Florida's primary and general national elections for 2008 continue to draw great national interest. As a so-called swing state and site of past controversies, Florida is watched by the news media for signs of dispute. And we keep accommodating them. Who deserves the most blame for the Democrat primary situation is hard to tell. Levy County primary and general elections will not get national attention (we hope), but we can expect much activity. Based on the large number of people who have filed candidacy papers there seems to be discontent in the air. The incumbent Property Appraiser and all three County Commission incumbents have two challengers apiece. Those challenges guarantee Democrat primary races and Republican opponents in all races. Furthermore, there are Democrat challengers for the incumbent Sheriff and Clerk of Courts. Candidate's signs have already appeared on the tailgates of local pick-up trucks. Right here in Cedar Key candidates for seats on the Commission and Water and Sewer District Board will be filing qualifying papers up until noon March 21. The election for local offices will be held May 6. Although Cedar Key gets an inordinate amount of national coverage during hurricane season, our election results probably will not be reported on prime time. So, what are the issues? At the national level the economy, the War and health care will no doubt be hot topics. Levy County has an abundance of issues. Strip mining, nuclear power plants, property appraisal policies and whose road gets paved will be discussed, but not necessarily prioritized in that order. The debate in Cedar Key will probably focus on the revision of the Comprehensive Plan and how to spend the money in the Community Redevelopment Agency till. In the latter case, the Water and Sewer District plans must merge with the City plans. The recommendations from Cedar Key News are as follow: 1. Turn up the sound on your T-V and read the newspapers. 2. Decide which candidate best represents your desires. 3. Get involved; don't just wait until Election Day. |