	1,942	22.9%
Bob Harvey	1,660	19.5%
Henry Parrish	1,092	12.9%
Allen Cowart	662	7.8%

100% of precincts reporting

Cocoa City Council District 2

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Lavander Hearn	900	59.6%
Stephanie Moretto	611	40.4%

100% of precincts reporting

Cocoa City Council District 3

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Rip Dyal	1,575	52.1%
Jennifer Kenny	1,447	47.9%

100% of precincts reporting

Indialantic Mayor

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
David I. Berkman	1,597	75.5%
Melvyn Chang	367	17.3%
Edwin J. Mackiewicz III	152	7.2%

100% of precincts reporting

Melbourne Mayor

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Paul Alfrey	15,455	38.4%
Hazel Buggs	11,185	27.8%
CJ Johnson	8,341	20.7%
Molly Tasker	5,270	13.1%

100% of precincts reporting

Melbourne City Council District 1

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Tim Thomas	21,528	59.1%
Dean Paterakis	14,909	40.9%

Melbourne City Council District 3

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Yvonne Minus	17,610	46.7%
David M. Neuman	15,007	39.8%
Vilma Negron	5,093	13.5%

100% of precincts reporting

Melbourne City Council District 5

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Mimi Hanley	11,457	30.7%
Samantha Nazario	9,384	25.2%
Martin Lamb	9,289	24.9%
Logan Luse	7,175	19.2%

Melbourne Beach Commissioner

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Joyce D. Barton	1,079	51.1%
Paul D. Carlson	603	28.6%
Gail Gowdy	429	20.3%

100% of precincts reporting

Melbourne Village Commissioner (Vote For 3)

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Fred Anderson	258	22.5%
David A. Jones	247	21.6%
Tabitha Niemann	224	19.6%
Peter H. McCharles	215	18.8%
David F. Sinton	201	17.6%

Palm Bay Mayor

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Rob Medina	31,199	54.3%
Kay Maragh	26,244	45.7%

100% of precincts reporting

Palm Bay City Council Seat 2

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Donny Jean Felix	28,452	51.8%
Peter J. Filiberto	26,444	48.2%

100% of precincts reporting

Palm Bay City Council Seat 3

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Randy Foster	33,393	60.8%
Thomas L. Gaume Jr	21,542	39.2%

Satellite Beach Mayor

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Steven L. Osmer	4,741	69.3%
Justice Rivera	2,096	30.7%

100% of precincts reporting

Satellite Beach City Council (Vote For 2)

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Mindy Gibson	3,958	36.2%
David Vigliotti	2,736	25.0%
Devon Vann	2,314	21.1%
Brett B. Gelbert	1,934	17.7%

100% of precincts reporting

Titusville City Council Seat 2

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Sarah Stoeckel	15,931	67.7%
Christopher Childs	7,601	32.3%

100% of precincts reporting

Titusville City Council Seat 3

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Joe C. Robinson	12,540	54.3%
Marc Smith	10,539	45.7%

West Melbourne City Council (Vote For 3)

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Pat Bentley	8,065	32.3%
Stephen M. Phrampus	6,672	26.7%
Daniel R. McDow	6,181	24.7%
Matt Grigajtis	4,088	16.3%

100% of precincts reporting

Barefoot Bay Trustee (Vote For 3)

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Randy Loveland	1,790	22.6%
James A. Nugent	1,383	17.4%
Michael R. Morrissey	1,335	16.8%
Luann E. Henderson	1,254	15.8%
Hurrol Bernard Brinker	1,112	14.0%
Edward Lewis Geier	1,059	13.3%

100% of precincts reporting

Baytree Supervisor Group 2

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Richard C. Bosseler	393	53.2%
Gregory J. Scougall	346	46.8%

Viera East Supervisor Group 3

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Pete Carnesale	2,538	45.9%
Melinda Thomsen	1,048	19.0%
Jeanne Brown	956	17.3%
Tony Volpe	626	11.3%
Trisha Dutton	359	6.5%

Viera East Supervisor Group 4

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Steve Colasinski	3,238	59.1%
William Oakley	2,245	40.9%

Viera East Supervisor Group 5

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Rob Dale	3,293	60.1%
Jo Walsh	2,187	39.9%

100% of precincts reporting

School Board Referendum Half-Cent Sales Surtax

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Yes – For the Half-Cent Tax	235,407	68.5%
No – Against the Half-Cent Tax	108,442	31.5%

100% of precincts reporting

Indialantic Question #1: Town Council Term of Office

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Yes – For Approval	1,600	79.7%
No – For Rejection	407	20.3%

100% of precincts reporting

Malabar Question #1: Continued Participation In The Brevard County Mstu

Choices	Total Votes	% Votes
Yes	1,750	88.4%
No	230	11.6%

100% of precincts reporting

West Melbourne Question #1: Qualifications And Reporting Structure For Chief of Police

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Yes – For Adoption of the Amendment	11,579	83.7%
No – Against Adoption of the Amendment	2,259	16.3%

