WELCOME TO THE

Know Before You Go

Voting workshop

While most voters are informed about the

Presidential candidates, they do not have the time
or resources to learn about the local races and how
they will impact our future. Ballot measures and
local elections play a direct role in our lives,
whether we vote on them or not. This workshop
will provide voters a space to have an impartial,
non-partisan discussion about everything that will
appear on the ballot in November.

TODAYS AGENDA

Where to Vote?
What to Bring?
The Political Background, Experience, and
Specifics of Each Candidate
Breakdown of the amendments
Short discussion

WHERE TO Vote?

Early voting

Best Option: Leon County Courthouse Transportation Options

301 S. Monroe Street, Suite 301
20 minute walk from Westcott
8AM 4PM
For Our Future Fund shuttle

On election day

Mail-In Ballot
A Mail Ballot request must be placed NO LATER than 5 PM on the 6th day prior to Election Day.

How to Request a Mail Ballot, if you live in Leon County:

Online: Go to leonvotes.org, click the Vote by Mail button, fill it in and submit the request
form online 24/7!
Telephone: Call (850)606-8683
Mail: Sending your request to: Supervisor of Elections, P.O. Box 7357, Tallahasee Fl 32314
If you dont live in Leon County, you need to either contact your Supervisor of Elections of the county
that youre registered to vote in.
Your ballot must also be received by our office NO LATER than 7 PM on Election Day and Mail Ballots
are NOT allowed to be dropped off at the precincts on Election Day.

What to bring?

What to bring?
In-person voting requires a valid ID containing a photo and/or signature.
The photo and signature can come from different IDs, but they must be one
of the following:
a. Florida drivers license
b. Florida Identification card
c. United States Passport
d. Debit or credit card
e. Military Identification
f. Student Identification
g. Public Assistance Identification

The ballot

Sample ballot

United states senator

Senators belong to the legislative branch of the government, which is the part of the
government that makes laws. A senators job is to represent the people living in his
of her state in the United States Senate. Part of this job is to write and vote on new
laws (aka bills).

United states senator

Marco Rubio (R) Patrick Murphy (D) Paul Stanton (L)

Social Security
Healthcare
Environment, energy, and oil

Changing Social Securitys retirement age for

people under the age of 55
Cutting benefits

Tax reform

Immigration reform

Foreign policy

Education
Womens reproductive rights

Opposes benefit cuts of SS

No privatization, raising the retirement age,
and cutting cost-of-living adjustments
Raise the SS wage limit from 118.5k to 150k

Wants to repeal Obamacare

All kids should get vaccinated

Opposes repealing Obamacare

Free-market health care system

Individuals have the freedom to determine
what kind of health insurance they want, (if
any)

Believes addressing global warming would

destroy our economy
Climate change is not influenced by human
activity
Voted YES on barring the EPA from
regulating greenhouse gases in 2011
Signed the No Climate Tax Pledge in 2010

Advocate for environmental policy that

preserves our ecosystem and jobs
Opposes fracking and drilling in the
Everglades and drilling off Floridas coast

Government should not be subsidizing any

particular form of energy
Competitive free market and property rights
would encourage protection of our
environment and ecosystems

No business, big or small, will pay more than

25% flat rate on their business income
Per-child tax credit for working families

Lower taxes rid of lop holes that benefit the

top 1%
Introduced SAVE act to the FL House of
Rep. in 2015 which aimed to cut $200
million in spending over 10 years by
identifying duplication and waste and
increasing efficiency

All persons are entitled to keep the fruits of

their labor
No income tax, no IRS, and no federal
programs and services not required under
the U.S. Constitution

His parents immigrated on family

connections, but wants to stop that
Give kids of illegal immigrants in-stat e
tuition rates
Hire 20k new Border patrol agents
Finish all 700 miles of walls on our southern
border

Would like to create and enforce the proper

pathways to enter the country, he also
prioritizes keeping families together

Eliminate all restrictions on immigration

Unrestricted political refugees

On Israels side
Too risky to take in Syrian refugees
Opposes the closing of the detention facility
at Guantanamo Bay
Need to defeat ISIS

Stands with Israels right to eist as a secure

Jewish state and defend itself from terrorism
America must continue taking the fight to
ISIS and defeat them

