Tag Archive for teresa jacobs

Mayor Jacobs Kicks Off Re-Election Campaign with Impressive Fundraiser

May 17, 2013 2014 elections, florida politics, florida state house, orange county commission, stephen precourt, teresa jacobs, tiffany moore russell, val demings No comments

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs will officially kick-off her Re-election Campaign at the end of this month.

Her Re-election slogan “Smart. Tough. Making a Difference”

Her early support? A Bi-Partisan “Who’s Who” of Orange County, not only flexing the power of incumbency but mainstream support she’s maintained through out the course of her first term.

Elected Officials, Philanthropists, and Executives sit on one of the three committees the flyer advertises and the venue booked anticipates a huge turnout of previous supporters and potential donors.

In 2010, Jacobs was the last candidate to enter the race and immediately took control of the contest with a successful combination of financial support and Grassroots GOTV efforts.

This time she’ll be the incumbent and potential opponents include former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings (who lost a Congressional bid last year), Termed out State Representative Stephen Precourt (who could pull big business support if he runs) and most recently termed out Commissioner Tiffany Moore-Russell who’s experience could help but who’s popularity outside of district is untested.

Below is the Campaign Flyer

Mayor Jacobs Re-Election Kickoff

The Orange County Mayor Race is expected to be one of the biggest races of 2014 with no U.S Senate Race on the ballot and no early intriguing match-ups for Congress.

Get Your Message Out Banner! Blue

Orange County Commissioners Brummer, Moore-Russell announce possible plans for 2014

May 15, 2013 2012 elections, 2014 elections, bryan nelson florida, daniel webster, florida house, florida politics, florida state house, fred brummer, governor rick scott, orange county commission, orlando media, orlando politics, state legislature, ted edwards, teresa jacobs, tiffany moore russell, val demings One comment

Yesterday, the Orlando Sentinel reported what two of our current Orange County Commissioners will possibly doing during elections next year.

Orange County District 6 Commissioner Tiffany Moore-Russell announced that she is seeking appointment to the vacant position of County Clerk in Orange County. This vacancy was created when Lydia Gardner passed away last week. Regulations say that Governor Rick Scott must appoint a replacement.

The article says she’s also “entertaining” a run for Mayor next year. The lone Democrat on the board would inherit a portion of that partisan base in the non-partisan election, but would still be the underdog against current Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. Still, she could be the local party’s only choice, if no other viable candidates express interests.

Other names rumored to be entertaining a run are former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings (who lost a congressional race last year to Daniel Webster), Termed out State Representative Stephen Precourt (who said there was a leadership crisis in the county and says he’s been asked about running) and fellow Orange Commissioner Ted Edwards.

Staying in Orange County, the Orlando Sentinel also reported, Commissioner Fred Brummer has announced he won’t seek the Florida State House District 31 seat, to replace his fellow Apopka Resident Bryan Nelson.

The unapologetic Conservative on the Commission, would have been favored in the area he’s represented in Tallahassee before. The Republican Primary currently features Terri Seefeldt and Randy Glisson.

Brummer will not seek the Florida House 31 seat. Moore-Russell has applied for the Orange Clerk of Courts appointment

Brummer will not seek the Florida House 31 seat. Moore-Russell has applied for the Orange Clerk of Courts appointment

Don't Let- Advertise

2013 Florida Legislative Session Report Card: State Rep. Stephen Precourt

May 10, 2013 2014 elections, david simmons, florida bills, florida house, florida legislative session, florida politics, florida senate, florida state house, governor rick scott, orlando media, orlando politics, stephen precourt, teresa jacobs No comments

State Representative Stephen Precourt is in an interesting position. He’s a termed out, Republican Majority leader in the Florida State Legislature. His political fortress in Ultra-Conservative Windermere awards him the luxury of being aggressive and doing whatever it takes to get his party’s legislation passed and he’s been very successful.

But, he’s termed out. What’s he going to do next?

He came into this session with one huge goal. Pass legislation that would nullify the Orange County Sick time measure that is currently on the ballot for 2014, and he’s succeeded (Unless, Rick Scott gets bored and vetoes it). He’s won the praise of the Central Business Community and should get a strong fundraising push for whatever office he decides to seek next. Like Orange County Mayor. His posture and behavior this session, piled on to his words in the media, indicate he’s positioning himself should he decides to.

