As political systems go, the American style of democracy ain’t that bad.
Consider this: despite the divisiveness in our political system today, many of us wouldn’t change a thing. The Republic will survive it all.
It always has. And, survive we must.
In Orlando, many associate the word struggle with survival. Locally, survival is more urgent than ever.
The question is: Can Orlando survive another four years of Buddy Dyer?
But, before we go there….
Mayor Buddy Dyer is a helluva nice guy. It’s hard not to like him personally, he’s just so…Orlando-ish. Buddy. Sounds so friendly doesn’t it?
The problem with our Buddy is that besides being our pal, he’s also our biggest problem.
Just ask any small business owner.
When was the last time you heard the words “small business” come from the Mayor of Orlando’s mouth? No one in their right mind would associate Buddy Dyer with small business. Remember, he is the “world class city” guy.
Ask Buddy Dyer about small business and he sees a $100 million dollar entertainment complex. Or a Performing Arts Center. Or an NBA All Star Game.
No, Buddy Dyer is no small business guy.
Neither is he a champion for the unemployed. Can you recall the last time you heard the words, “Orlando’s unemployed”?
Orlando’s staggeringly high unemployment, has averaged at or near 10 percent for years now.
It almost makes one yearn for a Community Venues project to increase training and employment.
Oh yeah, I forgot. We did that.
Some may suggest that you can’t expect a mayor of a city like Orlando to do everything. We say why not. Have you ever been to Orlando’s Amway Center?
How about the new Medical City, built so far from the population center and the desperately unemployed that its impact on the urban core will be barely noticeable.
How about basic services?
Just ask the residents of Districts 5 and 6. Have you been down to Westmoreland or Ivey Lane lately? Ask any resident who is tired of calling Daisy Lynum or Samuel Ings and they will give you a mouthful about drainage and safety issues.
Buddy Dyer has turned a deaf ear to many of Orlando’s neighborhoods. Neglect, apathy and failure of leadership will be part of the Dyer legacy one day. Orlando’s stretch of Orange Blossom Trail is prima facie evidence of that. The decay and emptiness go on for miles.
At least Azalea Park has Tony Ortiz.
Anyway, we digress.
April 3rd is election day in Orlando and some are predicting a low voter turnout. Maybe it will be snowing or something, who knows?
No matter what, it will be a day of choices in Orlando. A day to choose what type of City we want Orlando to be. Do we affirm the old or embrace the possible?
But, if survival of this City depends on who is Mayor, if there is ever to be a voice for small business, the underpaid and unemployed, if there is ever to be a vision that touts inclusiveness and fairness, that choice must be for Mike Cantone – the youngster and millennial transplant who represents our best shot on election day to replace the buddy system.
West Orlando News says vote for Mike on election day.
I gotta agree with you on this one.
When the math gets totally in the hole you can’t say anyone can clean up that mess. Sound familiar? But this joker is on record as upping the defaults from the now $600 million to $1200 million which for every of the 100,000 or so households in Orlando comes to $10,000 apiece. Here is the head CPA of Orlando explaining why they have to default: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miIl0RYKSRg&feature=relmfu
VOTE TODAY!!! Polls open until 7:00. City of Orlando http://www.ocfelections.com/Districts%20Precincts%20Polling%20Places/polling_places_municipal_april_2012.htm <Polling places they managed to screw them up pretty bad. We all have cars right? Call them today and sign up for absentee ahead if the mailman is 100%. Canvassing Board- Occupy the Commissioner of Elections at 4:00 TODAY 119 Kaley when they have prevented you from voting. (Legally that is your chance to do a provisional ballot or have yours count)