Emphasize defense against attack from

abroad and avoid foreign entanglements

No National School Board

Increase in vocational careers and less 4-year
graduates

Limit student debt and provide equal

opportunities to all students
Proponent of debt-free education
More vocational programs, access to Pell
grants and scholarships

Parents should have control of and

responsibility for all funds expended for
their childrens education
Education is best provided by the free
market

Opposes abortion

Believes abortion is a womans unrestricted

right

Retirement planning is the responsibility of

the individual, not the government.
SS would be cut and transitioned to a private
voluntary system

The government should be kept out of the

matter, leaving the question to each person
for their conscientious consideration

United states senator

Steven Machat (NPA) Tony Khoury (NPA)

Social Security
Healthcare
Environment, energy, and oil

No stance

Repair Social Security

Young adults, 16-23, should be exempt from

paying social security taxes on their first
$10k of income

Reform the Affordable Care Act

Reform the Affordable Care Act, but keep 3

conditions*

Single payer health plan for all Americans,

including dental, vision, preventative health
care, and treatment
Standardized, flat fees for prescription drugs

No fracking
Protect the everglades
Stop Big Sugar, GMO/Monsanto

No stance

Must ensure clean air and safe drinking

water
Expand clean, renewable energy (solar and
wind)
Continued preservation of national parks
and forests
Big environmentalist

Tax reform

No stance

Believes in reducing yearly taxes by $500 to

$3k if you are renting the place where you
live

Lower taxes for the middle class and close

loopholes that disproportionately benefit
some at the expense of others

Go through the legal process that result in

earning your citizenship or leave the US now

Secure the border with electronic

surveillance and extra border agents

Secure the border and require automatic

deportation of all criminals that have
entered this country illegally
All remaining illegal immigrants can register
with U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement and give them a pathway to
citizenship

Immigration reform

Foreign policy

No stance

Execution of ISIS

ISIS and other terrorist groups should be

eliminated to eradicate threats to our peace
and security

Education

End Common Core

Access to continued education by allowing
loan forgiveness for attending a community
or state college

Eliminate Common Core

Eventually eliminate the Dept. of Ed.
Minimal or no cost to the taxpayer for
children to pursue a higher education

Federal Government must leave education to

local governments, teachers, and parents
Interest rates for student loans must be
reduced to no more than 3%
Tuition discounts to driven and qualified
high school graduates

Womens reproductive rights

Keep our laws off a womans body

No stance

Its a womans right to choose

Right to birth control, safe and legal
abortion, and to access quality reproductive
health care
Supports sex education

State attorney, 2nd judicial circuit

Jack Campbell (DEM):

Currently works as the Leon County Chief Felony Trial Attorney.
Attended Leon High School and received his B.A. from FSU in 1996 and his J.D. from Samford University in 2001.
Is a former Board Member of Refuge House and the Boys and Girls Club as well as the Young Actors Theater. He is a
member of the Tiger Bay Club and St. Peters Anglican Church.
Believes the role of the State Attorney is to represent the people in criminal cases. Proposes targeting crime, using digital
advances, understanding the different causes for different types of crimes and addressing those root causes. One way he
wants to accomplish this is by heightening the communications between law enforcement and the State Attorneys office
and encouraging prosecutors to engage in four hours of community service a week.
Supports civil citations for violations such as non-violent misdemeanors. Would want to prioritisevictim impact and
working on building trust with the community.
Pete Williams (REP):
Currently works as an attorney. Ran for State Attorney in 2012. In the past worked as the Inspector General for the Florida
Department of Education and as a statewide prosecutor, and an Assistant Attorney General.
Received his diploma from Phillips Academy in 1970, his B.A. from Yale University in Economics in 1974, his M.B.A in
Finance from Stanford in 1997, and his J.D. from UF in 1986.
Believes the role of the State Attorney is to keep the public safe. Thus, his priorities would be targeting violent crime such
as homicides, sexual batteries, organized drug trafficking, and crimes against children. The SA office should also, in his
opinion, be proactive in taking a leadership role in understanding trends in crime and responding.
Specifically, he wants to establish a formal Career Criminal Unit that will focus on defendants that commit a
disproportionate number of violent crimes. Likewise, he wants to establish a Sexual Battery/Crimes Against Children Unit.
Supports substantial focus on diversion programs to address less significant crime.
Supports civil citations for non-violent offenses.

