A Primary Concern

As the days and weeks draw toward the January 29th primary election, incumbent county commissioners and those challenging those in office campaign strategies are sure to put every political aspirant at odds to formulate their individual thoughts on how to garnish the popular vote necessary to become the next nominee.

Locally, it seems less important which party the candidate has chosen to formed an affiliation. It appears there are times when a switch becomes a tactic to better suite the prospects for victory. Hopefully, those seeking a spot on the Board of County Commissioners have already positioned themselves in the district he/she intends to represent. Technically, the basis for eligibility has less importance concerning the residency issue because the countywide vote determines the eventual winner.

Every candidate will be hard-pressed to draw upon dedicated supporters to prompt as many voters as possible to make the selection that will result in their name on the general election ballot come November 2008. Having met the requirements necessary to have their names placed on the ballot suggests validation for their cause to succeed, but it’ll take more than a handful of door-to-door supporters garnish votes for a victory celebration.

Observing the general turnout at commission meetings, demographics plainly indicate those 55 and older are is the section of the electorate to gain support but is a shortsighted assumption that could easily lead to defeat. Attracting young adults and middle-age parents should be of greater importance since their futures, and that of their children, will be greatly affected beyond the property tax issue. Jobs for themselves and the prospects for the next generation should a drawing card for the civic-minded voter.

It is all too easy for political hopefuls to center their campaigns on the high profile concerns of what are deemed excessive monetary compensation for department head county employees. Figuratively speaking, the candidates inclined to make this issue a contention of importance are faced with two negative aspects: how could they, as commissioner, set guidelines for salary adjustments and still maintain the employment of these professionals, and what degree of camaraderie can be expected with the existing department heads after criticizing them for their perceived excessive pay scales?

Everyone says the county must reign in expenses. Rather than harping on the negatives that resulted in the current economic shortfalls, candidates will have to demonstrate leadership abilities with positive aspects on specific resolutions they will have integrated in their election platforms.

Perhaps incentives for attaining the commissioner job has less to do with providing the community with dedicated service as it is about the financial compensation nearing twice the income of the average worker in Hernando County.


For myself, I will be pointedly in doubt of candidates with backgrounds in construction, real estate and property insurance. My faith in their ability to avoid cronyism within their associated professions goes far beyond claims of being ‘a nice guy’. It has to be more than a popularity contest.

My expectations for the primary and general elections have a voter turnout unseen over the past several decades, although a worst-case scenario would be a slim victory; it would indicate a perception that the political winner may be as incompetent as any of the other candidates.