St Augustine Record Letter: Please vote... and for Valdes in the St. Augustine City Commission race
Posted: October 10, 2014 - 11:55pm
By Tom Day
Editor: Years ago, I recall a little joke making the rounds. Question: What is the greatest problem in America — ignorance, or apathy? Answer: I don’t know and don’t give a damn!
That describes voter turnout in the recent primaries. Apparently, many of us are either too busy or just don’t care enough to do the preparation for voting, much less vote.
Apathy plus ignorance means that money spent campaigning rather than candidate quality is the determining factor in who wins.
In the City Commission Seat 4, Todd Neville has raised and spent three times as much as John Valdes, roughly $30,000 to $10,000. This wide disparity in spending translated into a 60-vote victory margin (or $300 a vote) for Neville. This spending triples that of the other candidates, and more than doubles even the mayor’s largesse.
Everyone needs to take a good look at candidates’ qualifications before voting in the general election.
John Valdes is clearly the most qualified and able candidate in this race. He has 24 years of unpaid service on a variety of city boards, while Neville has none. John is an expert in zoning matters where the city needs considerable help. A successful contractor, Valdes advocates for a balanced, sensible approach in deciding issues relating to business and neighborhood preservation.
Whether we realize it or not, local elections will influence our lives as much or more than many state or national elections. Please help decide our city’s future by being an informed and responsible voter in the general election.
St. Augustine
Opinion Editor’s note: As of the latest reporting period, Neville has raised $35,970: Valdes, $11,083.
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