Osprey Observer 2016-10 Brandon Political Guide

Voting for the 2016 General Election in Florida will begin with Early Voting which starts on Monday, October 24 and runs through Sunday, November 6. The General Election is on Tuesday, November 8. You must be registered to vote by Tuesday, October 11.

You can review your ballot and request a Vote By Mail Ballot from the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Office by visiting www.votehillsborough.org. No matter which method you choose to vote- By Mail, Early Voting or on Election Day, your vote counts.

State House Representative - District 59

FRAZIER

RENA UPSHAW FRAZIER (Democrat) Rena Frazier is an attorney, mother of four, and Florida native. The issues she is plans to address are: fully fund education and make sure that kids are taught how to think and not just how to take a test; to create an environment where small businesses can thrive and grow. Small businesses are the incubators of employment in our communities; and as the child of aging parents who have struggled with health issues, Rena finds it inexcusable that over 800,000 Floridians, including 40,000 veterans, do not have healthcare. www.RenaForFlorida.com.

ROSS SPANO (Incumbent/Republican) Ross Spano is currently the Representative from Florida State House District 59 and is seeking reelection. He is a Brandon area native who graduated from Brandon High in 1984, and later USF and FSU. Spano noted on his Website, “I have sponsored and cosponsored many bills, which have been signed into law. These bills protect the victims of human trafficking and punish those who enslave them. They protect Veterans and their families from being the targets of scams and unfair trade practices. http://Rossspano.com

SPANO

Clerk Of The Circuit Court

FRANK

PAT FRANK (Incumbent/Democrat) Because of the hard work of my office and team, we were recently chosen to receive the prestigious Florida Excellence Award for Best Practices. Andespite annual budget cuts from the Florida Legislature, we continue to build on this progress every day. I am grateful for the opportunities the voters of Hillsborough County have given me to serve them, and I ask for your support and vote for my re-election as your Clerk of the Circuit Court.

For more information, visit www.patfrankclerk.com or on Facebook at: Re-elect Pat Frank for Clerk.

ERIC SEIDEL (Republican) Studied Law at Nova Southeastern University. According to Seidel’s Website page, “As the Consumer Lawyer, I heard from many of you over the years who had questions and problems assisting themselves through the legal system. From collecting on a legal judgment or filing a small claim in a dispute, to attempting to file for divorce without being able to afford an attorney, I’ve heard all the horror stories. I want to be able to do more than put the problems on TV or help folks as a private attorney. As Clerk, I will truly be able to serve the consumers.” https://ericseidelforclerk.com/

SEIDEL

Property Appraiser

HENRIQUEZ

BOB HENRIQUEZ (Incumbent) Henriquez is excited I am to make my case to serve for four more years. I have never been one to fear a challenge. In fact, I believe being tested brings out the best in me in order to once again humbly win your vote. Many more endorsements and remarkable bipartisan support in the near future will be rolled out. http://www.bobhenriquez2016.com/

TODD DONOVAN JONES Not a politician, Jones has a 30 year history of protecting taxpayers from inaccurate assessments. For over 10 years, he has been fighting for fairness in taxation. Jones helped “level the playing field” for taxpayers in assessment disputes. It’s time for the same representation for taxpayers from their government. Jones’ extensive experience fighting for taxpayers means that he is all too familiar with the problems in the Hillsborough County Property Appraisers Office. It also means he knows how to fix them. http://toddjones2016.com/

JONES

County Commissioner - District 1 (Countywide)

MURMAN

SANDRA L. MURMAN (Incumbent/Republican) She was elected as a County Commissioner in 2010 representing District 1. She was re-elected without opposition in June 2012.