This is your 2013 Legislative Session Report Card for State Representative Stephen Precourt:

Campaign Promises: Precourt had only a write-in opponent last November and hasn’t been seriously opposed in years (former Rep. Eric Eisnaugle stood aside for him after redistrictinng) so, there is nothing from a campaign, but his objective was clear, defeat the Orange County Sick Time measure at the state level and he accomplished that. There were also no tax increases and no expansion of medicaid. He got it done.

GRADE: A

Social Media and Communications: C’mon Steve! No Facebook and no Twitter. There is some Youtube Video, a few photos, and he did meet with constituents while making the rounds, with local groups when he was home but he needs to get on the ball.

GRADE: D

Leadership, Strategy, and Innovation: Precourt was in “Beast-mode” this session. He kept the ship steady during the Democrat Medicaid Expansion filibuster-like measure, that forced every bill to be read aloud, and still got his anti-sick time measure passed (even found time to pass competing versions of the bill back and forth with fellow local lawmaker David Simmons). Republicans in the House found a way to get almost everything they wanted done, despite the final week drama.

GRADE: A

Bi-Partisanship: He’s the Republican Majority Leader. It’s not exactly his job to be Bi-partisan. Still, he called for Bi-Partisan support for a budget that included teacher raises, and supported elections reform.

GRADE: C

Media Relations and Mic-Skills: He was the “Republican Boogey-Man” for Democrats in Orange County this session. He came across like an efficient, cold-blooded, destroyer of any legislation that he didn’t like. And if you’re from Precourt’s district, you wouldn’t have it any other way. It wouldn’t hurt him to elaborate a little more and try to win a few of his critics over using the press.

GRADE: B

Conclusion: If he was effective at putting his own message out there, using Social Media he would have gotten an “A”. Still, while Precourt accomplished almost everything he wanted, he’s looking forward at his next move, and that’s what we’ll be speculating over the next few months. This is the last session Precourt will be able to hide his cards. He’ll have to declare for an office before the start of next session, if he wants to build up momentum in time for election season. His actions this session, indicate he’s positioning himself for a possible run against Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, but only he knows for sure.

OVERALL GRADE: B

How the lawmakers are graded HERE

2013 Session Report Card Stephen Precourt

Get Your Message Out Banner! Blue

Monday Morning Political Headlines: Florida Teachers will get their pay raises

April 29, 2013 2014 elections, florida bills, florida house, florida legislative session, florida politics, governor rick scott, orlando politics, state legislature, teresa jacobs No comments

Happy Monday.

Especially if you’re a Florida School Teacher.

The State Legislature agreed to terms to deliver the much hyped pay raise to Florida teachers. These raises were Governor Scott’s top priority and after a short period where the plan appeared in jeopardy, the announcements were made late last night. It’s a merit based system that can range from 2,500 to 3,500 depending on the teacher’s performance.

It’s going to be an exciting race to the finish as the State Legislative session in Tallahassee ends this week.

These are your Monday Morning Political Headlines:

WESH 2: (Double Play!)

Fla. legislators approve plan for teacher raises

Orange County mayor visits Rufus at shelter

WFTV 9 Eyewitness News: Fla. legislators approve plan for teacher raises

WKMG Local 6: Florida lawmakers approve teacher raises

Orlando Sentinel: Soccer team faces tough match in quest for new stadium

CF News 13: Lawyer: County mayor’s visit with Rufus the beagle unfair

WOFL FOX 35: Florida congressman: Giving budget autonomy to DC is like giving it to his children

Teachers will get merit based pay raises in 2014

Teachers will get merit based pay raises in 2014

Rick Scott, John Mica fight Airport Delays, Jacobs files for Re-election, Clinton at UCF Friday – WIR

April 29, 2013 2014 elections, barack obama, buddy dyer, florida bills, florida house, florida legislative session, florida politics, florida senate, governor rick scott, hilary clinton, orange county commission, orlando politics, orlando venues, sequestration, state legislature, ted edwards, teresa jacobs, val demings No comments

Busy Week brings us to “Week in Review and the big show covers a lot of ground tonight.