West Melbourne Question #2: Qualifying of Candidates For Mayor And City Council

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Yes – For Adoption of the Amendment	9,021	66.2%
No – Against Adoption of the Amendment	4,597	33.8%

West Melbourne Question #3: Filing Vacancies

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Yes – For Adoption of the Amendment	11,459	84.0%
No – Against Adoption of the Amendment	2,186	16.0%

West Melbourne Question #4: Compensation For Mayor And City Council

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Yes – For Adoption of the Amendment	11,180	81.4%
No – Against Adoption of the Amendment	2,551	18.6%

West Melbourne Question #5: Powers Duties Composition of Board of Adjustment

Candidate	Total Votes	% Votes
Yes – For Adoption of the Amendment	10,810	81.6%
No – Against Adoption of the Amendment	2,440	18.4%

Fifth District Court of Appeal Kerry I. Evander

Choices	Total Votes	% Votes
Yes	221,856	72.5%
No	84,147	27.5%

100% of precincts reporting

Fifth District Court of Appeal John M. Harris

Choices	Total Votes	% Votes
Yes	220,799	73.0%
No	81,723	27.0%

Fifth District Court of Appeal Richard B. Orfinger

Choices	Total Votes	% Votes
Yes	211,498	70.3%
No	89,531	29.7%

Fifth District Court of Appeal Meredith L. Sasso

Choices	Total Votes	% Votes
Yes	212,697	70.5%
No	88,994	29.5%

Fifth District Court of Appeal F. Rand Wallis

Choices	Total Votes	% Votes
Yes	214,652	71.5%
No	85,544	28.5%

October 23 2020

Voter intimidation emails “Vote For Trump Or Else”

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By Palm Bay Live News Room

Edited by Cathy Oasheim

On Tuesday, several Florida voters registered as Democrats reported receiving threatening emails. The emails in question threatened voters by saying they must “vote for Trump or else!”

One such message reads: “You are currently registered as a Democrat, and we know this because we have gained access into the entire voting infrastructure. You will vote for Trump on Election Day, or we will come after you. Change your party affiliation to Republican to let us know you received our message and will comply.” The emails were sent from email addresses claiming to be associated with the “Proud Boys,” a far-right extremist group often affiliated with anti-establishment and white supremacist organizations. However, some early investigation shows that the messages appear to have originated from IP addresses linked to servers located in Russia, Ukraine, Iran, and Estonia but, it is important to note that server location is not always indicative of sender location. The Proud Boys chairman has denied the group is behind the messages.

The messages have sparked local and national investigations.

It is estimated that thousands of voters throughout various Florida counties received the emails.

Voting Secrecy

The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) posted on Twitter that the agency is “aware of threatening emails with misleading info about the secrecy of your vote” They further acknowledge that the emails are “meant to intimidate and undermine American voters’ confidence in our elections.”

The CISA has provided voters with a FAQ guide to help voters navigate (cisa.gov.rumorcontrol) the various scams and inaccuracies that occur as part of the upcoming election, emphasizing “that while things like voting history, registered party, and contact information are public records, whom you vote for, also known as ballot secrecy, is guaranteed private by law in all states.”

The FBI also states, “Though the FBI’s standard practice is to confirm neither nor deny any investigation, we take all election-related threats seriously, whether it is vote fraud, voter suppression, or threats from cyber or foreign influence actors. We are committed to supporting our election security partners and protecting our communities as Americans exercise their right to vote. “

Local Investigations

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office states, “On Tuesday, Brevard citizens know they were aware of the emails and that an investigation is active and ongoing.”

Sheriff Wayne Ivey stated, “In America, every registered voter is afforded the right to participate in the electoral process and deserves to do so without intimidation or influence. Please know that everyone in our community is safe to go to the polls throughout the election process. While these emails appear concerning, the investigation to date has determined the emails originated from outside the continental United States and are not considered a valid threat but were sent with a morally corrupt agenda. Please do not allow this or any other action by anyone to intimidate or dissuade you from your right as an American to cast your ballot for the candidate(s) of your choosing during early voting or on Election Day.”

The Sheriff wants suspicious emails to be reported to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office via the Communications Center at (321)633-7162.

Current Voter Turnout

These email tactics, while concerning and unethical, are not surprising. This election season has seen some of the most contentious debates and tightest races between opponents at the local, state, and national levels. This contention has already resulted in a greater than expected turnout at the polls.

As of today, October 22, 2020, 59,272 Registered Democrats have cast their vote in Brevard, with 45,429 of those submitted by mail and 13,838 cast in-person through early voting. Brevard Republicans have cast more with 62,943 total votes, 38,460 by mail-in ballot, and 24,480 in-person, first votes. Those in Brevard with No Party Affiliation have a turnout of 27,807 people to vote, another 20,132 by mail, and 7,672 taking advantage of in-person, early voting.