Commissioner Murman was elected by her fellow commissioners as Chairman of the BOCC for 2014-15. She served as Vice Chairman in 2011, 2012 and again in 2013. Prior to joining the County Commission, she completed eight years as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1996-2004. Her focus: Economic Development, Transportation, Ending Homelessness, Continued Improvements to Customer Service and Communications & more. http://www.sandymurman.com/

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JEFF ZAMPITELLA (Democrat) An international airline pilot, he is a first-time candidate for elected office. His 32 years of experience in aviation and with public interaction position him to tackle effectively the issues and opportunities that we face in the County today and in the future. Chief among these are the continuing failure to envision and implement effective plans to construct and rebuild the necessary infrastructure to meet the challenges of the next decade and beyond. Think safe, efficient, transportation options. Think storm and waste water solutions. Think improved education options; better healthcare; and so many more issues that have languished for years. http://www.electjeffz.com/

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County Commissioner - District 6 (Countywide)

KEMP

PATRICIA ANN KEMP Pat Kemp 2016 for more Advocates for: Good-Paying Jobs Attracting and growing the industries with the jobs of the future, Smart Growth - Partnering with communities & businesses for growth that enhances and builds communities and Transportation - Working for less traffic and more transit with transit alternatives including ferries, robust bus service, rail, bicycles and walkable communities. http://electpatkemp.com/

SCHOCK

TIM SCHOCK Tim will energize our County Government by bringing an honest, pro-business approach that gets things done, while always making sure to put the taxpayers and our conservative principles first. His core issues include: Serve with Honesty, Integrity and Principled Leadership; Develop Effective and Fiscally Responsible Transportation Solutions Promote Economic Empowerment for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs; Fiscal Responsibility; and Accessibility, Accountability and Trust. https://timschock.com/

School Board - District 5 (Countywide)

ROBINSON

JOE JORDAN-ROBINSON He plans to bring his professional skills set, leadership experiences, knowledge and wisdom for the past 20 years with School Board issues, to help create an effective School Board. He brings experienced leadership with a proven track record of governance and commitment to the community for this District 5 open seat. He is a businessman, a professional engineer since 1982 and a Community Activist. http://electjoerobinson.com/

SHAMBURGER

TAMARA SHAMBURGER Is committed to fostering an environment of growth, transparency, and results in the Hillsborough County Public School System. She will play an active role in making District 5 a high-performing, results-based district; focused on providing a quality education for all students; enabling each student to become a successful, productive, and responsible citizen. http://www.votetamara.com/home.html

School Board - District 7 (Countywide)

JAMES

CATHY JAMES For more information, visit www.electcathyjames.com or on Facebook at: electcathyjames.

As a 31-year resident of Hillsborough County, I am committed to the success of our community. School boards, like any other board of directors, need members with varied backgrounds to achieve the axiom that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. With over 30 years of financial accounting and management experience in private, public and nonprofit organizations, I am offering my skill set to the community to enhance the skill set of the current members.

LYNN GRAY For more information, visit www.LynnGrayForSchoolBoard.com; or Facebook at: Lynn for School Board.

An experienced teacher and instructional leader for over 30 years, and she is ready to make a change in Hillsborough County.

GRAY

Circuit Court Judge - Group 24

DOLGIN

GARY DOLGIN For more information, visit www.garydolgin.com or on Facebook at: Gary Dolgin for Judge.

I believe that my expertise in Family Law and my background in Criminal Law will be an asset to the Circuit Court. I have dedicated my professional career to the area of family and criminal law and look forward to putting my experience to work for the citizens of Hillsborough County.

MELISSA POLO For more information, visit melissapoloforjudge.com or on Facebook at: Melissa Polo For Judge.

If elected, Melissa Polo pledges to serve the citizens of Hillsborough County by applying the law established by the legislature and respectively listening to each individual who appears before her.

POLO

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Former Fox 13 Consumer Lawyer Eric Seidel Wants To Continue To Serve As County Clerk

Candidate In Group 24 Gary Dolgin Prepared To Serve As Circuit Court Judge

“As Clerk, I will Bar and is the only cantruly be able to serve didate for the position the consumers and who is licensed as an all citizens of attorney and has experiHillsborough County,” ence processing legal said Tampa attorney and financial docuEric Seidel, who is ments. He is also admitrunning for ted to practice before Hillsborough County the United States Clerk of the Court on District Court for the November 8.

