| [EddieS] Should we wait until 7 or go ahead now?
[KQ] Either way, it's up to you.
[MichaelCalderin] Evenin folks.
[EddieS] In the St. John's river in my area, there are concerns that pollution is causing abnormal boils on marine creates like porpoises and manatees. Mr. Ravenscraft, what will you do to strengthen environmental protections in the state?
[KQ] Hello, everyone. Mark is here, and he's ready to answer any questions you have. As before, the floor is open to anyone. Make sure to give Mark time to answer the questions. The floor is open...
[MarkR] Eddie, the degradation of the St. Johns River and ALL Florida fresh water resources is directly related unenforced growth policies. Florida has to make a decision on whether or not we want to "grow" our way out of this situation at the expense of the environment. My belief is we can't do that. I believe in reasonable, but sustainable growth - that means growth that does not degrade the environment. Agricultural fertilizer runoff and other surface water regulation needs more teeth.
[MeowMissy] What convinced you to run for this office?
[KQ] Mark is typing the response to your question, we may want to ask one question ahead so that we can keep things going.
[MarkR] Hi Missy...I have served in public office before for a period of 17 years in Ohio at the County and City government level (Akron, OH). I did not intend to run again. But, it has become clear many fine Democrats do not want to enter the arena - I feel this IS a winnable district -- some in the Party feel it is not...having traveled throughout the state and particularly these 13 counties (running statewide programs for people with disabilities) I'm very much aware of the attitudes local Democrats have - "give us a choice and we will vote Democratic" - I believe I can offer that choice as a moderate Democrat who understands the issues facing a rural/urban/suburban district....I'm in it to win!
[MichaelCalderin] And what will be your priorities if elected?
[MarkR] Recruiting/retaining excellent teachers through an incentive program that addresses their student loan debt; sabbaticals for further study; in service career training; discretionary funds (GA offers a $100 visa debit card/teacher) for needs in their classroom; and most importantly, signing bonuses and retainage points that equal higher pay. Without addressing the backbone of the system, i.e. the teaching resources, we will never lift Florida schools our of their valley. Cutting the high school dropout rate is next. We need to increase non-college track options, foster better school to work transition programs for kids who have to go to work and yet should remain in the system to get their HS diploma. We also have to start thinking about the education continuum as not just K-12 but more like K-88...in other words career retraining in adult education and preparation for seniors wishing ( or forced ) to reenter the workforce. Other priorities that space does not permit me to amplify include: insurance rate reform; infrastructure replacement; and tighter reign on growth management policies.
[ConceptualGuerilla] Your district includes a lot of the Suwanee River -- including a lot of farmers. What will they think about that?
[MarkR] Conceptual Guerilla...in answer to your follow-up about farmers....I come from Ohio and part of my family were dairy, corn and wheat farmers....I appreciate and understand their concern about higher costs of farming, but agribusiness is another story...and the real runoff from fertilizer problems stems from agribusiness...it needs to be addressed in the same manner as any other environment hazard abatement program.
[EddieS] Mark, if you are elected, will you campaign aggressively for other Democrats in the state?
[MarkR] Always have...always will…I have been a member of the FL Dem Party Exec and Central Committee for over 10 years and always supported the Party nominees without exception.
[MichaelCalderin] Without much negativity, how do you differentiate yourself from your primary challenger?
[MarkR] Michael....Suzan is a gracious and learned person....I like her....we agree on many things....I believe I understand the tremendous effort that will be needed and the "jawboning" that will be needed among groups, unions, and contributors traditionally allied to the Democratic cause, in order to rally them and win this race....I have been here Florida as an intimate observer of the Legislature for 17 years and I know how the system works...I am very clear on the task/fight that lies ahead and I believe I can come out of the primary with a head start....
[Cici] (After you answer Michael's question) - When you say "tighter reign on growth management policies" what exactly do you mean. From a state level, I am not sure that this can be done without taking control away from local governments. Do you favor local control or an increased role from the state?