State senator, district 3

Bill Montford (DEM):

Currently serves as state senator for District 3 and as CEO of the Florida Association
of District School Superintendents.
Received his B.S. in 1969 from FSU in Mathematics Education, his M.S. in 1971 in
Administration and Supervision.
Formerly a Teacher, Principal, Leon County Commissioner, and Superintendent.
Supports expanding medicaid, increased state funding for education, open primaries.
Endorsed by Capital City LGBTQ+

Nancy Miller (REP):

Small business owner of Sweet Emilys Vintage & Sweet Emilys Dixie.
Received her BFA from Brenau University in 1990.
Supports lower taxes, smaller government, and the second amendment. Is pro-life and
pro-veteran.

State Representative, district 9

Loranne Ausley (DEM):

Currently works as an attorney at Hollimon, P.A.
Attended Leon High School and received her B.A. from Randolph-Macon Womens College in
1985 and her J.D. from Washington & Lee University in 1990.
Held the seat from 2000-2008. Before this, Loranne was the Chief of Staff to Governor Buddy
MacKay. She also served on the Leon County Commission on the Status of Women & Girls from
2011-2012.
Loranne considers herself an advocate for education and children. She has consistently voted to
increase the salaries of teachers and state workers. She supports Medicaid expansion, and actively
taking steps to protect Floridas water. She also supports open primaries.

Jim Messer (REP):

Works as a Partner and Trial Lawyer with Fonvielle Lewis Foote & Messer.
Attended Lincoln High School and received his B.A. from Washington & Lee University in 1984
and his J.D. from Walter F. George School of Law, Mercer University in 1993.
Formerly served in the United States Army in a variety of roles.
Serves as a student mentor with Leon County Schools and served as the Chairman to the City of
Tallahassee Airport Advisory Committee from 1997-1998.
Is in favor of reforming a closed primary system and supports taking serious action against the
effects of global warming and has criticized the governor for not acting. Jim would consider
expanding medicaid using federal funds but wants to explore other options as well. He also
supports reforming the way we fund our educational system in Florida.

Clerk of the circuit court and comptroller

The position of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller entails many
responsibilities. The clerk manages the court system, county records, and acts as
the countys accountant and custodian

Franklin Ayetin (NPA):

Received his J.D. in 2012 from Florida Coastal School of Law, his
MBA in 2012 from Jacksonville University, and his BA from UCF in
Political Science.
Is currently the Assistant General Counsel at the Florida Division of
Emergency Management and was formerly an Associate Attorney at
Accelerated Tax Solutions.
Mr. Ayetin is the only attorney in the race. He wants to improve the
relationship between the Clerks office and the county and legislature
by reaching out to the public about the role of the Clerks office, with
the hopes that this will result in increased funding.

Gwendolyn Marshall (DEM):

Received her B.S. in 2002 from FSU in Criminology and a Seeking
Degree M.S., in 2008 from FAMU in Social Science with a
concentration in Criminal Justice.
At present, works as the Member Services Manager of the Florida
Association of Court Clerks & Comptrollers. In this role, she
develops and administers the Clerks education program and
managed over $500,000 in grants for the education program.
Has over 15 years of experience working with the Florida
Association of Court Clerks & Comptrollers.

sheriff
In Florida, the County Sheriff is a constitutional officer and is the chief
law enforcement officer of the county. Duties include enforcing the Florida
Constitution
and State Statutes and providing for the security, safety and well being of citizens.
This is accomplished through the delivery of law enforcement services, the
operation of the County Jail, and the provision of court security.

sheriff

Walt McNeil(D)

Tommy Mills (NPA)

Occupation

U.S. Department of Homeland

Security, Advisory Council
Member

Deputy Sheriff, Gadsden County

Education

B.S. University of Southern

Mississippi, Criminal Justice and
Corrections

Highlights

Served as Tallahassee Chief of

Police for 10 years
Served 4 years as Secretary of
the Florida Department of
Corrections
Has been in law enforcement
since 1979
Wishes to increase
cooperation between agencies
Believes minor infractions
should not be associated with
the Criminal Justice System
when possible
Supports drug courts for
addiction sufferers in place
incarceration

