Page 5 - Florida Sentinel 8-5-22

Election Endorsements
The Sentinel Editorial Board’s Recommendations For August 2022 Primary Election
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” ― Barack Obama
If not now... when?
The Florida Sentinel Editorial Board handled election endorsements differently during the 2020 Election Season due to COVID. Instead of meeting candidates face- t0-face, the candidates were emailed a series of specific questions that would nor- mally be asked, to instead get a written response rather than a verbal response. This method was very effective and efficient and we felt comfortable with the results. With COVID still a reality, we decided to extend this method into this year’s election cycle. We did supply some candidates with questions to answer, as well as polled numerous community leaders, former elected officials and attorneys to help us make the best decisions. On that note, we would like to thank everyone who assisted us.
The August 23rd primary election is crucial, so please vote.
PART II
Circuit Judge, 13th Judicial Circuit Group 6
This race was one our Board had lots of conversation about. We understand that experience, fairness and integrity are key qualities that a judge should possess. After polling several attorneys who have work with and gone before Judge Wesley ‘Wes’ Tibbals all agree he is doing a good job. Judge Tibbals’ answers to our questionnaire gave us a sense that he rules by- the-book, however he admitted he had some reflec- tions after some cases on how he could have better helped the families that came be- fore him. Judge Tibbals has been on the bench for 7 years, so he is well known and is strongly supported across the community. He is running against Belinda Noah. Atty. Noah is a seasoned Black attorney and has thrown her hat into the political ring a number of times running for Senate and Judge in the past. We feel that more Black judges are needed on the bench, however, after polling a few Black attorneys, Atty. Noah did not receive their support.
The Sentinel endorses Wesley Tibbals
Circuit Judge, 13 Judicial Circuit Group 37
Politics is not for the weak. Judge Jared Smith’s campaign to return to the bench is shrouded in controversy because of a ruling concerning waiving a teen’s parents rights, when she wanted to get an abortion. He ruled against the teen, however, the case was won on appeal. Because the Roe V Wade reversal is the battleground now of women’s rights, Judge Smith will have an uphill battle if women voters feel his beliefs and seemingly conservative, Supreme Court-like action is not fit for the local bench. Judge Smith did not return our questionnaire in time for our decision, so, we cannot determine if the one case defines who he is. His opponent Nancy Jacobs did answer our questionnaire, and answered our questions strongly, except when using the Canon rule not to. Our Board is conflicted on this one, because the attorneys we consulted feel that Judge Smith is the better choice between the two.
NO RECOMMENDATION
County Court Judge Group 14
All of the candidates in this race are strong and active in this community and would make good judges based on the answers we received. Our Board however, felt that Linette ‘Starr’ Brookins is our clear choice for this race. Young, gifted and Black, Atty. Brookins checks all the boxes. Experienced, community-minded, and a source of pride, she would represent the community as a whole, and our community in par- ticular very well. She has served in many capacities and has gained the respect of her peers. The attorneys we consulted also felt she was strong, and should be supported. Brookins was the Salutatorian of her graduating class at Jefferson High School, the valedictorian of the law and criminal justice magnet program so her path to who she is now was clear. Brookins started her legal career in a prosecutorial role protecting our most vulnerable citizens — children — from abuse and neglect. She is no stranger to the courtroom, as she has litigated and handled appeals across Florida. The other candidate that some community leaders polled supported was Mike Isaak.
The Sentinel endorses Linnette ‘Starr’ Brookins
School Board Member District 2
School Board member Stacy Hahn is running for re-election against Damaris Allen. After reading her responses and polling community leaders and educators we feel that Ms. Hahn should receive our support for reelection. Those we polled said that Ms. Hahn has represented her District well, and, has supported other Board members strongly. The position of school board member is one of the most important positions for our community and future generations. It takes a while for a person to get their bearings, and at this critical time, it seems that the present Board is cohesive and works well together.
The Sentinel endorses Stacy Hahn
School Board Member District 4
This seat is up for grabs because School Board member, Melissa Snively has termed out. We polled some educators and one in particular, who stated that ‘whomever Snively endorsed will likely win’ because of the demographics in this Dis- trict. The Sentinel Board decided to support Danielle Smalley because a member of our Board knows her and felt she could do the job well.
The Sentinel endorses Danielle Smalley
School Board Member District 6 (At Large Seat)
School Board member Karen Perez is seeking re-election for this seat, and the Sentinel Board feels she should be able to do just that. Ms. Perez’s answers to our questions hit the mark on what we feel is important to our community and our chil- dren in particular. Community leaders and educators also felt Ms. Perez, while soft- spoken has been very effective and says what needs to be said when it’s necessary. The Sentinel endorses Karen Perez
The School Board Of Hillsborough County Millage Election For Public School Students
This referendum is controversial only because of the economic climate we are in. We believe however, that you cannot bargain with or low ball the necessities when educating the students that make up the 7th largest school district in the U. S. This referendum will give Hillsborough County voters the opportunity to strengthen our schools and community. The one mil referendum will: Increase salaries to retain and recruit teachers and staff; Expand art, music, and physical education; Expand work- force development and workforce education programs. These are some of the key things our Board feel strongly about. Hillsborough County Public Schools currently has more than 220,000 students and 23,815 employees – of which 14,000+ are teachers.
Vote YES
The Florida Sentinel Editorial Board Endorsements For 2022 Primary Election:
United States Senator
Val Demings
Representative in Congress District 14
Kathy Castor
Governor and Lt. Governor
Charlie Crist
Attorney General
Aramis Ayala
Commissioner of Agriculture
Naomi Blemur
Circuit Judge, 13th Judicial Circuit Group 6
Wesley Tibbals
Circuit Judge, 13th Judicial Circuit Group 37
NO RECOMMENDATION
County Court Judge Group 14
Linette ‘Starr’ Brookins
School Board Member District 2
Stacy Hahn
School Board Member District 4
Danielle Smalley
School Board Member District 6
Karen Perez
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 5-A