Middle District of Seidel has been Florida. a familiar face in the In addition to his Tampa area as role as an Honorary Consumer Lawyer Hillsborough County Tampa Attorney Eric Seidel, former host Sheriff’s Deputy, he is a and former host of of Fox13’s Ask-A-Lawyer program, is Fox13’s Ask-Arunning for Hillsborough County Clerk member of the Lawyer program for Brandon, Riverview of the Court on November 8. nearly 20 years. He and Plant City calls himself a consumer advocate and Chambers of Commerce and serves as a over the years has offered residents legal volunteer on the Hillsborough Clerk of advice as well as guidance in avoiding Court’s Value Adjustment Board. He scams, frauds and consumer rip-offs. states that his role on the board has pro“As the Consumer Lawyer, I heard vided citizens a forum to address the from many of you over the years who complaints of those who feel the Property had questions and problems assisting Appraiser has over-assessed their themselves through the legal system,” homes or property. He has also served said Seidel, who is a 1991 Doctor of Law on charity boards including Hands Across (J.D.) graduate of the Nova Southeastern the Bay and works with many organizaUniversity. “From collecting on a legal tions serving children with special needs. judgement or filing a small claim in a disHe has also won numerous awards pute, to attempting to file for divorce with- including the Hillsborough County Bar out being able to afford an attorney, I’ve Association’s H.A.V.E. a Heart Award for heard all the horror stories. I want to be outstanding volunteer service and more. able to do more than put the problems on Seidel lives in Tampa with his wife Dayle TV or help folks as a private attorney.” and son Chase. For more info, visit Seidel is a member of the www.EricSeidelForClerk.com or call 712Hillsborough Bar Association and Florida ERIC (3742).

With 26 years of ber of citizens in our experience and the state. Everyone has a expertise that comes friend or family member with being a Board who has gone through Certified Attorney in the process. People want Marital and Family Law, someone who is an Gary Dolgin is uniquely expert in what is going to qualified to serve as a happen with their chilHillsborough County dren, their money and Circuit Court Judge. their property.”

Dolgin is running for Moreover, Dolgin judge in Group 24 and has experience in crimiencourages everyone nal law as he served as to vote on or before an Assistant State Gary Dolgin wants to be the first Tuesday, November 8.

Attorney in Manatee Circuit Court Judge elected in Hillsborough County who is Board County and an Assistant In Florida, Board Certified in Marital and Family Law. Certification recognizes Public Defender in an attorney’s special knowledge, skill and Hillsborough County. proficiency in a particular area of law. It Dolgin said, “I want to be this comalso recognizes professionalism and munity’s Family Law Judge because the ethics in practice. The minimum stanarea impacts a tremendous number of dards to become Board Certified are people, and citizens deserve a judge who quite rigorous which is why there are only has both the expertise and passion for about 26 attorneys in Hillsborough the law.”

County and only 273 in the state of Dolgin has lived almost all of his life Florida who are Board Certified in Marital in Hillsborough County. He has been and Family Law. married to Wendi Towbin-Dolgin, a regisDolgin is the only candidate in Group tered nurse, for 25 years. They have twin 24 to have achieved this distinction. In 18 year olds, a son Corey and a daughter addition, he would be the first Circuit Mallory, and a 12 year old son, Ari. Court Judge elected in Hillsborough Dolgin has been recommended by County who is Board Certified in Marital the Tampa Bay Times, endorsed by the and Family Law. Hillsborough County Firefighters and the According to Dolgin, this makes him Associated Builders and Contractors. qualified because, “Family law is the diviFor more information on Dolgin’s sion that most new judges are assigned. candidacy for Circuit Court Judge in This area of law affects the greatest num- Group 24, visit www.garydolgin.com.

By Kathy L .Collins

By Kathy L .Collins

For Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Group 24

GARY DOLGIN IS MOST PREPARED TO SERVE

A champion for consumers and individuals, serving the Tampa Bay area for over 20 years!