Served as a Leon County

Sheriff Deputy for 24 years
Credited with reversing the
decline of the Leon County Jail
by improving the workplace
environment for sheriff
deputies and living conditions
for inmates
Established and commanded
the still-successful Leon
County Sheriffs Office
(LCSO) Work Camp for more
than ten years (offers inmates
an opportunity to work while
incarcerated gaining labor
skills by cleaning up the
community for 6 to 10 hours a
day, six days per week)

Charles Strickland (R)

Mike Wood (NPA)

CEO of Talon Training Group and

the Talon Range

Leon County Sheriff

M.B.A, Florida State University

A.S. Tallahassee Community

College, Criminal Justice
Technology

Focus on community
involvement
Expand cooperation between
LCSO, TPD, FHP
Strong 2nd Amendment
supporter
Owns the Talon
training/shooting range
Supports body cameras
Wants to diversify agency
leadership/force
Believes in instituting a
community advisory board

Current sitting sheriff,

appointed after Larry
Campbells death
Has expanded information
sharing between agencies
Implemented Civil Citation
program for adults and minors
committing misdemeanor
offenses (such as marijuana
possession)
Wants to expand currently
offered mental health care
treatment in jail facilities

Property appraiser
The property appraiser is responsible for the administration of all exemptions and
classified use values for each parcel and owner in the county; to locate, identify, and
appraise, at current market value, all property subject to advalorem taxation in the
county, and maintain property value equity on an annual basis; maintenance of the
legal description of each parcel in addition to the ownership maps for the county;
certifying to the tax collector the tax roll for collection annually.

Property appraiser

Akin Akinyemi (D)

Greg Lane (NPA)

Occupation

Instructor/Doctoral Research, Department of Urban & Regional

Planning, Florida State University

Vice President, Timberlane Appraisal

Education

M.Arch. Florida A&M University, Architecture

B.S. Florida State University, Real Estate

Qualifications

Architect of over 25 years

Can evaluate properties from traditional market value and
comparable approaches as well as by detailed itemized
building components costs
Has sound grasp of the ad-valorem tax process as a county
commissioner

Keeping property valuation reasonably high while keeping

taxation relatively low
Keeping abuse of agricultural exemption in check
Keeping up with technological advances in assessment
methods and reporting
Mitigating legislatures overrun of local governments home
rule authority
Improving education of property owners on available
exemptions and appeal process

Priorities of the Office?

Licensed by the State of Florida as an appraiser and have been

for over 20 years
Has personally appraised close to 10,000 properties in Leon
County

Staying on the forefront of technology and geographic

information systems (GIS)
Maintaining excellent customer service that the office is
known for

Tax collector
The office of Tax Collector is responsible for informing the public of
tax obligations and available services, collecting taxes and fees from
people and businesses, and distributing the proceeds in accordance
with law to the taxing authorities.

Tax collector

Doris Maloy (D)

John Paul Bailey (R)

Occupation

Leon County Tax Collector (sine 2001)

John Paul Bailey & Associates, Owner

Education

M.B.A Florida State University

B.S. Florida A&M University, Accounting

Tallahassee Community College, Law Enforcement

Qualifications

Broad experience in business planning, budgeting,

economic development, contract management, and
financial and business management
In 2015 received the National County Treasurer/Collector of
the Year Award

No response

Developed a customer portfolio module that will assist

taxpayers with multiple property accounts in the
management of their properties

No response

Changes that would increase

the efficiency of the Tax
Collectors Office?

Superintendent of schools
Each county in Florida is a single school district and, as a part of the state system,
must follow the rules and regulations of the State Board of Education. The County
Superintendent of Schools is elected county-wide and is responsible for
administration of the school system, including developing a comprehensive plan
and budget for the district to be approved by the School Board. The superintendent
also serves as secretary and executive officer to the School Board

Superintendent of schools
Rocky Hanna(NPA)

Jackie Pons(D) Patricia Ann Sunday (NPA) Forest Van Camp(R)

Occupation

Resigned to run for position

Previous Position: Director of Leon
County Schools

Leon County Superintendent of

Schools (since 2006)