We break down Governor Rick Scott and Congressman John Mica’s fight to resolve flight delays caused by Air Traffic Control furloughs caused by sequestration.

The Orlando Magic unveiled plans to build a 100 million dollar entertainment complex downtown. It will be in the general area across the way from the Amway Center.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs filed for re-election. We look at her possible opponents.

Jacobs also visited Rufus the Beagle. Rufus bit his owners young son when the boy rushed him while eating. No one wants the dog destroyed but it might not be up to the owners or even the Mayor. The community has rallied behind the 1 year old pet.

Former President Bill Clinton will be speaking at UCF. The popular ex- Commander in Chief will be giving the commencement speech on Friday.

We also give a quick rundown over what’s left as we enter into the final week of legislative session in Tallahassee. There is so much to do and not enough time. There will be some angry lawmakers driving away from the capitol at the end of the week.

This is your Week in Review.

Mayor Teresa Jacobs visits Rufus the Beagle at Orange Animal Control Shelter

April 28, 2013 florida politics, teresa jacobs No comments

Today, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs visited Rufus the Beagle at the County Animal Control Shelter. She took to her Facebook page to report the health of the dog and wishes for a positive resolution.

The biggest Non crime, national, or weather story in Orlando the last week, has been the story of Rufus, a 1 year old Beagle, who is currently on “Doggy Deathrow” if State Law holds firm.

It started when Rufus bit his owner’s young child on the 8th of April. There has been confusion over the circumstances regarding the bite and whether Rufus is dangerous or not. Either way, no one wants the dog destroyed but state law requires it.

Social Media has since erupted with calls for the Dog’s life to be spared. Catchphrases like “Free Rufus” or “Save Rufus” have spread through Facebook and Twitter.

The dog’s fate is currently going through an appeals process. If the law holds firm, the dog gets a death sentence, and community is “going to freak”.

If no one wants the dog destroyed then politicians should run to Rufus’ rescue. People have a special bond to their pets. I wrote about that earlier this week.

Here is the Facebook post from Jacobs and photos taken from her visit.

Rufus Jacobs Facebook post

Jacobs visited the dog today

Jacobs visited the dog today

Rufus has since been brought up to date on his vaccinations

Rufus has since been brought up to date on his vaccinations

When the final word comes down on this dog. You’ll read about it here.

Save a Beagle, get Re-elected? How Rufus the Dog can have Political Implications

April 24, 2013 2014 elections, florida politics, governor rick scott, teresa jacobs 2 comments

The biggest Non crime, national, or weather story in Orlando the last 24 hours, has been the story of Rufus, a 1 year old Beagle, who is currently being held by Orange County Animal control and is possibly on “Doggy Deathrow” if State Law holds firm.

It started when Rufus bit his owner’s young child on the 8th of April (you can read the Local 6 story HERE) and there has been confusion over the circumstances regarding the bite and whether Rufus is dangerous or not. Either way, no one wants the dog destroyed but state law requires it.

Social Media has since erupted with calls for the Dog’s life to be spared. Catchphrases like “Free Rufus” or “Save Rufus” have spread through Facebook and Twitter.

The dog’s fate is currently going through an appeals process. If the law holds firm, the dog gets a death sentence, and the City of Orlando is “going to freak”.

Enter Politicians.

Voters have a very special bond with “Man’s Best Friend” and very little tolerance for injustice for those who can’t verbally defend themselves.

Don’t think so? Ask Mitt Romney, who dealt with the thorn of his side all of last year, when it was revealed he tied the family dog’s cage to the roof of his car during a road trip.

It sounds ridiculous, but there is Political Capital in standing up for pets in this town. It shows compassion for the vulnerable, initiative to challenge the status quo, a “Fire in the belly” to stand up for what the people know in their hearts is wrong.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs released this statement regarding Rufus,

“We love our children and we love our animals. There are state laws and county ordinances to protect them both, including a defined judicial appeals process. That process is underway, and it will ensure a full and fair hearing of all the facts. In the meantime, rest assured I have instructed our staff to take excellent care of Rufus.”

