Welcome to the sixth edition of Viewpoint Seminole, a monthly podcast featuring a panel of Seminole County voices sharing their viewpoints about current issues confronting our communities.
After discussing the latest issues, panelists offer a brief congratulatory “shout out,” a constructive “call out” on other issues of their choosing and each “look around the corner” on local issues they will follow in the months to come
This edition of Viewpoint Seminole was recorded on Friday, July 5, 2013. It was edited by the moderator for brevity and focus. The views and opinions expressed on Viewpoint Seminole are those of the panelists.
Viewpoint Seminole Panel
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Steve Barnes
Former journalist for the Sanford Herald, Orlando Sentinel and the Associated Press. He’s held elective office as a commissioner for the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation Board and in 2010 ran for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives. He is the most recent former chairman of the Democratic Party of Seminole County.
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Saima Qureshi, M. D.
Former pediatrician and medical toxicologist, recently retired to pursue her avocation as an artist. Born in Pakistan, she moved to Central Florida with her husband and children in 2008. She is a founding member of the Muslim Women’s Organization of Orlando and a member of the American Muslim Community Centers located in Longwood, FL.
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Dr. Michael Abels
Instructor in public administration, University of Central Florida, with an extensive level of experience in local government having served 17 years in city manager roles in Deland, Palm Bay & Longwood, Florida
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Desta Horner
Moderator, senior producer - CMF Public Media
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Click here for a roster of all Viewpoint Seminole panel members
Each month, CMF offers Viewpoint Seminole as a forum for civil and informative local commentary from a panel of credible local voices that have a stake in Seminole County. Each month we’ll call upon the panel’s experience and insight and listen as they offer their “point of view” on the politics, policy, people and consequences that affect those of us who embrace life in Seminole County.
Photographs of the panel taken during their discussion are presented below in an on-line slide show.
You may email a link to this feature to those you know who have an interest in the issues discussed. Use the “share” option below. And “reply” below to CMF Public Media with your comments about this feature, adding suggestions about issues you believe worthy of future discussion by panel members.
Previous Viewpoint Seminole Podcasts
- Viewpoint Seminole #5 (06/13/13)
Issues: 1) media coverage of the George Zimmerman trial, 2) results of the recently adjourned session of the Florida Legislature, 3) our local economy, and 4) what’s up with so many local persons declaring their candidacy for elected office so early?
Panel: Jeanne Morris, Randy Morris and Judith Smith - Viewpoint Seminole #4 (05/09/13)
Issues: 1) getting commuters to & from our local SunRail stations, 2) the need for the school board property tax referendum, and 3) whether Seminole County should buy land to build a major sports complex.
Panel: Russ Hauck, Jeanne Morris and Michael Abels - Viewpoint Seminole #3 (04/11/13)
Issues: 1) Bills pending at mid-point of the Florida legislative session, 2) consolidating fire and police services between the county and cities, 3) using public funds for street-scaping and building new city centers, and 4) arming teachers.
Panel: Frank Ioppolo, Jr, Michael Hoover, Russ Hauck and Judith Smith - Viewpoint Seminole #2 (03/14/13)
Issues: 1) Verizon Communication’s major new facility in Lake Mary, Fl.; 2) hiring of a new police chief for Sanford; and 3) background to the unanimous defeat by the county of a proposal to amend the rural land use restrictions in east Seminole County.
Panel: Steve Barnes, Jeanne Morris, Randy Morris and Judith Smith - Viewpoint Seminole inaugural edition (02/08/13)
Issues: 1) Governor Rick Scot’s education budget proposal to the legislature; 2) reaction to the pending rezoning of elementary schools; 3) and a proposal being considered by Seminole County government to amend a rural land use zone in the eastern portion of the county.
Panel: Steve Barnes, John Bush, Michael Hoover and Jeanne Morris
Note:
CMF takes care to recruit and impanel members who are local to the area. Though still in formation, the full group of 10 members, when viewed as a whole will reflect a broad array of ethnicity, age, gender and life style. As a whole, they will reflect a perceived level of current or former community involvement, life experiences and familiarity with broad community issues and standards.
CMF also takes care to avoid or disclose a panelist with known conflicts of interest relative to the issue being addressed. Excluded from participation as a panel member are current members of local media and currently serving elected or government-appointed officials.
Viewpoint Seminole panel members participate voluntarily and without financial compensation from CMF as does the CMF producer/moderator.