President of Sunday Ministries

Retired

Education

M.S. Educational Leadership,

Florida State University

M.S. Administration & Supervision,

Florida A&M University

Lively Vocational-Technical School

M.S. Educational Administration

and Supervision, Georgia State
University

Qualifications

Knows Leon County Schools

from the halls and classrooms,
to the administrative offices
of the District
Managed a multi-million
dollar budget
28 years of experience in the
field of education

Has been an educator for the

past 35 years
Under his leadership, LC
Schools has improved its
overall graduation rate by 18%
Has raised African American
graduation rates 25% over the
past five years

Has the ability in the business

management and
administration areas needed to
run the system

Reviewing the way the district

spends its Title I and federal
funds
Strategically target the root
causes of why students are not
doing well in school
Opening a new community
school

Provide a supportive
collaborative process for
teachers to improve student
learning
Consistent use of formative
assessment data
Ensuring a mentoring
program to provide students
with role models to assist them
with meeting their own goals

Use a home school

curriculum that has been
proved with established and
measured results
Bring back the cursive writing
component and recess
Get rid of letter grading
primary grades
Make one of LC high schools
into a magnet school for trades
instruction

Remove common core from

the curriculum

Not in favor of for-profit

charter schools

Does not support Charter

Schools
Does not believe catholic
schools or private schools
should use the facilities of
public schools

No

How to
Improve
Underperforming
schools?

Support
expanding
charter schools
in LC?

Does not favor the expansion

of charter schools in LC
because they take away
money needed to keep public
schools strong

Has spent 46 years in

education
Has served in every capacity of
educational administration
and supervision from principal
to assistant superintendent

Justice of supreme court

Judges on the five District Courts of Appeal and the Florida Supreme Court review
the decisions of county and circuit trial courts.

Justice of supreme court

Canady

Labarga

Polston

Took Office

2008

2009

2009

Campaign Finance Score

0.87

0.50

0.83

Appointed by:

Gov. Crist

Gov. Crist

Gov. Crist

District court of appeal

Judges on the five District Courts of Appeal and the Florida Supreme
Court review the decisions of county and circuit trial courts.

Judges

Bilbrey

Kelsey

Rowe

Wetherell

Winokur

Wolf

Took
Office

2015

2015

2009

2009

2015

1990

Approval
Rating

82%

81%

79%

82%

79%

89%

Supervisor of elections
The office of Supervisor of Elections is responsible for conducting fair elections in
Leon County by providing education and certification programs that encourage the
highest level of participation by the voting public. The office maintains accurate
and up to date information on all voters in the statewide voter registration system.

Supervisor of elections
Mark
EarlEy

Alan
Williams

Occupation

Leon County Supervisor of Elections, Voting Systems

Manager

Florida State Representative, 8th House District

Education

B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Florida State University

M.B.A. Marketing Management, Florida A&M

University

Qualifications

Only candidate that has experience managing

elections
Recognized expert in elections policy, procedure,
and technology
Travelled across the nation to implement new
technology and procedures

Has served in the FL legislature and on the Ethics &

Elections committee
Strong advocate for voting rights issues, sponsoring
legislation, and funding to improve the electoral
process

Biggest Challenge in
2018 and 2020 elections?

Ensuring pubic trust

Having effective backup plans in place to
seamlessly and transparently maintain the integrity
of the election

Funding, policy, and elections-related technology

Preparing for online voter registration
Making the process more efficient and the
maintenance of an accurate voter list and voting
equipment

Should early voting in

LC be expanded or
reduced?

Expanded upon by offering more EV sites

Expand early voting sites and times

How to improve voter

registration?

Restoring voter rights to convicted felons

Advocate for election day as a holiday

How to improve voter

turnout?

Educating and informing the public that primary

elections are important and have an impact on
their daily lives

Enhance opportunities to get more high school and

college students involved to increase turnout
Stronger Social Media presence
Discuss with Star Metro, Yellow Cab, and Uber to
coordinate free transportation to the polls on
election day

County commissioner, district 2

The legislative responsibilities and powers of the County are assigned to, and vested in, the
Board of County Commissioners per Florida Statutes. The County administrator, appointed
by the Board, carries out Board directives and policies, including all orders, resolutions,
ordinances, and regulations. Leon Countys Commission has
7 members serving staggered 4 year terms. One commissioner is elected for each of 5 County
districts while two At-large commissioners are elected countywide.