Good for her, but if the Dog doesn’t walk (see what I did there?), the pressure will be on.

The issue turns into a political football and a parade that every lawmaker should try to get in front of. I’m talking statements on social media, graphics, television interviews, it’s just too easy.

And Rufus would appreciate it too.

Want to see Florida Governor Rick Scott’s approval numbers jump 10 points? Have him declare clemency for Rufus. That will win votes. I guarantee it.

I’ll even draw up the first graphic for you.

freerufus

Get Your Message Out Banner! Blue

Video – Rick Scott, John Mica on Sequestration Travel woes, OC Mayor Teresa Jacobs files for Re-election

April 24, 2013 2014 elections, daniel webster, florida house, florida legislative session, florida politics, governor rick scott, john mica, orange county commission, orlando politics, sequestration, state legislature, stephen precourt, ted edwards, teresa jacobs, val demings No comments

Today, we’ve got lawmakers making noise on all levels.

Florida Governor Rick Scott and Congressman John Mica took to the media over the last 24 hours to discuss the sequestration furloughs that have Air Traffic Controllers out of the tower and tourists on the ground. The delays are affecting thousands of visitors to the Sunshine State.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs officially filed for Re-election today. We break down her chances and potential challengers.

This is your daily wrap for Tuesday, April 23rd 2013.

Don't Let Banner Red

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs running for Re-election

April 23, 2013 2014 elections, daniel webster, florida legislative session, florida politics, orange county commission, stephen precourt, ted edwards, teresa jacobs, val demings One comment

Today, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs made it official by filing papers to run for re-election, and kicking off what promises to be an exciting campaign in her bid for a second term.

This time around it will be a different kind of race for the Mayor. In 2010, she was the last candidate to enter, what was an animated field with a clear frontrunner. This time Jacobs is the frontrunner and while it appears she’s kept the majority of her original supporters in her corner, there is a faction of voters ready to jump behind another candidate.

She’s already been targeted by some of the Democratic Hardliners (even though it’s a non-partisan race) who are blaming her for the failed Sick Time Initiative push which she actually voted to preserve. Major employers have since rallied and are trying to defeat the measure at the state level.

There are some early potential candidates.

Former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings is the first name that comes to mind but, the two have been friendly in the past, and Demings lacks the local infrastructure to run a county wide campaign. She’s also still making the rounds on national television, which indicates another potential showdown for Congress against Daniel Webster in Florida District 10.

There is Current State Representative Stephen Precourt who is termed out and even said there is a “leadership crisis” in Orange County. He’s a major player trying to defeat Sick Time in Tally. If successful he could ride home on a White Horse and potentially siphon some of Jacob’s business support.

There is current Orange District 5 Commissioner Ted Edwards. His recent voting record is similar to Jacobs, and he might be the most formidable challenger to the Mayor, during a long debate series leading up to an election.

This will all shake out in due time, but the race for Orange County Mayor will be one of the biggest elections of 2014.

Teresa Jacobs officially filed for re-election today

Teresa Jacobs officially filed for re-election today

Don't Let Banner Red

Video: Boston, Immigration, Gun Control, Jobs in a very busy week in Florida Politics – WIR

April 22, 2013 alan grayson, barack obama, bill nelson, buddy dyer, corrine brown, daniel webster, florida politics, governor rick scott, gun control, immigration, john mica, marco rubio, orange county commission, orlando politics, orlando venues, pam bondi, ron desantis, teresa jacobs No comments

This was a very busy week.

This could have been a full 30 minute show, with so much to cover but it manages to clock in at just under 12 minutes.

Of course, the main story is Boston. From the terrible attacks at the Boston Marathon leading to the capture, and finally a moment to begin the healing. We’ll talk about how are lawmakers supported the area during the tragedy.

The vote for extended background checks on gun purchases failed on capitol hill this week. We’ll talk about our Senators and how they voted on the measure.

We’ll stick with Marco Rubio as we discuss the Immigration Reform bill released by the “gang of 8″ this week and the challenges that were waiting for it.

At home, we’ve got soccer stadiums, veterans memorials, lawsuits on energy giants, and pro wrestling all dominating the Florida Political landscape.

This is your Week in Review.

« Older Entries