[MarkR] Cici, generally, having been in local government over 17 years as an elected, I favor local control, but I must quickly add, Florida has a unique situation with millions of dollars swirling around most county boards of commissioners in an effort to "amend" or circumvent growth management regulations...where appropriate, state control needs to be strengthened, especially in growth management practices...in most other areas I believe local decision making trumps the state
[MichaelCalderin] All this talk about growth management... give us some specifics, what should we do differently? And how do you see implementing your plan in a state as diverse as ours?
[MarkR] We have on the books a very good comprehensive growth management system...the problem comes in form of "amendments" - basically end runs made by developers and their attorneys in an effort to increase density, ignore impact regulations and subvert environmental regulations dealing with surface water runoff....I believe when these amendments are sought they should be vetted through a regional planning review which can be conducted with existing staff (no new layers of government), but the findings of this review would specifically codify where the so called "amendments" would change or alter the growth management regulation and state specific anticipated consequences according to a formula developed by the American Planning Association. Other states have adopted this step and it has worked to slow down the rush to judgment that often characterizes rezoning or approval decisions. Many times citizens are up against well financed, high powered forces whose motivation is pure profit at the expense of local government.
[Cici] While I certainly agree that there is an issue regarding the circumventing of local planning by developers with county commissioners in their pockets, how can the state deal with neighborhood growth issues - if elected you represent District 3, and other Senators would represent their areas. Many of these developers also have State Senators in their pockets. How would a larger state role change anything other than tie the hands at the local level by sate senators who don't understand each other's districts? This isn't Miami, so why give a Miami (or wherever) Senator control over how we do things in Taylor, Suwanee, or even Citrus?
[MichaelCalderin] Or the other way around. :)
[MarkR] Cici...in regard to your comment about a Miami or other Senator having control over things in Taylor, Suwanee or Citrus, I would simply point to the history of state decision making when it comes to growth management decisions which deviate from good practices as outlined in the state plan -- in most every instance the state has been a source of restraint and a break on unbridled growth...likewise the Senate of the two houses of Florida government has been a more reasoned house when it comes to growth issues...that doesn't mean it's perfect, but 40 Senators give your better odds than 3-5-7 commissioners....especially with government in the sunshine...
[Cici] I see your point, but I think we disagree. Currently, if I have a zoning issue, I take it to my local county commissioner, and they know the area and can make a decision. Under state control I would have to go to the Legislature, and you and I know that the higher up I have to go, the less likely it is that my voice, my issue, will be addressed. That is my concern.
[MarkR] Cici... I understand your apprehension about having to go to the "Kremlin" (ie. Tallahassee) instead of your local county commission, but in fact the Department of Community Affairs has a process for local public hearing and input that is seldom used...we can bring the state to you without you having to come to the state....and it doesn't mean every decision winds up on the docket of the Legislature, no quite the contrary, the growth management system functions to favor citizen control when allowed to work as designed...
[ConceptualGuerilla] A major issue -- which the legislature is theoretically as we speak -- is property taxes. I have seen evidence that this a potent issue, with Republicans essentially seeking to shift taxes to sales taxes. How do we reduce property taxes without shifting to sales taxes?
[MarkR] Concept Guerilla....Basically this is a "bait & switch" game being played by the Legislature...they actually increased property taxes for the schools by 7.44% across the board....but, they say they want to "slash" your taxes in the special session...like most hurry up rush fixes, I believe they will make some mistakes...not the least of which will be to potentially hurt some rural local governments to the point of being in a state of fiscal emergency...this is not a pretty picture...shifting to the sales tax completely is not a good idea....Rubio’s book of 100 ideas to make the rich richer and the poor poorer has become a mantra of sorts for the GOP majority and during this campaign we have heard everyone on the Republican side say they will cut, cut and cut some more....one wonders if they just want to strangle government of any revenue and turn the key and go home! Reasonable property tax relief should come for everyone...right now on we have a ridiculous situation where on one street or in one neighborhood you have people living in the same kind of house valued the same paying different tax bills because of homestead/Save our Homes/ and the 3% cap...that can't last...the people will revolt....we need to index and take the median value pegged to the valuation, then apply an increase in homestead exemption (I favor double what it is now) and then consider portability....sadly, in both the area of prop tax and insurance rates we see a disturbing trend of inlanders subsidizing coastals and that won't work well for Florida's future...we can do better than that...