County commissioner, d2

Jimbo Jackson

Manny Joanas

Occupation

Principal at Fort Braden School

Divisional Director for Leon County Schools

Goals for the first term?

Improving public health and safety issues

Prioritizing road safety in rural communities
Improving sidewalk conditions
Address the 2477 violent crimes in Leon County in 2015 by
examining mental illness, lack of education , lack of
employment opportunities and substance abuse

Economic Stability
Reduction of Crime Rate
Increase Water Quality
Build small businesses
Build 300 affordable housing units and recruit 50 new
businesses to District 2

Growth Management?

Believes growth is vital to economic vitality, but should be

monitored so that it doesnt over-permit residential and
business development in our community

Supports current growth planning and the current land

development regulations
Wants to decrease development fees

Open forum with residents and qualified members to discuss

solutions

How to protect water

flowing to Wakulla Springs?

Increase the available central sewer system with District 2 to

reduce the reliance on septic tanks

County commissioner at large, group 1

The legislative responsibilities and powers of the County are assigned to, and vested in, the
Board of County Commissioners per Florida Statutes. The County administrator, appointed
by the Board, carries out Board directives and policies, including all orders, resolutions,
ordinances, and regulations. Leon Countys Commission has
7 members serving staggered 4 year terms. One commissioner is elected for each of 5 County
districts while two At-large commissioners are elected countywide.
Salary: Full-time; set by State Statute according to county population. $75,245/year

County commissioner at large, group 1

David Hawkins

Mary Lindly

Occupation

Department of Revenue, Office Supply Warehouse Manager

Commissioner at Large, Group 1

Goals for the first term?

Decrease wasteful spending

Bring back regular mosquito spraying to encourage families
to spend time outside
Wil work with the Sheriffs department to reduce the crime
rate

For well-planned growth as long as it is not over saturation

Does not think Gaines Street can support a 3rd or 4th hotel in
10-20 years
Does not think Developers should be charged a mobility fee

Convert current septic systems to City of Talquin Sewer

systems by charging customers with a $10-20 installation fee
every month until the cost of the installation is paid

Growth Management?

How to protect water

flowing to Wakulla Springs?

Continue the program Leon Works, an initiative to

reintroduce training in skilled-trade careers that dont require
a four-year college degree
Create a rebate program to encourage homeowners to remove
dangerous tress from their property
Protect rural intersections and surrounding neighborhoods
from development
Likes the idea of a mobility fee for developers
Does not support converting septic tanks to sewer systems
Doesnt really have a plan to reduce the 53% of nitrogen added
to Wakulla Springs coming from Septic Tanks

Leon county soil and water conservation district 1

The mission of the Leon Soil & Water Conservation District Board is to annually assess the
condition of the soils and waters in Leon County, both above and below ground; to educate
the public on the state of the soils and waters; to educate the public about conservation
practices which will enhance the condition of the soils and waters; and to advocate for
conservation practices and policies which will benefit the soils and waters of the county.

County commissioner at large, group 1

Lorin Pratt

Brooke Bustle

Occupation

City of Tallahassee, Marketing and Communications Specialist

Analyst, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Education

B.S. Ohio University, Journalism

M.P.A. Florida State University, Public Administration (2017)

Highlights

Incumbent Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor

Environmental educator for the Northwest Florida Water
Management District
Implemented the city's highly regarded sewer connection
program which reduced impacts from septic tanks
In the process of initiating a city/county voucher program to
help people remove dangerous trees from their property
BEFORE they come down in storms costing the city money
and damaging other folks' homes.

Wants to implement cost effective solutions to enhance and

preserve natural resources and landmarks
Priorities are to educate the community on: canopy roads
facing potential erosion, sink holes facing potential
contamination, hazardous storm water runoff, how to best
protect our aquifer

Leon county soil and water conservation district 3

The mission of the Leon Soil & Water Conservation District Board is to annually
assess the condition of the soils and waters in Leon County, both above and below
ground; to educate the public on the state of the soils and waters; to educate the
public about conservation practices which will enhance the condition of the soils
and waters; and to advocate for conservation practices and policies which will
benefit the soils and waters of the county.

