Any information on Justice retention and Judicial / Soil & Water Candidates?

[rjr120]

Is there anywhere to go for information on the candidates beyond the brief statements on the sample ballot?  I like to make an informed decision whenever possible, however I cannot find much information about anyone listed on my ballot.

To be clear, I am not interested in opinions about if the position should exist or not, if they should be voted on, etc.  The fact is there is a choice to be made now.  Afterward a more general discussion can be held as to if there should be a decision in the first place.

I am looking for information about the people who are running so I can  make a decision.  I have spent a few hours surfing the web but have and no luck so far.  Any ideas?

[tufsu1]

Here's info. on retaining the Supreme Court justices

http://www2.tbo.com/news/opinion/2012/oct/27/naopino1-fight-effort-to-destroy-independent-judic-ar-545757/

[carpnter]

All three of the Supreme Court Justices voted for the recounts in the Florida Supreme Court ruling during the 2000 election. 

[PeeJayEss]

This on the merit retention issue from a co-workers lawyer spouse:

The Republican Party of Florida’s recommendation has been criticized by many lawyers across the state, Democrats and Republicans alike.

Merit retention was originally implemented to take politics out of the judiciary, and to ensure the independence of our three separate but equal branches of government.  Merit retention was not designed to serve as a way to vote an appellate judge out of office because of an unpopular opinion.

We appear before these judges and justices regularly.  The judges and justices on the merit retention ballot are well-qualified, and underwent a vigorous screening process before appointment. There has been no showing of any illegality, corruption, or unethical behavior; to the contrary, I know personally that these judges and justices are fair, impartial, honest, ethical, hard-working, and intelligent.  Also, The Florida Bar survey shows that lawyers across the state (again, Democrats and Republicans alike) overwhelmingly endorsed the judges and justices for retention. 

[TPC]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think that if the justices aren't retained Rick Scott appoints new ones.

[Bridges]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think that if the justices aren't retained Rick Scott appoints new ones.

That's a bingo.  If you like the idea of such a thing, then you should vote them out.  If you find such a thing a terrifying idea beyond all your wildest nightmares, then you should vote to retain them. 

[Dog Walker]

The League of Women Voters has put it most succinctly.  "No on all of the amendments and Yes on all retention."

[rjr120]

Sounds like I've made a decision on the merit retention for the justices.  Thanks for the pointers.  Any info on the judicial candidates or the soil and water candidates?

[PeeJayEss]

Sounds like I've made a decision on the merit retention for the justices.  Thanks for the pointers.  Any info on the judicial candidates or the soil and water candidates?

From what I've heard, you're probably pretty well off with either County Judge option. Haven't seen much negative about either. For soil and water conservation, there are a lot that talk about whether the district is necessary. That is a valid topic, but the election is about the candidates for the office, not whether the office should exist or not. Those elected to the position have no power over whether the district is abolished or not.

That said, my vote goes with those that are concerned with maintaining the water quality and recreational usability of the river in addition to commerce. I think Milton is far and away the best option for any of the Groups, and he's in Group 2. Martin in group 4 also appears to be a positive. Group 1 is a bit of a tough one. I find it hard to even consider someone that didn't submit a paragraph to be included on the ballot, so that drops Alexander from contention. Pantinakis it appears is much more concerned with promoting business than protecting/conserving the St Johns. That's all well and good, but its not the purpose of the district to promote business. Gooch appears to be concerned with the quality of the water, but he is like a zealot for stopping Fluoridation of the water. That may be a great idea, but water treatment is not really under the pervue of the District. That is kind of a toss up. I went with Gooch, because it appears he is at least concerned with the health of the river system, though he is a bit crazy.