Viewpoint Seminole is 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 congratulatory “shout out,” a constructive “call out” on other issues of their choosing and each “look around the corner” at local issues they will follow in the months to come.
The full, unedited discussion of each issue is posted below.
This edition of Viewpoint Seminole was recorded on Thursday, December 5, 2013. This feature 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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Dr. Mike 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 Longwood, Deland, & Palm Bay Florida.
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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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Judith Dolores Smith
Native of Sanford Florida and a third generation resident of Oviedo
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Stephen McKenney Steck
Moderator, senior producer - CMF Public Media
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Full, unedited discussion of each issue
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Bundy and Dallari updates
Length – 16:45
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Seminole crime and employment statistics
Length – 7:42
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Prayer at local government meetings
Length – 13:55
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New Year’s resolutions
Length – 6:44
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Click here for a roster of all Viewpoint Seminole panel members
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 feature calls upon the panel’s experience and insight. Listen as they offer their “viewpoint” on the politics, policy, people and consequences that affect those of us who embrace life in Seminole County.
Candid photographs of the panel taken during their discussion are presented below in an on-line photo album.
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.
Previous Viewpoint Seminole Podcasts
- Viewpoint Seminole #10 (11/14/13)
Issues: 1) Medical marijuana ballot proposal, 2) Seminole voters pick for a Democratic nominee for governor, 3) measuring public trust in local government, and 4) public access to the Geneva gun range.
Panel: Steve Barnes, Russ Hauck and Jeanne Morris - Viewpoint Seminole #9 (10/10/13)
Issues: 1) metro area’s low-wage job market, 2) soccer stadium funding, 3) downtown Sanford’s hotel dilemma, and 4) new charter schools.
Panel: Dr. Mike Abels, Dr. Michael Hoover and Randy Morris - Viewpoint Seminole #8 (09/12/13)
Issues: 1) Un-contested local elections, 2) a proposal for a 1-cent sales tax increase, and 3) the 100th anniversary of Seminole County Public Schools.
Panel: Dr. Mike Abels, Russ Hauck and Randy Morris - Viewpoint Seminole #7 (08/08/13)
Issues: 1) George Zimmerman trial verdict, 2) toll-lanes on Interstate-4, 3) new property & sales taxes, and 4) the Lake Jesup Nature Center.
Panel: Russ Hauck, Dr. Michael Hoover and Randy Morris. - Viewpoint Seminole #6 (07/11/13)
Issues: 1) Supreme Court’s decision on same sex marriage, 2) the battle over Immigration Reform in Congress, 3) and the real meaning of patriotism and love of country for citizens of Seminole County
Panel: Dr. Michael Abels, Steve Barnes and Saima Qureshi, M.D. - 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. Each panel 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.
