President's Report
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
As this September has arrived, we have entered into two of the most stressful times of this calendar year. We are now at the apex of hurricane season, and we are near the apex of the election season. Both are challenging and require a lot of energy. We have no control over a hurricane, but we do have some control over an election. We can vote. Voting is a right and a privilege and a wonderful opportunity to make your wishes known. You might think that, with so many people and so many voters, your choices really don’t matter. But they do matter; most of you can remember the presidential election of 2000 where George Bush won by only 200 plus votes. Your job, whether preparing for a hurricane or an election, is to get ready. In an election, do some research on the candidates. See if they might be someone you would like to represent you in government. In all the information you will be receiving, read between the lines and try to ascertain what this person really stands for and why they want to serve. Take your sample ballot and do your homework. Then as you are bombarded by text messages, phone calls, mailings, and radio, and television ads, you can find your way in all this information to make your decision for whom you will cast your ballot.
When I was in college, I had a one-day job as a poll watcher during a national election. It was my job at the designated precinct to be sure that the paper ballots got into the ballot box without any misfortune. I enjoyed the job, and I learned of the high stakes involved in such an election. One of my other jobs was working as a clerk in a drugstore. I remember the owner getting calls from some of his customers concerning a phone call that they were all receiving. The caller said that if X were elected, their social security would stop immediately. Many people believed this and called their trusted pharmacist for confirmation. Truth has a way of disappearing and emotions have a way of heightening during elections. This election season is unusual in many ways both nationally and here locally. It already is tense, and the rhetoric is getting nasty.
For the past several years, the Tuscawilla Homeowners Association has sponsored a “Meet the Candidate Night”. This year the night will be September 19th at 7 pm at the Tuscawilla Country Club. All candidates running for City Commission Seats One, Three, and Five in Winter Springs will be invited to participate. The City of Winter Springs is divided into five districts, and there is a commissioner for each district. However, the citizens of Winter Springs vote for all candidates, not just the one for their district. The Board has prepared similar questions, and each candidate will have the same amount of time to speak. Also, each candidate will have a table available to them for their literature, and they will be around after the session at their table for questions. In seeing a candidate in person and hearing them talk without the benefit of charts and video presentations is helpful to get an impression of each.
Why does the Board of the Tuscawilla Homeowners Association do this? We are part of the City of Winter Springs, and the success and growth of our community and city depends a great deal on who we elect to represent us. Do your homework, we will see you on the 19th, and then be sure to vote.
Dr. Kurt Miericke
THOA President
Publisher, Tuscawilla Today
Email: THOAws20@gmail.com
