“As a recent graduate of the University of Florida and Santa Fe College (then called Santa Fe Community College), I know there is a desire to serve among our student population. One need only look at the number of student organizations dedicated to some form of service, whether to protecting the environment, helping the needy, working for social change, promoting quality and altruism in our future health care professionals and educators, etc. It seems foolish and shortsighted on our part not to promote greater cooperation with various student organizations and greater involvement by the student population in local affairs.

I would, in general, like to see a greater involvement by all, regardless of age or background, in local politics and community issues. It is shameful that in the last District 4 election, only 9.2% of registered voters in the District actually voted. People complain of an unresponsive government, but how can we—any politician—listen if no one speaks? How can I truly represent my District if only a minute group of people is voting and speaking out? I would rather lose the election because a well-informed majority of the people believes that one of my opponents can better serve this city than win the election due to a mixture of apathy of the majority and being ‘anointed’ by such a minute bloc of voters.”