One thing is fairly clear in our area. The taxpayers came out and voted. FINALLY! In one of the highest turnouts recorded, Osceola voters voted early. They voted absentee. They voted on election day. For that we say to YOU, THANK YOU! Thank YOU for making the effort! Thank YOU for caring enough to make your voice heard. And your voice was heard, loud and clear. We salute each and every one who voted.

Needless to say, it’s President elect Obama. Both Tom Feeny and Ric Keller are out.
Somehow, even though Osceola voted to change out the felon Siplin, Orange County voted to keep this guy and so, Gary Siplin will continue to laugh at the voters and return to Tallahassee.

Mercedes Leon was handily defeated by incumbant Lawson Lamar. Darren Soto easily defeated J.P.Quinones.

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In Kissimmee, the voters wanted change from the same ol’,same ol’ and elected Art Otero to City Commission Seat 1 by a margin of 55.89% to 44.11%.

In Osceola County, Wow! Change is coming!

Clerk of Court Larry Whaley was defeated by Malcom Thompson in a close 51.64% to 48.36% race. Hopefully, Thompson will make some adjustments in the jury duty section of his new office!

For Supervisor of Elections it’ll be Mary Jane Arrington who easily took the vote by a 55.84% to Click-Durbin’s 44.16%

Property Appraiser for Osceola County will be Katrina Scarborough, who defeated Judge Jeff Miller 62.16% to 37.84%.

In the County Commission District 1 race it’ll be Commissioner Mike Harford, defeating incumbant Paul Owen, 53.09% to 46.91%.

In Commission District 3, Brandon Arrington easily defeated Wendell McKinnon by a 66.16% to 33.84% margin.

In Commission District 5, it’s Fred Hawkins easily taking the seat over Jonathan Harrell by a 58.88% to 41.12% margin.

Sheriff Bob Hansell squeaked by with 98.15% over a “write-in” who received 1.85%.

It appears that Jm Turner will become the next Circuit Judge, over Fred Schott.

Mike Horner received 52.61% to Ray Worley’s 47.26%.

Now is the time to really support those who have been elected to office and help them make the needed changes that we, the voters and taxpayers, want.

Don’t be afraid to email them, call them, walk up and tell them what you think and believe will help Osceola County. The message is clear. Change is wanted and those who currently remain in office had best realize it now.
People are simply tired of the good ol’ boy system and have clearly spoken up. It’s time for the entire TDC board to be released and new appointments made! It’s time for ethical rules to be written into our County Charter, including rules covering employment, campaign finance, and quite possibly allowing for recalls of elected County officials. It is certainly time to select a Charter Review Committee who does NOT have members that are County employees, NOT political buddies, but people who are just regular folks working hard to pay their bills. More like Josephine the Plumber, if you will!

No matter what, we made history yesterday, in voter turnout, and in electing the first African-American President. We’ve come a long way baby!

Congratulations to ALL!!