As you can see, citizens are taking this election seriously and are exercising their right to vote before election day. Of the 452,160 total active, eligible voters in Brevard, 152,383 have consistently made their voice heard, with a turnout of over 34% at the polls!

August 29 2020

Dep. Mayor Kenny Johnson Honored with Award

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Deputy Mayor Kenny Johnson Honored with Home Rule Hero Award

The Florida League of Cities (FLC) recently recognized Palm Bay Deputy Mayor Kenny Johnson with a 2020 Home Rule Hero Award. Johnson earned this prestigious award for his efforts throughout the legislative session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities and advance the FLC’s legislative agenda.

Home Rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local governments officials, both elected and non-elected, who consistently responded to FLC requests to reach out to members of the Florida legislature and give a local perspective on a variety of issues.

July 26 2020

Meet Candidate for Florida State House, District 53, Phil Moore

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Phil is back to run again to represent Florida’s 53rd district, south Brevard county, having first challenged for the seat in 2018 in both a hotly contested and rancorous race by the current Representative. Never one to back down from a challenge or the threats made by his opponents campaign team. Phil is ready to do the work to flip seat 53. After the election of 2018, Phil continued his activism both in the community and in Tallahassee, voicing opposition for preemption bills, bills which harm our environment, and bills which steal more funding away from low income housing and the Florida Forever Fund. Phil continues to build a relationship with locally elected officials to help do what is in the best interest for Brevard county and the cities both inside and out of the district. A second generation Florida native from South Florida, Phil moved to Brevard in 1997. Phil currently works as a Medical Device Instructor with Philips and a second job as a patient coordinator at a local dental office. Phil understands Brevard’s infrastructure needs having actively been involved with the Space Coast Transportation & Planning Organization Bicycle Pedestrian & Trails Advisory Committee for over 10 years.

July 26 2020

Meet Alton Edmond, Candidate for Brevard Sheriff

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Meet Alton Edmond, Candidate for Sheriff

Alton Edmond was born on August 5, 1989 and raised in Harlem just outside of Clewiston, Florida. He allowed the challenges of is poverty-stricken upbringing to spur him to success and after graduating with Honors from Clewiston High School went on to graduate from the University of Florida with his Bachelor of Arts and Florida A & M College of Law with his Juris Doctor. He currently owns and operates his own law firm Edmond Law and motivational speaking company Edmond Inspiration and is and teaches Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure at Eastern Florida State College. His true passion is motivational speaking which he has done at over more than fifty venues throughout Brevard, Orange and Hendry Counties and sponsoring/promoting student athletics.

July 17 2020

Florida State Senator, Candidate Phillip Snyder, for District 17

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Born and raised in Palm Bay, I grew up the middle child of a large family. At eighteen I became a Christian, at twenty I married my best friend, and at twenty-three I was both a father and a first year teacher.

These three things (my relationship with God, my relationship with my wife, and my relationship with my now three children) have shaped me into who I am today. They are also the reason that I cannot sit back and watch as the state I live in continues to sit on its hands and pretend that our schools aren’t falling apart, our climate isn’t changing, our people aren’t underpaid, and our communities aren’t hurting.

Let me be clear: I’ll be damned if my boys grow up and I can’t look them in the eyes and say with integrity that I tried my hardest to give them the best world I could. They deserve better, as do all those in the next generation.

So, I’m running for Senate to do my part in making a difference. I’m a realist and know it will be hard and that I won’t get everything done that I’d like. But I’m also hopeful, because things can change, and they will change.

But we get to decide how things change.

So let’s make a positive change together

Our campaign is focused on being as clear about our platform issues as possible, which is why detailed information can be found on our website http://www.Snyder2020.org

However, we have locked in on a few core issues that affect every Floridian.

We need to create Racial Equality through policy. It is true that policy doesn’t change people’s hearts, but people with changed hearts should vote for good policy. Through our 4E Plan we will attack the systems at the root of perpetuating system racism.

As a former educator, Education Reform is the issue perhaps closest to me personally. People are beginning now to realize what educators in this state have been warning about for nearly a decade: we have a teacher shortage that’s been fueled by decades long underfunding. Each year, far more teachers retire or leave the profession early than come into the field, leaving our teaching force with lots of empty classrooms, a weak pipeline of certified teachers, and no real path forward. Gov. DeSantis’s step forward with teacher pay is good, but it is incredibly insufficient. Teachers need a mandatory minimum of $50,000 in annual salary, provided by an incredibly minimal corporate tax. Then, we need to provide teachers with a voice to lead a conversation on education reform.

At some point, we need to understand that the best thing for the economy in the Sunshine State is to lean into solar energy as our primary energy source. We already have the infrastructure, now we just need to provide tax incentives for entrepreneurs to start solar panel installation and maintenance businesses in their communities, provide incentives for homeowners to purchase solar panels and funnel that business into those small companies, and give cities grant opportunities to put community solar farms in low income neighbourhoods to provide low cost or free energy to those who need that break the most.