Readers comment on the meaning of freedom and local political candidates

The meaning of freedom

The newest buzzword of the GOP is “freedom," as it means so much to so many and is inherently subjective. Standard definitions are universally familiar, sometimes even trite.

Gov. Ron DeSantis likes to talk about “the free state of Florida" — perfect bumper sticker nonsense. Perhaps he and his cohorts could answer a few questions. When first-grade students participate in active shooter drills, do they feel free? How free does it feel to sit down with your 14-year-old son and “have the talk” about encountering law enforcement? When a 10-year-old girl or 40-year-old woman becomes pregnant and realizes that parenthood is inevitable, ready or not, are they free?

Filing for bankruptcy because you can’t pay your hospital bill does not happen in a free society. It's the opposite of freedom when thousands of “freedom fighters” use domestic terror to discard the peaceful transfer of power, that mob having been germinated, fathered, nourished and perpetuated by a sitting president. No single political figure in our history has given freedom less agency or regard.

The purest meaning of freedom, in my estimation, is that it’s a state of mind that brings one peace of mind. These days, my state of mind is anything but.

Sam Collins, Gainesville 

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Community advocates

Twelve years ago, Jo Beaty had already attended hundreds of hours of commission meetings, presenting well-researched evidence before an arrogant City Commission that still had time to abandon the fiscally and environmentally unsustainable biomass incinerator. She continued to present evidence of a faulty contract, and opposed the plant purchase by the city at the exorbitant price we paid even while an audit was underway.

Had the commission listened to Jo and others, we might not be in the financial hole we are in today. This is leadership with foresight and Jo is exactly what we need now.

I have known Gary Gordon for 40 years to be a pragmatic, highly experienced and successful civic leader who works with all members of the community to solve problems. He is open-minded and empathetic. He is a numbers guy and bases his decisions on reality, not risky, untested propositions. We have a money problem in Gainesville and we need a mayor who understands accounting!

Christian Newman is a thoughtful, well-rounded candidate whose understanding of healthy business/healthy environment will help Gainesville grow while maintaining what makes us such an attractive and livable community.

Vote in three dedicated community advocates!

Monica Leadon Cooper, Gainesville 

A leader and learner

I have known Harvey Ward for many years and find him to be the kind of non-politician who knows how to lead with dignity. He has compassion, integrity and ability. Yet more importantly, Harvey is a learner.

He is the most well-read city commissioner on issues, policies and governance. He is not the most loquacious commissioner, just the most listened to. If he does not know a subject, he shall readily share that with you and then begin learning.

Gillian, his better half, is an associate dean at UF giving Harvey deep insight into the town/gown issues. In Gainesville, the elephant in the room is always the university and Commissioner Ward understands the importance of keeping the relationship with the university as a two-way partnership.

Gainesville is facing new challenges for neighborhoods and Harvey has been advocate for single-family neighborhoods while endorsing programs to encourage affordable housing. We all know the historical racial inequities in Gainesville. Yet, Harvey has been one of the few commissioners to actually do something about it including the heirs assistance program, eastside transfer station and eastside health clinic, among other projects.

I am voting for Harvey Ward for mayor.

Bob Cohen, Gainesville 

Not an ideologue

I support Christian Newman for City Commission District 4. Christian grew up in Gainesville, receiving several advanced degrees at UF (wildlife ecology and conservation, and a master of business administration). He taught with Teach for America in the Mississippi Delta and at Eastside High School. He has created and sold environmental and technology companies, and now works for a nonprofit energy research organization on endangered species research.

I have spoken with Newman several times and found him to be thoughtful, sincere, and humble. He asks questions. He is not an ideologue.

My focus in local politics has been on adopting well-researched, tested policies to address Gainesville’s specific housing and land use issues. I am convinced that only one candidate, Christian Newman, has the maturity, wisdom, open-mindedness and combined scientific and financial background to help move Gainesville forward.

I endorse Christian Newman wholeheartedly

Kim Tanzer, Gainesville 

Proven ideas

As a recently retired Alachua County teacher with 29 years experience, here’s why I strongly support Kay Abbitt for School Board District 5. I have watched her the past eight years as Kay envisioned, created and now directs a highly ranked public charter school serving mainly underserved students on the east side.

In running her A-ranked school, Kay works efficiently and successfully with numerous school district departments. She already knows our county system inside out, and she has proven ideas that can help make Alachua schools better.

By contrast, her opponent is 26 years old.

Our kids need Kay.

Kirsten Flamand, Gainesville 

Clear choice

The Republican Party seems adverse to celebrating diversity among its citizens. Locally, our own congresswoman, Kat Cammack, has voted against rights for the LGBTQ community for her whole tenure in the House (e.g., HR 4176).

Books are banned showing children of different colors, and school conversations about different sexual orientations are forbidden. I have not heard Cammack denounce these policies, pushed by her fellow Republican legislators.  

Your recent coverage about President Joe Biden’s order to protect LGBTQ rights across the country, with a particular focus on Republican-controlled states, was a welcome relief. I was glad to see that The Sun is spreading awareness about the need for protection for the LGBTQ community.

We are fortunate to have in Danielle Hawk, a candidate in Florida’s 3rd Congressional District, someone committed to advocating, supporting and prioritizing marginalized communities. Striving to cultivate an inclusive and diverse community is a promise that Hawk will work tirelessly to maintain.

Citizens of Florida’s District 3, you decide. Do you want a world advocated by Hawk, encouraging diversity and empowerment for all? Or do you want the fake-news fantasy world of Cammack? To me the choice is clear.

For more information about Hawk’s campaign, visit www.daniellehawk.com.

Pamela Paris, Gainesville  

Deadline for election letters

The deadline for submitting letters to the editor endorsing candidates in the upcoming election is next Sunday, July 31. Email letters of 200 words or fewer to letters@gainesville.com. Please include your full name, address and telephone number for verification purposes (we only print the author’s name and city of residence).

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This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Letters on freedom, Gainesville and Alachua County candidates