County commissioner at large, DISTRICT 3

Tabitha Frazier

Bill Hemlich

Occupation

Incumbent Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor (since 2011)

President, Helmich Consulting Inc. (manage lobbying and political

campaign accounts)

Education

M.S. University of Florida, Environmental Engineering with a

specialization in Wetland Restoration

B.A. Norwich University, Military History

Highlights

Initiated a partnership between Sustainable Tallahassee's

Carbon Fund and Leon County for the planting of more
than 150 live Oak Trees on the Greenway
Completed the 10 year plan for the Miccosukee Greenway
The Leon Soil and Water Conservation District was awarded
a $10,00 grant from Adkins Global in an effort to host Leon
County high school students at the panhandle Envirathon
Started LeonTrees, a fruit gleaning program

Protect our springs and woodlands

Fight to protect our water resources from South Florida
interests
Increase (private) funding for Conservation projects
Reach out to Government and Private Companies for
Conservation Partnerships

The amendments

Amendment 1
Solar energy; Rights of Electricity Consumers Regarding Solar Energy

Synopsis: this amendment essentially would allow users the rights to own or lease
solar energy equipment on their property but it would also allow the state and local
governments to control the costs. Example, a consumer that uses both solar energy
and power from a power company pays a lower electricity bill because they are
producing a portion of their electricity. This in turn leads to losses for the utility
companies, which would most likely result in higher rates for everyone else in
order to make up for those losses.

Yes Vote: supported by various utility companies.

Would explicitly outline in FL Constitution a constitutional right on solar energy (once it is in
the constitution it will only be harder to change in the future)
Would allow the state and local governments the right to regulate the costs of access to electric
grids
Creates an assumption that those who use solar power are being subsidized by non-solar utility
customers for the cost of providing backup power and electric grid access and not paying
enough for the upkeep of the transmission and distribution system. It then creates a
constitutional mandate that state and local governments regulate solar power generators and
users to correct the subsidy, potentially leading to increased costs to solar users.
No Vote: supported by various environmental and solar energy activist groups.
Users retain the right to own or lease solar-power equipment
Protects existing rules on solar energy
Leaves open the possibility that homeowners and businesses could buy or lease solar-power
equipment

Amendment 2
Medical marijuana

Synopsis: would legalize the use of medical, not recreational, marijuana. Specifies
debilitating medical conditions with the approval of a physician and also allows
caregivers to assist patients in administering the marijuana.
.

Yes vote:
Create a constitutional right for people with specific debilitating conditions such
as cancer, epilepsy, AIDS, Parkinsons disease and multiple sclerosis to use
marijuana as long as a physician has certified they have one of the specified
conditions.
Require parental consent before a minor could be certified by a physician to receive
medical marijuana.
Permit caregivers to assist patients with marijuana treatments as long as that person
possesses a caregiver identification card issued by the states. Caregivers must
undergo a background check and are not allowed to use marijuana themselves.
Require patients and caregivers to get a state-issued ID.
No Vote:
Medical marijuana remains illegal and would also have no affect on current
marijuana laws

Amendment 3
Tax exemption for Disabled First Responders

Synopsis: Floridas Constitution already grants a property-tax exemption to the

spouses of first responders who die in the line of duty. Amendment 3 authorizes
the Legislature to extend that exemption to first responders who are totally and
permanently disabled from injuries they received in the line of duty. First
responders are defined under state law as police and correctional officers,
firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics.

Yes Vote:
Authorize the Legislature to grant a property tax exemption on homestead property
to first responders who are totally and permanently disabled from injuries sustained
in the line of duty.
No Vote:
Not extend property tax exemptions to first responders who became totally and
permanently disabled in the line of duty.

Amendment 5
Homestead exemption for low-income seniors:

Synopsis: Amendment 5 would ensure that low-income seniors who

qualify for an additional homestead exemption as longtime residents
do not lose that exemption if the value of their property rises.

Yes vote:
Ensure that low-income seniors who qualify for a city- or county-approved property
tax exemption do not lose that exemption if the value of their home exceeds the
$250,000 limit.
No Vote:
Retain the property tax exemption for low-income seniors who are longtime
residents, but not ensure they keep it if property values rise.
Not provide retroactive tax relief to low-income seniors who had the tax exemption
but lost it after their home value exceeded $250,000.

T H A N K

YO U

F O R AT T E N D I N G !