Member: A Champion Hillsborough Clerk’s Value Adjustment Board & Advocate Hillsborough Bar Association for Conserving Tax Dollars!

The Florida Bar Honorary Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon, Riverview & Plant City Chambers of Commerce

Please Vote on November 8, 2016

• 26 years of Legal Experience • Board Certified Expert in Marital & Family Law • Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator • Owner of successful law practice since 1993 • Former Assistant State Attorney & Public Defender • Member of the Riverview, Brandon and Plant City Chambers of Commerce

The Dolgin Family Corey, Ari, Gary, Wendi, Mallory and “Chester”

Tampa Bay Times Recommends Gary Dolgin:

“He is widely admired as smart, polite and attentive to his clients, all traits that well serve a judge. ...he holds judicial office to the high standards the public expects. His work ethic and sense of fair play would well serve those before him. Dolgin is prepared, punctual and respectful, vital qualities for judges in the clogged court system. And his grasp of family law would help as the courts look for more holistic ways of addressing the impacts of broken families.” - 8/1/16 Endorsed by:

Endorsed by:

Hillsborough County Fire Fighters Local 2294

Associated Builders & Contractors Gulf Coast Chapter

Please remember to VOTE on November 8, 2016

www.GaryDolgin.com

Like us on Facebook: Gary Dolgin for Judge Pd. Pol. Adv. Approved by Gary Dolgin, non-partisan for Circuit Court Judge Group 24.

Todd Jones Will Put Years Of Experience To Work As County Property Appraiser

Staff Report

Todd Jones has state certification spent the last 30 years requirements; and diligently working to proFRICS from the tect taxpayers from inacRoyal Institute of curate property assessChartered ments and government Surveyors, an interoverreach. Now, at a national organizatime when most people tion that promotes would happily retire, he and enforces the has decided to give back highest professionto the community and is Todd Jones, shown here with daughter, al qualifications and Alexis (L) and wife, Joryn (R ) along running to be the with the family dog, Hachi, wants your standards in develsupport as he runs Hillsborough County opment and manHillsborough County Property Appraiser.

Property Appraiser on agement of land, Tuesday, November 8. real estate, construction and infrastrucJones said, “I want to make the office ture. Additionally, he is a member of of Hillsborough County Property Counselors of Real Estate. Taken togethAppraiser more taxpayer friendly. I want er, these represent the highest designato make the entire process more transtions someone in his field can achieve. parent.” Jones explained that one way to Jones is a fourth generation do this is by redesigning the Property Floridian. He received his undergraduate Appraiser’s website so that all of the infor- degree from the University of Florida and mation needed to make an intelligent his MBA from the University of South decision on whether to buy or sell real Florida. He has lived in Tampa for over estate in Hillsborough County is easily 20 years with his wife, Joryn Jenkins and accessible. his daughter, Alexis.

“We as taxpayers own the data.

“I know how to grow the economy by Today, you cannot see or get the informa- helping facilitate real estate transactions. tion that would be useful in determining By eliminating uncertainty for lenders, whether to buy or sell a home,” explained more real estate transactions will close Jones. thus creating more high paying jobs,” Jones is a licensed appraiser. He is Jones explained. an internationally recognized expert in Jones plans to make the process property tax policy and valuation. Jones more transparent and therefore take holds several designations including: away the unknowns in assessing properMAI, a designation from the Appraisal ty for tax purposes.

Institute which required additional educaFor more information on Todd Jones, tion and experience far beyond that of please visit Toddjones2016.com.

Family Man, Ross Spano Wants To Continue Work As State Representative District 59

Staff Report

Ross individuals who were Spano is the exploiting a loophole in current State state law to possess Representative “legal” child pornografor Florida phy. Ross has protectHouse, District ed Veterans and their 59, representing families statewide by all or parts of enforcing stricter punBrandon, ishments for specifically Valrico, Seffner, target them to be vicMango, Dover, tims of fraud.