[Cici] So right now you favor a "median value" approach. Would that include the repeal of the 3% cap? In other words, would I be reassessed and lose the savings that I have come to rely on - As much as I want fair taxes, if someone new moves into my neighborhood, I don't mind them having to pick up the bill. Currently, the cap is the only thing keeping me in my house. If we reassess to a media value, I will not be able to pay - my income is fixed.
[Cici] I guess I didn't state my question very well: How would you deal with a situation like mine?
[MarkR] No Cici, I do not propose "take aways" .... we need to phase in these changes lest we create havoc and hardship for many....but your point about newcomers paying the bill won't work long term....everyone eventually needs to get back to a more even playing field or pressure will find its' own outlet and that might bring on solutions worse than anything we are talking about now, such as value added on property tax or worse....
[KQ] We plan on going until around 8, so we have time for a few more questions...
[EddieS] Mark, what is your opinion on the Home Town Democracy ballot-initiative, which would require voters have a say when local government wants to change its land use policy?
[MarkR] SB590 is right now on the Governor's desk waiting for signature or veto...this is the rather devious attempt on the part of the chamber and others to deny Floridians their right to the initiative....already Florida denies the people the right to referendum (as many other states have, particularly in the populist Midwest)...I urge everyone to implore the Governor to veto 590 and not take away this one recourse the voters have...without we would never have passed Save the Everglades, Class Size Amendment and many more....in general I know from past experience, when things go so far in one direction the people will react....and that's what is playing out with the Home Town Democracy movement...voters should have a say when denied any other place to have their voice heard...I would want to be careful we do not allow this to become the tyranny of the majority over the minority, because sure as shootin' in the future something will come down the pike that is needed and such veto power of the ballot might work against good outcomes, but generally I favor peoples right to ballot initiative when their interests are unprotected.
[MichaelCalderin] Mark, will you be reaching out to other Democrats around the state at this coming weekend's JJ event?
[MarkR] Yes Michael....the JJ event is always a wonderful time to commune with the folk...I chair the Dem Disability Caucus and we always network with other brethren during the weekend....it will be a good time to unwind and reenergize for the next round....
[MichaelCalderin] Great. I look forward to speaking with you then.
[Cici] Thank you Mark. I was in the chat with Suzan Franks earlier, and I would like to ask you the same final question I asked her: Why should I vote for you on Tuesday?
[Cici] And I will throw in a pre-emptive Thank You for spending time talking with us today!
[MarkR] Cici: I ask for your vote Tuesday for these reasons: I will - use every new technology in the campaign to help equalize the battle with the opponent; enlarge upon our good campaign team to include organizations in every one of the 13 counties; fundraise inside & outside the district with the goal of a minimum of $250,000 to be competitive; and I will work non-stop to carry the battle 24/7 to the Republicans....I have been a Democrat all my life and believe passionately in good government committed to fairness and responsiveness...the gap between Floridians grows wider everyday and that's wrong....we can change that if we join together and speak truth to power...this Senate District has had a strong voice in the State Senate...she wasn't a Democrat and many times I disagreed with her, but she was independent and she told it like it was...I would intend to do the same....I need your support and the support of all who care deeply about the future of Florida.....there is no greater honor or humbling experience than to submit yourself for public office....but to join with others in a common endeavor to make things better - is the most exhilarating opportunity anyone can have....no matter what your choice, please I ask everyone - especially at a time when the country is at war...please honor those who serve by exercising your franchise and casting a vote in this and every election.
[KQ] I'd like to thank Mark for joining us. Look for the transcript on our site in a few minutes. And don't forget to vote Tuesday (or tell your friends in the District to vote).
[EddieS] Thank for joining us, Mark!
[Cici] Thank you Mark and Kenneth.
[MarkR] And thanks to all of you....you asked great questions and I enjoyed the chat....you all have a keen interest in what's going on and that is very invigorating to a candidate....my hat's off to each of you and thanks for coming online....Peace be with you all. |
