by Teresa Jacobs, Orange County Mayor
As we approach the November 4th election, the focus is naturally on the big picture. From medical marijuana to school funding, voters are concerned with how their children, their families and their futures will be affected. But local citizens should also be aware of a sweeping change that could result from a proposed amendment to Orange County’s Charter.
“Question C” asks voters if they want to re-introduce partisan politics to the County Commission—a very bad idea. Today, Orange County’s mayor and commissioners are elected as “non-partisan” office holders. That means “open” elections, where voters of any party affiliation or no party affiliation (NPA) can vote in every election and for any candidate of their choice. Reverting back to partisan elections would result in closed primaries where ONLY registered party members are invited to participate in that election. This would be a giant step backward, resulting in independent or NPA voters—nearly a third of Orange County’s registered voters—being shut out of the primary ballot box altogether. As a community, we should be seeking to increase voter participation, not stifle it.
Beyond the threat of disenfranchisement, there’s another compelling reason to vote “No” on Question C. We just don’t need Washington-style gridlock in Central Florida. Orange County voters recognized that when they amended the County Charter to eliminate partisan elections for County Commission seats. This form of government isn’t unique to the Orange County Commission. In fact, every other city in Orange County, all 13 of them, have non-partisan elections! Why? Because political affiliation doesn’t matter to the pothole that needs filling. From clean water to safe streets, our focus should be on creating a vibrant community that brims with opportunity and promise for all! Partisan politics brings exactly the opposite. For proof, look no further than Congress.
As Mayor, I encourage voters to arm themselves with the facts. Whatever the outcome, our democracy is made stronger by your participation. And your ability to participate in all Orange County Commission elections is guaranteed by keeping partisan politics out of local elections – vote “No” on Question C!