Riverview, Palm As a small busiRiver and Clairness owner, Ross has Mel. He is also also become an advoa small business cate for relieving the Ross Spano is the current State owner, member day-to-day struggle of Representative for Florida House District 59 of the Bell other small businesses. and is running for another term.

Shoals Baptist He understands that Church and, most importantly, a Husband 95% of all jobs are created by small busito his wife of 25 years, Amie, and Dad to nesses and by providing just a little bit of their four kids, Kali, Vincent, Caleb and help, their growth will explode. He has Isaiah. worked to cut taxes and regulations on Over the last four years in the legisla- these businesses over and over again. ture, Ross has attempted to solve some He has worked with them one-on-one to of the horrific problems facing our comresolve issues with state government and munity. He holds the view that our comhe holds events where local small busimunity and our state are only as strong ness owners come together to share as the least among us. He understands ideas and voice their concerns. He that there are members of our community understands because he is one of them. that are particularly vulnerable. Those Although Ross has worked on a that become targets for criminals, people comprehensive list of issues while reprewho wish to do them financial, physical senting District 59 in Tallahassee, he is and emotional harm. most proud of those listed above. The Ross has spearheaded the effort to power to make the lives of people better eradicate human trafficking, stiffening is in our hands and he believes that it is penalties on traffickers and giving relief to his responsibility to do so. For more victims as they try to rebuild their shatinformation about Ross, visit tered lives. Ross has targeted depraved www.RossSpano.com.

Melissa Polo Seeks To Serve As Circuit Property Appraiser Henriquez Runs Court Judge In Group 24 For Re-Election

By Kathy L. Collins

For Melissa Polo, the their time on the bench. law and becoming an Polo is a third generattorney has been a callation Floridian. “My ing. This, along with a ancestors who emigrated strong commitment to from Cuba and Sicily public service, is why she passed along a tradition is running for of hard work, integrity, Hillsborough County respect, compassion and Circuit Court Judge, community service,” said Group 24, on or before Polo. In addition to runTuesday, November 8. ning a successful law Polo has practiced practice, Polo provides law in Hillsborough an average of 40 hours County for more than 20 per year in pro bono years. She worked as a legal service to the comprosecutor for the munity. She is involved Hillsborough County with many outstanding Melissa Polo is running for Circuit organizations including State Attorney’s Office Court Judge in Group 24. for four years. After prosHillsborough County ecuting and trying hundreds of cases, Sheriff’s Office Hispanic Advisory Council, including felony drug cases, she became the Spring and Teen Court Program. In an advocate for people in need and has addition, she has mentored law students successfully run a private practice since through the Hillsborough Association for 2009. Polo now handles all types of civil Women Lawyers. and criminal cases.

“I care about this community. It is my “Of those running in Group 24, I have home. For me, the most effective way to the most diverse background with respect give back to the community is by serving to the types and level of cases litigated. I as a judge,” explained Polo. have litigated cases in both state and fed“My practical litigation experience eral court. This diversity in cases handled handling hundreds of cases in all areas of has given me a lot of experience, and will Circuit Court, coupled with my courthouse allow me to function effectively as a relationships and community involvement judge,” said Polo. She has extensive will enable me to run an organized, effiexperience on both sides of civil and cient, respectful, meaningful and fair criminal law and has worked in many courtroom,” added Polo. areas where Circuit Court Judges are For more information, visit called upon to preside over throughout www.melissapoloforjudge.com.

By Kate Quesada

Incumbent Bob last mayor of West Henriquez believes that Tampa before it was in his term as annexed into the City of Hillsborough County Tampa in 1925.

Property Appraiser he After graduating has not only saved the from Tampa Catholic county money but that High School and using his experience Princeton University, from the private and pubHenriquez worked for lic sectors, he has develHillsborough County’s oped innovative ideas Streets and Addresses and ground-breaking Department to enhance technologies to help the its 911 program and later county. He is running for joined the county’s re-election so he can Planning Commission to continue to follow assist in growth managethrough on his pledge to ment.

