The Deltona 2010 election begins with Voter Beware
By: Michael Kiepert Deltona, FL (June 18, 2010) -
The City of Deltona marks the beginning of the 2010 election season today, at noon, when all candidates must have their paperwork filed and fees paid. This also marks the beginning of the voter’s responsibility to become educated on the candidates, their positions on pressing issues and more importantly the believability factor, all while ultimately deciding who receives their vote.
The 2010 election season has brought out a variety of political platforms. They range from claims of “I want lower taxes, honest government, want to be safe, better roads, a better community”. More beatification, economic development, jobs, responsible spending, youth activities, more recycling, being environmentally sensitive and open government. All the while ,putting forth promises of honest leadership, integrity and claims of listening to the voters.
However when it comes to campaigning, the phrase “voter beware” seems to be the key phrase, for the most part, candidates are free to say, promise or insinuate anything, true or not, leaving the voters to decide what is or is not factual.
Deltona Mayoral Candidate, David Santiago, seems to be testing the “voters beware” philosophy early on with one of his controversial campaign signs. Santiago’s signs imply that he wants to “Stop Taxes” ! But upon actually stopping the car and walking up to the sign, it seems that he is proposing to “Stop Raising Water Taxes” instead. Jeff “Gus” Ensminger explains, “David told me a couple of days ago that he noticed the issue after putting up his first such sign.” Ensminger went on to explain that Santiago is looking at some sort of overlay and that Santiago noticed that it is difficult to see the smaller text from far away.
The City of Deltona does not collect any taxes on water bills which brings into question. “Stop Raising Water Taxes”,’ when there are none. The City of Deltona does have the legal authority to collect a tax equal to 10% of the bill, but so far, the Deltona City Commission has chosen not to do so, nor have they discussed it. Once again bringing forth the phrase of “voters beware,” we are forced to question if this is a manufactured issue, simply to generate votes. Water rates are a charge for a service and product, the same as electricity, not a tax.
On a positive note, Santiago did spell his name correctly and he is a candidate for Mayor of Deltona. Although some are also questioning the legalities of certain signs of Santiago and other candidates. Failing to clearly state information, mandated by the State of Florida, regarding the office they are seeking remains a decision for the Florida Elections Commission.
This election, as in all elections, will bring out its fair share of campaign issues, promises and yes, sometimes misinformation, leaving the voters to become educated as they muddle their way through the facts.
