Thinking Ahead of the Next Election
Far too often, we only talk about an “election year” when it’s time to vote for a new president. We pay attention for a few months, then go back into hiding for the next three and a half years. As we start this new year, I want to encourage you to stay engaged with local and state elections that are coming up—elections that often have just as much, if not more, impact on our day-to-day lives.
While I’ve long considered myself a bit of a local-elections nerd, this year begins with a venture into state politics as I visit the Capitol in Tallahassee near the end of January for Florida PTA’s Legislative Convention. Members of the Florida House of Representatives are up for election every two years, making this the perfect time to meet with them and think critically about how you want to vote this fall. As a full-time high school science teacher and a full-time volunteer with the Volusia County Council PTA, my focus will be advocating for public schools, teachers and students.
Co-Location and Property Taxes
Two issues concern me most at the state level: co-location and the proposed elimination of property taxes. Co-location was added to a budget bill last summer and outlines how charter schools in Florida can move into, or co-locate inside, a public school building at no cost to the charter school. This means Florida taxpayers are footing the bill for buildings, maintenance, security and even transportation for students attending charter schools. It’s the equivalent of allowing a new business to set up shop inside your store and operate for free.
Lawmakers are also working to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would eliminate
property taxes. While I’m all for paying less in taxes, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools and essential services like EMTs and firefighters. Without that revenue, how will we pay for these services? How can schools continue to operate if their funding sources keep shrinking? These are questions we need to be asking our decision-makers.
Volusia County Elections
Closer to home, this fall will bring elections for the Volusia County Council at-large seat, along with Districts 1, 3 and 5. Those same districts will also be voting on School Board seats. As a refresher, Districts 1 and 5 are on the west side of Volusia County, while District 3 includes the New Smyrna Beach and Edgewater area. New Smyrna Beach and Edgewater will also vote for mayor this year, along with Ormond Beach.
Stay Informed and Engaged
For both my mental health and yours, I don’t recommend tracking every piece of legislation at every level of government. I do encourage you to visit volusiaelections.gov to see what elections are coming up in your area and spend some time researching the candidates and issues ahead of the August primaries and November general election. While you’re there, make sure your voter registration is current and request a vote-by-mail ballot if that works best for you. Make your voice heard—at every level of government.