Incumbent Bob Henriquez is “Rethink, Reinvent and In 1998, Henriquez running for another term as Reinvigorate” his office. was elected to the Hillsborough County Property “Four years ago the Florida Legislature as a Appraiser. voters believed overState Representative whelmingly that my skill set and experiand after four terms in office he was ence made me the right person to head appointed to head the Pinellas and Pasco this public agency with a large number of counties division of the Department of employees and a multimillion dollar budg- Children and Families. et,” said Henriquez. “Our office is better “Every property owner deserves fairtoday than it has ever been in terms of ness and equity in Hillsborough County,” quality customer service and fair and said Henriquez. “I have a proven record accurate assessments.” and the most important qualification of Henriquez, who has already received having done this job well for a term in endorsements from the Realtor’s office. I am both vested and invested in Association and many other community this community.” leaders, is a long-time member of the Henriquez and his wife Carrie are Hillsborough County community. A fifthparents to a son, Drew Alexander, and generation resident of Tampa, Bob was two daughters, Elin Mackenzie and born and raised in that city and his great Emma Elizabeth. grandfather, Enrique Henriquez, was the Visit www.bobhenriquez.com.

Pat Kemp Seeks Hillsborough County Commissioner District 6 Countywide Spot

James’ Extensive Knowledge And Experience Makes Her Good Fit For County School Board

With over 30 years ing of a Platinum LEED of community service certified affordable under her belt, Pat housing complex. She Kemp, is running for organized a Stand Down for homeless Hillsborough County women veterans.

Commission – District 6 She has volun(countywide). According teered for homeless to Kemp, she will move counts, river cleanups, Hillsborough County in Paint-Your-Heart-Out’s, a new direction. playground building and Kemp has experiother community projence as former Chief ects. Community is very Aide to important to her, and Congresswoman Kathy Castor, and also served Pat Kemp is running for the Distric 6 Kemp served as the County Commsioner Coutywide Spot Founding member/Past as the Chair of the President of the Seminole Heights Democratic Party of Hillsborough County and the Environmental Caucus of Florida. Neighborhood Association.

She spent some time in sales and As an Attorney in private practice, marketing as a Solar Consultant with she has also served with Bay Area Legal Solar Energy Management and was a Services, serving low-income families. As radio news director and host at WUSF a lawyer with voter protection, she has spent countless hours at the polls working and WMNF. Kemp is a single mom to her two children, Ella and Alex, both in their to ensure that every vote in the county counts. With the county facing huge chal- early 20’s and in college. Kemp’s experilenges with regards to transportation, she ence and community service makes her supports expanded bus, rail, bicycles and an excellent candidate for the walkable communities, and also feels that Hillsborough County Commissioner District 6 position. the Tampa Bay Ferry Project is a good She was recommended by The idea for the Tampa Bay area. Her sound Tampa Bay Times and endorsed by Betty approach and sense of urgency make Castor, Jim Davis, Ed Turanchik, Hon. her an ideal candidate for Commissioner.

Mary Mulhern, Hon. Helen Gordon Davis, Increased recycling and protecting Hon. Mary Figg, Hon. Sara Romeo, and air, water and natural places is also high the Environmental Caucus of Florida. on her list of community projects. Kemp For more information, visit http://electhas worked with Tampa Crossroads for more veterans jobs, including a homeless patkemp.com/ or at Facebook: Pat Kemp shelter for women veterans and the build- 2016.

Cathy James, a resihave the same quesdent of Riverview, is runtions and concerns that ning for School Board in many parents and taxDistrict 7, a county wide payers have about how the system is being race. James, who has run," added James. over 30 years of experiJames offers a ence in financial accountcommon sense ing and management approach. She has experience in private, suggested that a public and non-profit Finance Committee organizations, has the comprised of School skills and requisite experiBoard Members, ence to make an excelappointees by the lent addition to the Superintendent and Hillsborough County members of the comSchool Board. You can munity that have vote for James on expertise in finance and Tuesday, November 8 or during early voting or vote Cathy James is running for a seat management as well on the Hillsborough County as subject matter by mail.

School Board in District 7. experts for facilities and James is not a politician. She currently works as the Finance transportation, be formed. In addition, James has suggested that School Board Manager at the Tampa Hillsborough meetings be held at times that teachers, Homeless Initiative. She is a parent and parents and the public can easily attend taxpayer who will leverage her experiand that they be taped, shown live and ence and skills to be an advocate for felbe readily available for viewing. "We low parents, teachers and the communihave to be transparent. We have big ty. serious issues confronting us, and we "The Hillsborough County School need to be candid with the public," added District is the eighth largest school sysJames. tem in the country. It is the largest James has the experience, passion employer in the county and has the and ability to work on the hard issues largest amount of facilities in the county.

We need advocates that will explain what facing not only the Hillsborough County School District but the taxpayers and is going on and ask for suggestions from community as well. the public. We need the support of the For more information on James, community," said James. "As a parent please visit www.electcathyjames.com. and long-time volunteer with the PTSA, I

By Michelle Colesanti

By Kathy L. Collins

Four Constitutional Amendments On General Election Ballot Explained

By Kathy L. Collins Florida voters for the 2016 General Election must consider four Constitutional Amendments. Five ballot measures were certified to appear on the ballots for the 2016 election. One of them, Amendment No. 4 was on the ballot during the primary and received the requisite number of votes to be enacted.

Citizens should read each closely and understand what the amendment is seeking to enact. In Florida, in order for a Constitutional Amendment to be enacted, it must win a supermajority of 60 percent of the votes.

The Constitutional Amendments include the following:

No. 1 Rights of Electricity Consumers Regarding Solar Energy Choice

Citizens should read this proposal carefully. The amendment does not provide for the right to use solar equipment, as we already have that right. Instead, it would allow state or local entities to impose fees and regulations on citizens who install solar power at their homes or businesses.

This amendment is backed largely by the utility companies.

It should be noted that Constitutional Amendment No. 4 was on the ballot during the Primary and was approved. It prevents solar panels from being counted toward a

No. 3 Tax Exemption for Totally and Permanently Disabled First Responders

Voters in Hillsborough County have a lot of decisions to make when it comes to the 2016 General Election. From voting for President, U.S. Senators and Representatives to state and county representatives to four Constitutional Amendments, the voters have a lot to decide.

home or business’ property value. In other words, property taxes will not go up due to the installation of solar panels.

No. 2 Use of Marijuana for Debilitating Medical Conditions

Passage of this amendment would allow legal medical marijuana for patients suffering from 10 specific debilitating conditions including, but not limited to, Cancer, Glaucoma, Epilepsy and Parkinsons.

The amendment is also designed to require the Department of Health to regulate marijuana production and distribution centers and issue identification cards for both patients and caregivers.

This amendment would provide relief from ad valorem tax assessments on homestead property for first responders who have been per-

manently disabled in the line of duty.

Currently, this exemption is available only to surviving spouses of first responders or members of the military who have been killed in the line of duty.

No. 5 Homestead Exemption for Certain Senior, Low-Income, Long-Term Residents; Determination of Just Value

This amendment seeks to provide tax relief for homes valued at less than $250,000 which are owned by individuals over the age of 65 who have lived in their home for at least 25 years.

Essentially, this would provide eligible seniors with certain property tax exemptions and allowing home values to remain fixed after application for the exemption even if the value later exceeds the designated threshold.

Voting for the 2016 General Election in Florida will begin with Early Voting which starts on Monday, October 24 and runs through Sunday, November 6.

The General Election is on Tuesday, November 8.

You must be registered to vote by Tuesday, October 11.

You can review your ballot and request a Vote By Mail Ballot from the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Office by visiting www.votehillsborough.org.

No matter which method you choose to vote- By Mail, Early Voting or on Election Day, your vote counts.